Playing video games is a great way to take a break and escape from reality. It’s no wonder why the Gaming industry flourished tremendously in 2020. When quarantine and lockdowns were implemented, playing video games at home helped a lot of people stay sane throughout the whole ordeal.

Due to the diversity of genres, rules, and game plays, video games easily gave players something to look forward to. It also gives a semblance of achievement, satisfaction, and socialization—all while staying at home.

However, many people are not aware that gaming is not just a form of leisure and pastime. Did you know that you can also generate large sums of money by just playing games? And no, you don’t have to be a pro gamer to start earning from video games. You can already start earning even if you are a newbie. Here are five ways to get paid while playing tons of video games:

1. Play Money-Generating Apps

For newbie or casual gamers, this is the easiest way to earn money from playing games. While it may sound sketchy at first, technology and innovation have made it possible for anyone playing game apps to win real money Yes, you can simply download these applications, use them, and achieve rewards through different tasks which include:

• Playing and completing missions in mini-games

• Watch advertisements

• Complete surveys

• Play digital scratch-offs

• Earn cash back from in-store and online purchases

• Take quality photos and videos

• Join casino tournaments

These apps are perfect for both gamers and non-gamers who are looking for extra cash. Best of all, one does not even have to be on a PC to start earning from these games, being on a mobile smart phone is enough. So, instead of endlessly scrolling social media, you can open these apps and start earning during your idle time instead. Since this approach has a low difficulty level, cash rewards and points tend to be smaller, and you’ll have to accumulate a certain amount first before withdrawing.

2. Write Gaming Content

If you can write or create quality content, you can also sell your works to gaming and tech websites or write for them part-time or full-time. With brand new games emerging from left to right, you’ll never run out of content to write.

Writing gaming content is somehow similar to being a game tester, only that you’re writing about an existing game for a certain player base. Your topics could include game reviews, guides, tips, tricks, or walkthroughs.

If you are not keen on writing for a particular game, you can write news, updates, events, and issues that are happening in the gaming industry instead. This includes news about next-gen consoles, upcoming games to be released, newly released updates or patch for existing games, and reports about Esports events.

Aside from writing for gaming websites, you can start your own gaming blog where you can share your personal knowledge and experiences with other players. You can still earn from this method if you monetize your blog site.

3. Stream Your Game play Online

If you’re an exceptional player, streaming your game plays is the best way to generate income while playing. For many gaming pros, live streaming their game play is almost like a full-time day job. The best part really is, it is possible to earn up to six figures from just live streaming alone. This requires a higher gaming skill and is, therefore, more lucrative compared to the first two listed above.

To get started with game streaming, you should choose which platforms to focus on. The most popular online streaming channels today are YouTube Gaming, Twitch, Mixer, HitBox, Beam, and DLive. Some of these platforms have regular viewing payment systems that automatically pays you for every view, but you can also earn money through:

• Gathering donations and tips from fans

• Recurring payments and tips from third-party platforms

• Score deals and sponsorships from gaming-related tech brands

• Gain revenue from ads

• Generating cash from affiliate links

• Designing and selling your own merchandise

Aside from being a pro, you have to treat this approach as an investment. Since you’re making content to be watched by other people, it’ll be more advantageous to invest in gaming peripherals and recording equipment to make your streaming content more interesting and professional-looking.

4. Participate In Beta Testing

Another exciting way to get paid to play games is to become a beta tester. This way, you don’t just generate income while playing a game, you also get to be one of the first to experience it as well.

As a beta tester, you shouldn’t just play the game, but you have to be immersed in a way that you can detect bugs and glitches that developers might have missed during the developmental stages. This helps them fix any issues within the game before it is officially released to the public.

Being a game tester is a promising role that earns better than many jobs today. Video game testers earn an average of USD$53,030, up to more than USD$70,000 annually. There are also one-time and part-time game tester roles that pay USD$10 to USD$15 per hour.

Fortunately, there are no exact qualifications for becoming a video game tester, but having a tech-related educational background can give you an edge. This includes a degree in programming, knowledge in video graphics, game design, and more. Video game testers are also required to possess the following skills:

• Passion and enthusiasm for gaming
• Knowledge in general game play
• Technical knowledge about gaming terms and configurations
• Keen attention to detail
• Game troubleshooting skills
• Game review writing (preferably in English)
• Communication skills

5. Join Gaming Tournaments

Expert gamers who treat gaming more than a pastime can start a career as a professional eSports gamer. The eSports industry has skyrocketed in popularity for the past few years. Technically, eSports involve organized video gaming competitions and tournaments with a huge audience. Individuals participating in eSports are serious, expert players who spend a lot of time practicing and honing their gaming skills. Being able to lead or work with a team is an important requirement in eSports too.

On average, eSports players make USD$3,000 to USD$5,000 in gaming centers in China and the United States. Meanwhile, top players earn a whopping USD$15,000 in each competition exclusive of bonuses and other revenue sources.

Some eSports players may even receive free retirement plans and health insurance. Aside from winning prize money, eSports players and teams can also earn revenue through promotions, sponsorships, merchandise sales, and content creation.

Key Takeaways

Nowadays, playing games is not just a form of pastime, but it can be a profitable hobby as well. Depending on your commitment and skills in gaming, there are various ways for you to earn money—ranging from effortless app downloads and simple tasks to hardcore streaming, and eSports victories.

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