9 Ways Gamers Can Make Extra Cash

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If your parents ever told you that playing video games is a waste of time, the joke might be on them. Many video game lovers have turned their passion into profits and anyone can follow suit. While making extra cash on video games is a lot more work than you might initially imagine, here are the top ways to do so.

1. Livestream your game play

You can invite fellow video game fans to watch you play during livestreaming with Twitch. While you can upload prerecorded videos of yourself playing, most of Twitch's viewers are there for the livestreaming.

How do you make money on Twitch? There are a few different ways. You can make money through ad views, similar to how individuals make money on YouTube. You can also include Amazon affiliate links for the game you are playing. Twitch streamers with large followings also get paid to do sponsorships, sell their own merchandise, and collect donations from fans.

2. Post YouTube videos

YouTube is notorious for making expert gamers into millionaires. Popular gamers Daniel Middleton, age 26, earned $16.5 million in 2017, and Evan Fong, age 25, earned $15.5 million — all through posting videos of themselves gaming. What earns the top gaming channels big money is expert game-playing skills paired with a winning personality and great video editing.

YouTube is overflowing with gamers, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for new content. Find your "in" by finding a unique slant for your channel. Even though 300 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube every minute, 5 billion videos are being watched every day. Therefore, individuals wanting to start a new YouTube career will have to work hard to build up their views and subscribers, but ultimately, more and more people are looking to YouTube as their source of entertainment and consuming more video content daily. (See also: How to Make Money by Creating YouTube Videos)

3. Beta test games

Game testers play new games and give their honest feedback. While game testing sounds like a fun experience, keep in mind you won't be playing your top choice games — and instead of enjoying the gaming experience, you are essentially hired to hunt down glitches. Apply for game beta testing positions at PlaytestCloud and VMC Global Beta Test Network.

4. Sell in-game items

Popular games like Counter-Strike, Dota 2, and World of Warcraft have allowed players to profit on collected in-game items, such as weapons and skins. Marketplaces like Steam and Gameflip make it easy to list popular game items. Recently, a scorching talon from Dota 2 sold for just over $53 on Gameflip, and certain Counter-Strike weapons sell for over $1,500 on Steam.

5. Write walk-throughs and guides

With so many free game walk-throughs available, it can be hard to stand out. However, creating guides on games that are not as mainstream can help you make a name for yourself. Look at Twitch's directory to get ideas on what content to create. For example, Fortnite has almost 20 million followers and guides are easy to find online. But games lower on the list have much fewer followers, and guides may be harder to come across. Creating one and selling it on Amazon could prove profitable.

6. Compete in tournaments

The best gamers eventually find themselves playing in tournaments. There are tournaments for several popular games and the prize money is substantial. For example, prize pools for the Call of Duty World League have awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars to competitors.

7. Apply to be gaming support

What's a gamer to do when they run into a problem during game play? Contact customer support. Companies like Sutherland Global and VMC hire gaming support agents. Some of these positions are fully remote.

8. Become a gaming coach

Gamer Sensei connects pro-gamers with players who need one-on-one coaching. Individuals sign up for coaching to improve their game-play strategy, usually in the hopes of performing better in a tournament. Some coaches charge as much as $187.50 per hour.

9. Create gamer crafts

Being a gamer gives you the inside information of what other video game fans want and love. Pair that with crafting skills, and you can create profitable video game paraphernalia. Etsy seller ForeignRealms has created a map of Zelda's Hyrule burned on leather, while seller PropsCom offers Fallout-inspired objects, like a mini nuke bomb storage box. (See also: The 5 Best Sites to Sell Your Arts and Crafts)

While making money off video games sounds like the easy life, it can be quite the opposite. To build up a fan base, create content, or make products that gamers love, it takes time and effort. Gaming won't make you a success overnight, but if you have a strong passion for video games, there are creative ways for you to turn your controller skills into a nice side gig. (See also: How to Make Money as a Superfan)

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