If you are an avid gamer, you are probably used to hearing your parent or significant other telling you to stop playing video games so you can do something productive. Well, now you have the ultimate response.
It turns out there are quite a few ways you can make money playing video games. So, when they ask you to stop playing, tell them you are working on building a career.
Oh, and if you’re wondering exactly how you can make money playing video games, read on to find out.
Become A Beta Tester
All video games need to be tested before they are released. Beta testers are hired to find glitches and other problems that may exist in games so they can be fixed before they hit the market. Apply for a job as a tester to play new video games and be the first to find out the inside scoop. Try searching job boards like Indeed.com, Glassdoor.com, Craigslist Jobs, or LinkedIn to seek out opportunities.
Compete In Tournaments
If you look around, you will find that there are many video game tournaments that take place on a regular basis. The prizes for these tournaments can be quite generous and you can make a lot of money if you compete on an ongoing basis. Some cash prizes can run as high as $10 million.
Become A Video Game Reviewer
There are a few ways you can make money as a video game reviewer. You can start a blog and make money off selling ad space or affiliate marketing but starting a YouTube channel will be even more lucrative.
As a video game review vlogger, there are many possibilities when it comes to making money. Once you get enough of a following, you can start bringing in income by displaying ads on your channel.
You can also make money on an affiliate basis by selling video games and other gamer related products on your channel. If you recommend a product and a viewer ends up buying the product, you can get a percentage of each sale.
Other income can be made if you become popular enough to start selling subscription services and memberships to your vlog.
Stream On Twitch
Twitch is a platform that allows viewers to watch other people play their favorite games. If you stream on Twitch and get your subscriber count up, you will start earning money from displaying ads and selling subscriptions to your channel. You might also get sponsor-ships from gaming companies which can bring in substantial income.
Become A Video Game Developer
If you are passionate about video games, have a creative mind and are familiar with the technology involved, you may want to pursue a career as a video game developer. This is a high paying job, but it can be quite stressful and most major game companies require that developers work long hours including nights, holidays and weekends.
A less stressful alternative is to work as a solo developer. These are independent game developers who make money through game sales and in game purchases. If your game is successful enough, it may be purchased by a major company so that it brings in considerable income.
Join An Esports Team
Esports is a video game sports competition. If you get extremely good at a game that is popular in esports, you may end up getting signed to an esports team. Esports players can make anywhere from $1000 to $5000 a month (or more in some rare cases.)
You can also make money through esports by hosting esports events, coaching online players, streaming and commenting on esports matches, acting as a referee and more.
Work As A Video Game Journalist
If you love video games and you are good at writing, you can get a job as a video game journalist. This is not typically a high paying job, but it is a lot of fun and the salary will increase as you become more experienced.
Work In Customer Service For A Video Game Company
Sure, a customer service rep may end up hearing a lot of complaints, but if you work for a video game company, one of the highlights could be delivering support via an in-game chat function.
In order to work as a customer service rep, you will need to have communication skills as well as good technical background in the gaming field. Pay typically runs from $13-20 an hour.
Video gaming is an enjoyable form of recreation for many people. Knowing it can also bring in some additional income is an added bonus. How will you be honing your gaming skills so that you can bring in some extra money?
