Most people play video games for fun, not profit. But those hours you spend leveling up could actually put a little money in your pocket.
These days, it’s not just the pro gamers or streamers cashing in. Everyday players can make money in this booming industry, too.
Whether you’ve got five minutes on your phone or several hours and a gaming console, this guide breaks down how to make money playing video games.
Key Takeaways
- You can make money playing video games through a range of options—from quick, casual apps to full-time gaming careers.
- KashKick offers the easiest way to start earning right now, paying players real cash through PayPal for completing gaming levels.
- Other ways to earn include testing new games, creating gaming content, designing or developing games, and participating in competitions.
How to Make Money Playing Video Games
From apps on your phone that pay cash to full-time roles in the industry, there are plenty of legit ways for gamers to make money from their favorite pastime.
1. Earn Money Playing Video Games on Kashkick
If you’re looking for a simple way to make money playing video games that you can start today, KashKick is the best place to start. KashKick pays users for completing online tasks, like answering surveys, trying new apps—and playing games.
Once you sign up for a free account, choose from 100+ games to play. You’ll find everything from trending games to the classics, like Solitaire and bingo.
You’ll earn money when you reach specific levels in the games. For example, in “RAID: Shadow Legends,” you can earn up to $800 if you complete all the levels within the allotted time.
Rewards are tracked automatically, and once you reach $10, you can cash out via PayPal—no complicated points systems or waiting on gift cards.
Not sure which game you want to start with? Explore KashKick’s game guides, or choose a game based on how you’re feeling!
Pros:
- Free to join; no investment or experience required
- Variety of ways to earn
- Low payout threshold ($10)
- Fast payouts via PayPal
- Available on Apple, Android and desktop
- Lucrative referral program
Cons:
- Only available in the U.S.
- Some offers are limited time
👾 Try it yourself. Sign up for free or download the app (iOS or Android).
2. Test New Video Games
Before a video game is officially released, developers hire testers to find bugs and provide feedback. Game testing can be a fun way to earn some extra money if you enjoy providing detailed feedback.
There are multiple game-testing platforms that hire playtesters with both in-person and remote opportunities. How much you earn will vary, and be aware that some sites pay in game-related rewards or vouchers, not cash.
Pros:
- Help improve games before release
- Get early access to games
Cons:
- Can be time-consuming or repetitive
- Pay varies widely
- Sometimes requires specialized skills
3. Create and Monetize Gaming Content
Streaming on Twitch or YouTube can turn gaming into a profitable pastime. Twitch, for example, has official partner and affiliate programs that allow players to earn through subscriptions, Bits, ads and more.
Earnings can vary widely. For streamers with five to 10 average viewers, one source estimated $50 to $200 in monthly earnings. With 100 average viewers, this could jump to $1,000 to $1,500.
Pros:
- Unlimited earning potential
- Build your personal brand or community
- Earn through multiple methods (ads, affiliate links, sponsors, etc.)
Cons:
- High competition
- Requires consistency and content creation skills
- Income can be unpredictable when starting out
4. Become a Video Game Developer
If you love the creative side of gaming, developing your own games could become a full-time career. Colleges and universities across the country have video game developer programs, but creation tools like Unity and Unreal Engine make developing video games more accessible than ever.
Indie developers can earn $0 to $1,000 per small project, whereas full-time developers can earn anywhere from $50,000 to $120,000 a year.
Pros:
- Turn creative passion into playable games
- Growing industry
Cons:
- Requires coding and design knowledge
- Can take months—or years—to see profit
- High competition
5. Get into Game Design
Game designers create a vision for video games, which includes the game’s concepts, rules and mechanics. (Developers then bring the idea to life.) Designing combines elements of art, psychology and storytelling.
To get into game design, it’s important to build a portfolio of your work. Internships and freelance gigs can provide practical, hands-on experience.
Game designers can work on freelance projects, which provide flexibility, or find full-time jobs, which pay an average of $149,118 per year.
Pros:
- Creative fulfillment
- Opportunities in studios or freelance projects
Cons:
- Competitive field
- Long hours
6. Participate in Video Gaming Competitions
Love some good competition? If you’ve got the skill, some esports tournaments and gaming competitions reward top players with big prize money.
Chances are, you can find various competitions in your area—or even organize your own through a site like Battlefy!
Pros:
- High earning potential for skilled players
- Opportunities to compete internationally
Cons:
- Extremely competitive
7. Offer Video Game Coaching
If you’re skilled in a specific game, you can coach other players to help them improve their play. Advertise your services locally or in Discord communities, or you can create a profile on a coaching or freelance platform like Fiverr.
Coaches can earn $10 to $50 or more an hour, depending on their experience and game.
Pros:
- Help others
- Work remotely
- Low startup costs
Cons:
- Time-intensive
- Requires building your reputation
- Requires strong communication and teaching skills
- Saturated market
8. Teach Gaming to Beginners
Similar to coaching, teaching gaming to beginners entails “tutoring” casual players or kids. You can teach through online platforms, YouTube tutorials, 1:1 sessions or local workshops.
Pros:
- Flexible work
- Rewarding
- Doesn’t require expert-level skills
Cons:
- May take time to find students
- Earnings vary on demand
9. Build and Monetize a Gaming Review Website
If you’re a strong writer and love reviewing video games, you could make money by starting a gaming blog or website where you post reviews, guides and industry news.
To get started, choose a niche, set up your website with a platform like WordPress or Squarespace, and create quality content. You can make money through display ads, affiliate links or sponsorships.
Pros:
- Turn writing skills into passive income
- Flexible work, from home
- Low startup and overhead costs
Cons:
10. Become a Professional Video Gamer
- Takes time to grow
- Requires specialized content strategy/monetization knowledge
- High competition
The best well-known—but rare—way to make money playing video games is to become a professional video gamer by joining esports teams, securing sponsorships and competing in tournaments.
Some professional gamers can earn as much as professional athletes!
Pros:
- High potential earnings
- Opportunities to travel
- Recognition and fan following
Cons:
- Only achievable for top-tier players
- Demanding training and competitive stress
11. Provide Voice-Over Services for Video Games
If you have a distinctive voice, you could make money through voice acting. There’s a demand for character voices, narration and cutscenes in video games.
Create a free profile on a platform like Voices to search for opportunities.
Pros:
- Flexible, remote work
- High earning potential
- Fun, creative work
Cons:
- Special equipment required
- Significant competition
- Training advised
12. Become a UGC Creator for Gaming Brands
Gaming companies are increasingly hiring creators to produce user-generated content (UGC). These are short social media videos that showcase their products organically.
To find opportunities, contact gaming brands or join influencer/UGC platforms.
Pros:
- Get paid per video or campaign
- Great for gamers who are comfortable on camera
Cons:
- Requires video editing skills
- High competition
How Much Money Can You Make Playing Video Games?
Your earnings will depend on the gig you choose. Professional players and streamers can make six—even seven—figures, but getting there requires significant time and skill.
If you want to make money playing games right now, KashKick is the easiest entry point. You don’t need followers, fancy equipment, extreme skills or to spend hours scouring job listings. All you need is some free time and your phone—you don’t even have to leave the house.
Make Money Playing Video Games Online
Whether you’re looking to save a little extra money or hit it big as a pro, there are tons of ways to make money playing video games.
👾 Start with KashKick for a fun, low-pressure way to earn.
FAQs on Making Money Playing Video Games
How to make money playing video games on your phone?
KashKick lets you earn directly from your phone by playing mobile games. Simply sign up, browse the available game offers and complete milestones to earn real cash, paid out through PayPal.
Which video game is best to earn money without investment?
Any of the games available through KashKick let you earn without investing a dime. Some are easier to complete with in-game purchases, but these are never required!
How to make money gaming without streaming?
If you’re not into being on camera or streaming your play, KashKick is an easy option. It rewards you just for playing games on your phone—no audience or technical setup needed.
Can you really make money playing games on your phone?
Yes. It might sound too good to be true, but gaming companies pay KashKick to feature their games. In turn, KashKick shares that money with its members. That’s why KashKick pays you! Members can earn anywhere from a few dollars to a few hundred, like one guy who made $500 in a year.