How to Make Money Playing Video Games

1) Video Game Tester

One way to make money playing video games is by offering your services as a game tester.

It takes an analytical mind and acute attention to detail in order to become a successful game tester. Video game companies offer gamers regular work or they can hire one-time freelance testers for large projects, typically finishing within 6 months of the project's initiation. Once accepted into the program, individuals are given access to software that will let them try out new games before they're released publicly (usually in the form of an 'alpha' and 'beta').

Generally speaking, game tester can expect to work 40 hours or more per week for eight weeks at a time without a break. Normal work environment varies depending on the company and project, but many testers spend a majority of their time in front of a computer screen while testing out games according to guidelines.

Video game companies look for individuals that have an analytical mind, good communication skills and knowledge of video games or computers in general. In order to be successful you must have a good knowledge of computers, video games and related technology.

A successful game tester must keep accurate records of their work, offering details about what they've already tested and detailing any bugs or errors in the software code that may have been overlooked by other testers. Game testers also need excellent written communication skills to submit bug reports. It will also be necessary for you to have good interpersonal skills in order to work with both co-workers and clients.

Requirements for employment will vary depending on the video game company. Requirements typically include a high school diploma or equivalent, basic computer knowledge, ability to speak English fluently, understanding of how video games are played and an eye for detail. Some companies require a minimum age of 18, while others have no minimum requirement.

As a video game tester you can expect to earn between $9 and $15 an hour, although the average hourly wage is closer to $13 an hour. In some cases testers will receive benefits such as medical coverage, travel expenses and even bonuses if the project is successful.

2) Content Creator

Another great way to make money playing video games is by becoming a content creator.

You have the freedom to create a niche of content that is based on your own interests or experience. You can also use a variety of different strategies to generate revenue, such as donations (through platforms like Patreon or Donorbox), affiliate marketing, and sponsorships.

Content creators may choose to put up ads on their streams and videos to generate income on a per-view basis. However, depending on how large your audience is, the CPM (cost per 1,000 impressions) for advertising could be rather low. Affiliate marketing and sponsorships are both viable options for generating income - through them you receive commission from sales, services and subscriptions offered by other companies in return for you promoting them to your audience.

3) Professional e-Sports Gamer

E-Sports have grown significantly in the last few years and it is expected that its growth will continue over the next decade. The level of viewership that e-Sports now generates can bring in healthy sponsorship incomes for gamers that are able to achieve success at the pro level.

Becoming a professional e-Sports gamer is a difficult process. First, you need to have expert-level skills in a video game title. For example, if you're interested in becoming a professional League of Legends player, then you need to be an expert at playing that particular game. Once you have achieved mastery in a particular game, you will need to start branding yourself so that you can get noticed and potentially scouted by various e-Sports teams. There are many e-Sports teams and organizations which can provide you with sponsorship or partnership opportunities based on viewership numbers and skill level, so being able to market yourself properly is important.

Lastly, you can always become an e-Sports caster if you have expert commentary skills for games. Many tournaments are enhanced by the presence of casters who provide insight into how players are doing and what strategies may or may not be successful. If you are able to provide that type of commentary, then your ability to brand yourself may lead you to positions within e-Sports organizations, allowing for even more monetization opportunities.

Bonus: Use a Rewards Website

While this is not a career, this is definitely an easy way to earn a bit of money in the form of gift cards for playing video games. First find a rewards website such as LootX. Next, go on your mobile device and navigate to the 'Earn Points' tab. Click one of the offerwall companies, and look for offers that require you to download and play a game and reach a certain level to be rewarded 'Points'. Complete as many of these types of offers as you wish, and then exchange the 'Points' for various gift cards of your choosing.