6 Ways to Turn Gaming into a Side Hustle
Credit: Kiesha Richardson
Playing video games is one of the leading hobbies for more than 3 billion people worldwide. More people are trying to turn gaming into a side hustle as they become jaded with toxic corporate work culture and high work output with low wages. Gone are the days when gaming was thought to be just for kids or for boys (though many misogynists still think this way). Gaming is not only for everyone but can be quite lucrative if you do it right.
With the video games industry market expected to hit $56.84 billion in the United States alone, it is definitely possible to turn gaming into a side hustle. In recent years, the gaming industry has experienced tremendous growth and opened new opportunities for people to make money through gaming.
Here are some ways you can turn gaming into a side hustle:
Gaming has come a long way since its inception and has become a lucrative industry that has gained immense popularity and attention from gamers and non-gamers alike. The gaming industry has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar market, and with the advent of online gaming, it has opened up new opportunities for gamers to turn their hobby into a side hustle. Here are six ways to turn gaming into a side hustle.
Live Streaming
Live streaming has become a popular way for gamers to earn money while playing their favorite games. Platforms like Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Facebook Gaming allow gamers to live stream their gameplay and interact with their audience in real-time. Gamers can earn money through subscriptions, donations, and sponsorships. Just don’t quit your day job immediately. Though popular streamers can earn thousands of dollars a month through their streams, it takes a lot of time, hard work, networking, and consistency to turn gaming into a lucrative side hustle or full-time job.
Game Coaching
Many gamers are willing to pay for coaching to improve their gaming skills. If you're good at a particular game, you can offer coaching services to other gamers. You can advertise your coaching services on social media platforms, gaming forums, and online marketplaces. You can even offer gaming classes on Skillshare. Game coaching can be a rewarding way to share your knowledge and passion for gaming while earning money.
Game Testing
Game developers need feedback on their games, and they often pay gamers to test their games and provide feedback. Game testers can earn anywhere from $10 to $20 an hour for their services. You can find game testing opportunities on online job boards, gaming forums, and game development companies.
Esports Competitions
Esports competitions have gained immense popularity in recent years, with professional gamers earning millions of dollars in prize money. If you're good at a particular game, you can participate in esports competitions and earn money through prize money, sponsorships, and endorsements. You can find esports competitions on online gaming forums, esports websites, and through game developers.
Credit: ELLA DON via Unsplash
Game Design and Development
Game design and development require technical skills, but it can be a lucrative way to turn your passion for gaming into a career. If you have the technical skills, you can work as a game developer or designer for game development companies. There are also game development and game design courses online to help you develop the skills to be a game developer or designer. Alternatively, you can work as a freelancer and offer your services on online marketplaces like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr.
Game Journalism and Content Creation
Game journalism and content creation can be a fun and rewarding way to turn gaming into a side hustle. You can start a gaming blog on Squarespace or vlog on YouTube and create content around gaming news, reviews, and gameplay. You can earn money through advertising, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. Game journalism and content creation require a lot of hard work and dedication, but it can be a fulfilling way to share your love for gaming with others, especially since there are more opportunities to work from anywhere in the world.
Turning gaming into a side hustle requires time, effort, and dedication. However, with the right skills and mindset, you can turn your passion for gaming into a lucrative career. The gaming industry is constantly evolving, and with new technologies and platforms emerging, there are endless opportunities for gamers to turn their hobby into a side hustle.
