How to Make Money Playing Video Games in 2025 (5 Legit Ways)

The way you make money from gaming works quite unconventionally, compared to other disciplines.

You don’t get a monthly paycheck just for playing your favorite games the entire month.

So how does it work then? What are the ways?

In this guide, we’ll explore how to make money playing video games in five of the most legitimate ways.

Let’s start with the big question…

Can You Get Paid to Play Video Games?

Yes, making money from video games isn’t any more a far-fetched thing it once used to be.

It’s a reality for many worldwide. But the amount they make varies a lot.

So, is gaming for money easy? Not exactly. But is it possible? Absolutely.

But before you jump in, let’s get one thing straight. Gaming for money isn’t as simple as just playing your favorite titles and waiting for cash to roll in. (Keep in mind that I am talking about professional video gaming here).

To make bigger gains you’d need dedicated effort and might even a bit of luck.

Professional gamers, for example, make serious money by competing in high-stakes tournaments.

If you’re highly skilled, this could be your ticket to big earnings.

But reaching that level isn’t for anyone.

However, the good news is that you don’t have to be an esports champion to make money gaming.

There are many other ways to get paid to play video games on a smaller scale.

How to Make Money Playing Video Games: 5 Proven Ways

Now let’s discover how to make money playing video games both for a living and as a side hustle.

1. Apps that Host Money Earning Games

If by how to get paid to play video games you mean just playing and earning, without any expertise, setup, or extra effort, this method is for you.

There are apps that host easy but fun money earning games. You simply download the game from there and start getting paid for tasks as simple as starting a game and reaching higher levels.

And you’ll only need a smartphone to play these games. The biggest advantage here is freedom. You decide when to start and when to stop.

These platforms typically have multiple cashout methods. You can get money directly in your bank account, through PayPal, or as gift cards to top retailers like Amazon.

Take Scrambly.io, for example. It hosts over a hundred video games, each with a unique maximum earning potential. You have got various gaming categories, including:

• Word & Puzzles
• Slots & Casino
• Action & RPG
• Strategy
• Casual
• Simulation

Here’s an example of paid milestones in a Scrambly game, Warpath: Ace Shooter:

Here’s a pros and cons table of making money playing video games using this method.

2. Get Paid To Play Video Games While Streaming Your Gameplay

If you’re already into gaming, you must know about famous streamers like Shroud, PewDiePie, or Mr Beast.

They all have huge audiences and make serious money. Just look at this chart.

These gamers didn’t start as millionaires. They built their success by playing video games and broadcasting them to the world.

This method takes time to build an audience on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, but you can do that, just like these gamers.

And once you do, the income potential is huge.

You don’t even need to be a top-tier player. Sometimes, just being entertaining or talkative is enough.

But where is the money-making part of this? Streamers make money through:

• Ad revenue: Streaming platforms pay streamers a share of the ad money.
• Subscriptions: Fans can subscribe for a monthly fee to watch exclusive videos.
• Donations and tips: Viewers can tip their favorite streamers during the stream for appreciation. Streaming platforms have this feature built-in.
• Merch sales: Streamers can create and sell their own branded merchandise, like hoodies, mugs, or stickers.
• Sponsorships: If you’ve ever seen a streamer suddenly using a new gaming headset or other accessories, chances are they’re being paid for it by gaming brands.

Here’s a pros and cons table of streaming your gameplay for earning.

3. Win Gaming Competitions

If you’re highly skilled and love a challenge, gaming tournaments might be the go-to method to earn money playing games.

Esports competitions offer some of the largest prize pools in the gaming industry. However, you need to be among the best.

Games like League of Legends, Fortnite, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Dota 2 host global tournaments with millions in prize money.

Some tournaments are team-based, while others, like Tekken and FIFA, allow solo winners.

But keep in mind that, making money this way requires you to be a professional player and end up in top positions.

So be ready to spend hours every day practicing and analyzing your opponents if you choose this path.

But, what’s the potential reward?

Take the TEKKEN WORLD TOUR, for example. Its champion walked away with a whopping $100,000 last year. And that’s just one game.

Major events like The International (Dota 2) have prize pools reaching tens of millions.

Here are the pros and cons of gaming competitions.

4. Make Video Game Guides on YouTube and Other Platforms

Not everyone is cut out to be a professional gamer and dominate the global esports tournaments.

So how to make money playing video games if that’s the case for you? Create gaming guides in video form.

Yes, creating gaming guides, walkthroughs, and tutorials can attract millions of viewers on platforms like YouTube.

Many successful creators, such as Raptor, started by simply sharing their knowledge and love for games.

If you’re good at breaking down game mechanics, this could be a great way to make money from gaming.

Unlike esports, here, you don’t have to be the best player in the world.

If you can make the game easier for others or just keep them entertained, you have a shot at success.

Here are some content ideas:

• Walkthroughs: Step-by-step instructions on completing levels or quests.
• Tutorials: Explaining game mechanics, weapons, or character builds.
• Tips and Tricks: Advanced strategies to give players an edge.
• Expansion Guides: Covering new updates, DLCs, and game expansions.

Here are the pros and cons of making video game guides on platforms like YouTube or Twitch.

5. Trade In-game Items

Another overlooked way to make money gaming is through trading in-game assets for real money.

This method is less about how to make money gaming and more about trading in-game items like weapons skins, player skins, car skins, and more.

Games like CS:GO, Dota 2, and Rust have rare skins and collectibles that players are willing to pay for.

You can either win these items through gameplay or buy them when they’re affordable, then sell them once their value skyrockets.

For example, the Case Hardened Karambit (Factory New) pattern 387 in CS:GO has been valued at over $1.5 million—yes, for a virtual item!

That’s just one example. You should see the never-ending list of items on the Steam Community Market for several games.

Aside from Steam, you’ve got platforms like Skinport, Skin.land, and Skinbaron for trading game skins and items.

However, always check the game’s terms of service because some developers restrict real-money trading.

Here are the pros and cons of trading in-game items.

FAQs

How To Make Money Playing Video Games?

You can make money playing video games through:

• Streaming
• Esports tournaments
• Trading in-game items
• Creating gaming content
• Using get-paid-to-play apps

Using get-paid-to-play apps is the easiest and quickest way out of them to make some cash on the side.

What Video Games Give You Real Money?

All video games hosted on Scrambly.io give you real money when you complete the easy milestones. The money can be withdrawn either as cash or gift cards.

Can You Make Money Streaming Playing Video Games?

Yes, gamers can earn money through ad revenue, channel subscriptions, donations, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing on platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Gaming.

Make Money from Gaming on Scrambly

We’ve explored how to make money playing video games for both starters and pro gamers.

But if you’re on this blog, chances are high that you’re a starter and looking for a side hustle through gaming.

So if you can’t pursue gaming for a living, I’d recommend going for the first method on the list.

Apps that host money-earning games, properly called get-paid-to platforms, are for everyone.

You don’t need to be a professional gamer or have other skills. Just your smartphone and some time.

So try Scrambly today and make some easy money solely from gaming.