If you’ve ever stared at your phone, mid-grind on a game, and thought, “If only this actually paid me,” you’re in the right place.
This isn’t about quitting your job to become a pro gamer by next Tuesday. It’s about something more realistic, and honestly more interesting.
It’s turning something you already love (playing games) into a small but meaningful income stream that fits around your life.
Think: gas money, bill-offsetting money, guilt-free Starbucks money… earned while you’re doing something you’d probably be doing anyway.
What “Making Money Playing Games” Really Looks Like
Let’s set expectations before diving into apps and platforms.
You are not going to:
- Replace a full-time salary doing only casual gaming apps.
- Get rich tapping bubbles for 10 minutes a day.
You can:
- Earn small but consistent payouts (PayPal, gift cards, cash-back).
- Stack a few different methods so the total is actually noticeable.
- Use this as a stepping stone into bigger online income opportunities if you want.
Think of it like this – instead of just playing, you’re gently steering your hobby in a more intentional direction.
6 Real Ways to Make Money from Playing Games
Here are real ways to earn from your passion for playing video games. Each one works differently so you can choose the option that best fits your skills, time, and goals.
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1. PlaytestCloud – Get Paid to Test Games, Not Just Play Them
Let’s start with one of the more interesting options: PlaytestCloud.
This is for you if you’ve ever yelled at your screen, “Who designed this level?!” and actually had thoughts on how to fix it.
What It Is
PlaytestCloud connects regular gamers with game studios that need real feedback on new or in-development titles.
You sign up, tell them what you like to play, and occasionally get invited to test games.
What You Actually Do
- Play a test version of a game on your device.
- Talk through what you’re thinking while you play (what confuses you, what you like, what annoys you).
- Answer a short survey at the end.
It’s less “mindless grinding” and more “paid opinion with controller/phone in hand.”
Why It’s Worth It
- You’re paid a flat amount per test, so your time is respected.
- You’re literally helping shape games before they launch.
- It feels more like a mini freelance gig than just a points app.
If you’re thoughtful, opinionated about game design, and don’t mind talking out loud while you play, this one can feel surprisingly satisfying.
2. Swagbucks – The “Swiss Army knife” of Online Earning
Swagbucks has been around forever for a reason. It’s one of those “do a bit of everything” platforms.
This is ideal if you want your gaming side hustle to be part of a bigger “optimize my free time” strategy.
How It Works
Earn points (usually called SB) for:
- Answering surveys.
- Playing promoted games or installing apps.
- Shopping through their links.
- Watching videos or even searching the web.
You can redeem your SB points for PayPal money or gift cards once you hit a low minimum. Read my full Swagbucks review.
Why Gamers Like It
- The game-related offers often pay more than just passively playing a random reward app.
- When you run out of good gaming offers, you can quickly switch to surveys or shopping offers without leaving the platform.
Swagbucks is like the “hub” you keep in your back pocket—reliable, flexible, and always something to do when you feel like earning instead of doom-scrolling.
3. Fetch – A Cozy, Low-Pressure Way to Earn from Games
If Swagbucks is your “do-everything” earning hub, Fetch is like its laid-back cousin that quietly stacks points in the background while you live your life.
And yes, this version of Fetch is similar to Swagbucks in that it lets you earn points not just from receipts, but also from downloading and playing mobile games, plus other simple offers.
How Fetch works
You create an account and earn points by:
- Downloading and trying out featured mobile games.
- Completing in-game tasks or reaching certain levels.
- Occasionally doing other small offers like trying apps or services.
Your points add up and can be redeemed for popular gift cards, which makes the whole thing feel more like a casual bonus than a grind.
Who Fetch is Best For
Use Fetch as a gentle layer on top of everything else you’re doing. It won’t feel like work, but over time, the points you earn from those “just one more level” sessions can turn into real, tangible rewards.
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4. “Play and Earn” Gaming Apps – Small Money, Big Potential if You Stack Them
There are also apps that pay you to download and play mobile games. Think Mistplay, Cash Giraffe, Money Well, Rewarded Play, and others in that family.
Used well, they’re the “always there” drip of extra money.
How they typically work
- You see a list of game offers.
- You install a game through the app’s link.
- You earn coins/points by: (1) Playing for a certain number of minutes, (2) Reaching levels or milestones.
- You redeem those coins for PayPal or gift cards once you hit the minimum.
The Honest Reality
- Earnings start decent, then usually drop as you exhaust the highest-paying offers.
- No single app will pay a lot on its own.
- The real trick is rotation: (1) Use one app heavily until the offers slow down. (2) Switch to another with fresh games. (3) Repeat.
If you’re the type who’s always downloading new games anyway, these apps are basically a way to get rewarded for your curiosity.
5. Competitive Cash Games – Fun, but Treat Them Like Entertainment
Then there’s the “I’m actually kind of cracked at this game” section: competitive cash apps like Solitaire Cash, Solitaire Cube, Bingo Cash, Blackout Bingo, and 21 Blitz.
They can pay more per session—but there’s risk.
How They Work
- You deposit money and pay entry fees to join skill-based matches.
- Everyone gets the same layout or conditions.
- Top players win a share of the prize pool.
The Mindset You Need
This is not a guaranteed income stream; it’s more like:
- “I’m already playing Solitaire. I’ll put a few bucks into a game for the thrill and possible upside.”
- Only use money you’re genuinely comfortable losing.
- Track your net results over time, not just the big wins.
If you’re naturally competitive and you enjoy a little adrenaline, these games can be exciting. Just don’t dress it up as a “budget strategy” if it’s really your fun money.
6. Become a Gaming Content Creator
If you’ve ever caught yourself narrating your gameplay in your head or explaining strategies to friends, becoming a gaming content creator is your natural next step.
This is where your love for games stops being “just a hobby” and starts becoming an asset that can grow over time.
What This Actually Looks Like
You pick a lane:
- Deep-dive guides and tutorials.
- Funny clips, fails, or meme-style edits.
- Honest reviews, “is it worth your time?” breakdowns, or challenge runs.
You share that content on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or Twitch, even if you’re starting with simple phone recordings and basic edits.
How You Eventually Make Money
At first, your “pay” is attention—views, comments, and a tiny community that gets your sense of humor and playstyle.
As you grow, income can come from:
- Ad revenue on your videos or streams.
- Sponsorships and brand deals (especially for specific games or gaming gear).
- Affiliate links to products you genuinely use.
- Donations, memberships, or subs from people who want to support you.
Why This Path is Different from Apps
- Gaming apps pay you for your time; content creation eventually pays you for your impact—the value and entertainment you provide to others.
- A single good video or series can keep earning for months or years, even while you sleep, which is something no “tap to earn” game can really match.
Who This is Perfect For
- You love talking about games almost as much as playing them.
- You’ve got opinions, a bit of personality, and you’re willing to be bad on camera or mic at first so you can get better over time.
- You’re okay with the long game: the first few weeks or months might be crickets—but if you stick with it, this is one of the few gaming money paths that can genuinely scale.
Becoming a gaming content creator is less about having the “perfect setup” and more about showing up as yourself, consistently, for the people who play the way you play and think the way you think.
Suggested Read: How to Make Money in One Hour
Final Thoughts on Ways to Make Money Playing Games
Making money playing video games will not replace a full time job but it can turn a fun hobby into a helpful source of extra cash.
By combining a few methods such as reward apps game testing and content creation you make your gaming time more intentional.
You stay in control because gaming remains enjoyable and your expectations stay realistic.
Next, you may be interested in reading about how to make money posting on Facebook.
- What “Making Money Playing Games” Really Looks Like
- 6 Real Ways to Make Money from Playing Games
- 1. PlaytestCloud – Get Paid to Test Games, Not Just Play Them
- 2. Swagbucks – The “Swiss Army knife” of Online Earning
- 3. Fetch – A Cozy, Low-Pressure Way to Earn from Games
- 4. “Play and Earn” Gaming Apps – Small Money, Big Potential if You Stack Them
- 5. Competitive Cash Games – Fun, but Treat Them Like Entertainment
- 6. Become a Gaming Content Creator
- Final Thoughts on Ways to Make Money Playing Games
