Most gamers in the UK spend hours immersed in their favourite games, enjoying the thrill of competition or the satisfaction of unlocking new achievements. But what if you could actually get paid to play games? For many, this might sound too good to be true, but it’s entirely possible to make money while gaming if you know where to start. Whether you’re a casual gamer or someone with serious skills, there are several ways to turn your hobby into real income.
This guide will break down various methods, from streaming and game testing to professional eSports and apps that reward gameplay. By the end, you’ll have the tools and confidence to start earning money doing what you love.
Why Get Paid for Playing Games?
Gaming is no longer just a pastime; it’s a billion-pound industry. Companies are constantly looking for ways to improve games, attract audiences, and engage customers, and players like you can benefit. Some people even turn playing games into full-time careers. While not everyone will become the next gaming millionaire, even earning a bit of extra cash while enjoying your favourite games can feel like a win.
Here are some key ways to get paid to play games—and how you can get started today.
1. Stream Your Gameplay Online
Streaming is one of the most popular ways to get paid for gaming. Platforms like Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Facebook Gaming allow you to broadcast your live gameplay to audiences around the world. This not only makes gaming more social and interactive but also opens up several earning opportunities.
How Does Streaming Generate Income?
Streamers typically earn money in a few ways:
- Subscriptions – Platforms like Twitch allow viewers to subscribe to their favourite streamers, often for a monthly fee. You receive a portion of this payment.
- Ads – If your channel grows in popularity, you may earn revenue from ads shown during your streams.
- Donations – Many viewers enjoy supporting their favourite streamers directly by donating money. Payment platforms like PayPal make this easy.
- Sponsorships – Companies often pay top streamers to promote their products or games.
Steps for Starting as a Streamer
- Choose a Platform – Twitch is the most well-known, but YouTube Gaming and Facebook Gaming are also great options.
- Set Up Your Equipment – You’ll need a good mic, webcam, and possibly a capture card to stream at a high quality.
- Play Popular and Niche Games – Find a balance between games everyone loves (so you attract more viewers) and lesser-known gems where the competition for viewers might be lower.
- Engage with Your Audience – Talk to your viewers in chat. Building a loyal community is key to long-term success.
- Promote Your Channel – Share your stream on social media and gaming forums to help it grow.
Example
UK-based streamer Ali “Sypher” showcases how relatable and chilled UK gamers make excellent streamers. By focusing on fun, conversational content, he’s managed to grow an audience while earning through subscriptions and sponsors.
2. Become a Game Tester
If you’re interested in getting paid to play games before they’re even released, consider game testing. Game developers rely on testers to spot bugs, provide feedback about gameplay, and help refine their product before it hits the market.
What Do Game Testers Do?
Game testers play through different levels, explore multiple scenarios, and attempt unconventional actions to identify issues in a game. They also provide insights into how enjoyable, challenging, or user-friendly a game is.
While this sounds like a dream job for gamers, it’s a bit more technical than just playing for fun. Your feedback needs to be detailed, and you may need to fill out reports or participate in meetings with developers.
How to Get Started
- Look for Opportunities – Sites like PlaytestCloud and BetaTesting offer paid opportunities to try new games.
- Brush Up on Writing Skills – Developers value clear feedback. Being able to explain what you did, what went wrong, and how it affected the game will increase your value as a tester.
- Sign Up with Game Companies – Major UK-based studios like Rockstar North and Codemasters sometimes advertise testing positions on their websites.
Earnings
Although pay varies, you could earn between £10 and £20 per hour as a freelance game tester. For more experienced testers working full-time, salaries can climb to £20,000–£25,000 annually.
3. Join eSports Tournaments
Are you exceptionally skilled at a particular game? Competitive gaming, or eSports, may be the perfect way to earn money through your passion. International tournaments often offer huge prize funds, but even smaller competitions in the UK can provide a decent payout—and plenty of bragging rights.
Popular Games for eSports
- Fortnite – Known for its multi-million-pound prize pools at global events.
- Call of Duty – A top favourite for UK-based competitive gamers.
- League of Legends – A massive game in the eSports community.
Starting Out
If you’re new to eSports, look for local or online tournaments to enter. Sites like Challonge and Battlefy post upcoming events, some with beginner-friendly divisions. Practice extensively and focus on building a team (for multiplayer games) that communicates well.
Even if you don’t reach the top global level, UK-based tournaments and leagues often hand out smaller cash prizes and freebies.
4. Use Apps to Earn While Gaming
Several apps pay users for playing mobile or PC games. While these won’t make you rich, they can provide a steady income while you have fun.
Popular Apps That Pay Gamers
- Lucktastic – Play scratch-card games to earn cash and prizes.
- Mistplay – Earn points by playing mobile games which can be redeemed for gift cards or cash.
- HQ Trivia – Compete in live quiz shows and win real money.
Tips for Maximising App Earnings
- Look out for promotions or bonus offers that some apps provide for new players.
- Stick to the games offering the best payout per minute of play.
- Make sure to check payment methods before spending time on an app to ensure you’ll actually receive your earnings.
5. Participate in Play-to-Earn (P2E) Games
The rise of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology has led to a growing trend in play-to-earn (P2E) games. These games reward players with digital assets, such as cryptocurrency or NFTs (non-fungible tokens), which can be traded or sold for real money.
Examples of P2E Games
- Axie Infinity – Players breed and battle cute creatures called Axies and earn crypto rewards.
- Gods Unchained – A free-to-play card game where you can win and trade NFTs.
While this route can be profitable, it’s worth noting that cryptocurrencies fluctuate in value, and P2E games often require an initial investment. Be cautious and do your research before starting.
6. Monetise Gaming Content
If you love gaming and content creation, consider making money by creating tutorials, reviews, or funny videos. YouTube can pay creators through ad revenue, particularly if you amass a large following.
Ideas for Gaming Content
- Game walkthroughs and guides.
- Humorous highlights and fails.
- Reviews of newly released games.
How to Succeed
Consistency is key in content creation. Upload regularly, engage with your audience, and take time to promote your content on social platforms like Twitter and Reddit.
Quick Tips for Success
- Invest in Your Skills – Whether it’s improving your gaming ability or learning video editing for content creation, better skills often lead to better opportunities.
- Manage Time Wisely – Balancing gaming with other commitments is essential, particularly if you’re turning it into a part-time or full-time job.
- Avoid Scams – Be wary of platforms or individuals asking for an upfront payment in exchange for “opportunities” to get paid for gaming.
Final Thoughts
The idea of getting paid to play games may seem like a dream, but it’s becoming a reality for countless gamers in the UK. Whether you’re earning pocket money through apps or aiming for big bucks via streaming or eSports, there’s a method out there to suit almost every type of gamer.
Start small, stay consistent, and keep exploring opportunities. With time and effort, your gaming sessions could turn into a rewarding side hustle—or even a full-fledged career. Now, grab that controller or keyboard, and turn your passion for gaming into a payday!