Turning Playtime into Paychecks
Imagine making money while playing your favorite games, from classic board games to the latest video games. For many, gaming is a pastime, a way to unwind. But for some, it’s a real career path that pays the bills. Whether you’re a master of strategy in tabletop games, a digital warrior in online arenas, or a critic who loves analyzing game mechanics, there are ways to turn your passion for games into a full-time income.
Let’s explore some career options for gamers and game enthusiasts—roles where “playing games” isn’t just a hobby but the job itself.
1. Professional Gamer: Competing for Cash and Glory
Professional gaming, or esports, has exploded over the last decade, turning competitive video gamers into full-fledged athletes. Pro gamers compete in tournaments, representing teams in games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Fortnite. These players undergo intense training and strategy sessions, working with coaches and nutritionists to stay in top form for competition.
In addition to tournament winnings, pro gamers often make money from sponsorships, streaming, and content creation.
What You’ll Need: Exceptional gaming skills, dedication to practice, and strong teamwork skills. Many pro gamers train for hours each day, honing reflexes and developing winning strategies.
The Payoff: Top esports players can make six or even seven figures per year from winnings, sponsorships, and streaming revenue, while newer players might earn $20,000 to $50,000.
Fun Fact: The 2019 Fortnite World Cup winner, a 16-year-old gamer, took home a $3 million prize—showing just how lucrative professional gaming can be.
2. Board Game Designer: Bringing Games to Life
If you’re the type who’s constantly coming up with game ideas or thinking of ways to tweak existing games, board game design could be your calling. Board game designers create new games, from the initial concept to the rules, mechanics, and prototypes. They work to ensure each game is engaging, balanced, and fun for players.
Designers often work independently, pitching their games to publishers, or even launching them on crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter. While it can be a challenging industry, successful games can bring in royalties and a lasting reputation.
What You’ll Need: Creativity, a solid understanding of game mechanics, and the patience to test and refine prototypes. Knowledge of the board game industry helps, too.
The Payoff: Successful board game designers can make royalties or licensing fees, which can range from $5,000 to $100,000 per year depending on the game’s popularity and distribution.
Behind-the-Scenes Insight: The designer of the popular board game Catan spent years perfecting the game’s balance to ensure every strategy had a chance to win—a reminder of the precision needed in board game design.
3. Game Reviewer: Playing and Critiquing Games for a Living
Game reviewers play new releases—whether they’re video games, board games, or card games—and share their opinions and insights with an audience. Reviewers often work for media outlets, websites, or as independent bloggers or YouTubers. They analyze everything from gameplay mechanics to storylines and visuals, helping readers or viewers decide whether a game is worth their time and money.
For those who love diving deep into what makes a game tick and have a knack for writing or video editing, game reviewing can be a rewarding and flexible career.
What You’ll Need: Strong writing or video production skills, a discerning eye for quality, and a commitment to meeting deadlines. Building an audience is crucial, especially for independent reviewers.
The Payoff: Game reviewers can earn $25,000 to $60,000 annually if working for a media company, while successful independent reviewers may earn even more through ad revenue, sponsorships, and Patreon.
Real-Life Perk: Many reviewers get free copies of new games from publishers, allowing them to test and review games as soon as they’re released.
4. Twitch Streamer or YouTuber: Building a Gaming Audience
Streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube have opened doors for gamers to broadcast their gameplay live to audiences around the world. Streamers build fan bases by playing popular games, interacting with viewers, and showcasing their personality and gaming skills. Successful streamers often earn through ad revenue, subscriptions, donations, and sponsorships.
Streaming is especially popular for video games, but board game and card game streamers are also gaining traction, creating “let’s play” content and engaging with communities of like-minded fans.
What You’ll Need: A strong internet connection, engaging personality, and knowledge of streaming software like OBS. Building a loyal audience takes time, consistency, and effort.
The Payoff: Popular streamers can make anywhere from $30,000 to over $500,000 annually, depending on their viewership and revenue sources.
Success Story: Tyler “Ninja” Blevins, one of the most famous streamers, made millions of dollars streaming Fortnite, showing how lucrative this career path can be.
5. Game Developer: Crafting Digital Worlds
Game developers are the people behind the scenes creating the games we love. From programming to designing characters and environments, game developers turn ideas into playable realities. While this is a more technical role, it offers the chance to work creatively in the gaming industry and be a part of something millions will enjoy.
Some developers work for large game studios, while others create indie games, which often give them more creative freedom and the potential to profit directly from game sales.
What You’ll Need: Coding skills (languages like C++, JavaScript, or Python), experience with game engines (like Unity or Unreal), and an understanding of game design principles.
The Payoff: Game developers earn between $50,000 and $120,000 per year, with indie game creators potentially earning more through game sales if their projects gain traction.
Insider Insight: The indie game Stardew Valley, developed by a single person, became a global success, showing that even solo developers can make a significant impact.
6. Professional Card Player: Making a Living at the Table
For fans of card games, especially those who excel in strategy games like poker, becoming a professional card player is a real option. Pro card players compete in tournaments and high-stakes games, with the potential to win substantial prizes. Poker is the most popular choice, but other games, like Magic: The Gathering, also have competitive scenes with professional players.
Professional card playing requires deep knowledge of game rules, strategies, and psychology. While it’s a high-risk career, skilled players can make impressive earnings.
What You’ll Need: A mastery of your chosen game, strong analytical skills, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
The Payoff: Professional card players can make anywhere from $50,000 to millions, depending on tournament success and sponsorship deals.
High-Stakes Moment: Some professional poker players earn millions in a single game, though the risks are equally high.
7. Game Tester: Playing to Perfect a Game
Game testers work with game developers to identify bugs, test gameplay mechanics, and make sure a game is enjoyable and error-free before it reaches the public. While game testing isn’t just “playing games,” it does involve exploring different levels, scenarios, and characters to ensure every aspect of a game is polished.
It’s a role that requires patience, attention to detail, and sometimes a tolerance for repetitive tasks, but it’s an entry point into the game industry that’s accessible for many.
What You’ll Need: Strong problem-solving skills, patience, and a love for gaming. An eye for detail and experience with various game genres are also helpful.
The Payoff: Game testers typically make $20,000 to $50,000 annually, with potential for growth within game development companies.
Behind-the-Scenes Reality: Game testers often have to repeat the same level or scenario dozens of times to catch every bug or glitch.
8. Game Collector and Seller: Curating Games as a Business
If you’re a collector at heart, you might consider turning your collection into a business. Game collectors buy, trade, and sell rare or vintage games, consoles, and related memorabilia. With the rise of retro gaming, many people are looking for hard-to-find classics, making it a lucrative business for those who know how to spot valuable items.
Game collecting and selling is ideal for those who love the history of gaming and enjoy searching for rare finds, whether it’s a vintage board game or an old video game console.
What You’ll Need: Knowledge of game history, patience for sourcing items, and a platform to sell (like eBay or a dedicated website).
The Payoff: Collectors and sellers can make anywhere from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on their inventory and market demand.
Collectors’ Pride: Some rare games, like early Pokémon cards or first-edition board games, can sell for thousands, turning a passion for collecting into serious profit.
Conclusion: Play for Pay
Making a living from games might sound like a dream, but for those with the right mix of passion, skill, and dedication, it’s a very real possibility. Whether you’re creating new games, streaming your gameplay, or competing on the world stage, there are plenty of ways to turn your love for games into a rewarding career.
So the next time someone tells you that “playing games isn’t a real job,” you’ll know exactly how to respond—with a list of careers that prove otherwise.
References
• Twitch Creator Camp. “How to Grow as a Twitch Streamer.” https://www.twitch.tv/creatorcamp
• Board Game Designers Forum. “Getting Started with Board Game Design.” http://www.bgdf.com/
• Esports Earnings. “The Top Earners in Professional Gaming.” https://www.esportsearnings.com/
• Game Developer Conference (GDC). “The Role of Game Testers and QA in Game Development.” https://gdconf.com/
• Kickstarter. “Board Games: Crowdfunding Your Project.” https://www.kickstarter.com/
