All of us have aspirations of being able to make lots of money without actually having to work that hard. Now, we can’t all come from wealthy families but that doesn’t mean that there’s not a new generation of people that are starting to earn a significant sum of money from some unlikely side hustles. Online gaming may be something that’s considered a niche hobby to most people, but it’s becoming one that’s very lucrative for some people. If you’ve got the skills and the passion for a game, it can be a very easy journey to start bringing in some income from your work.
In this article, we’ll be discussing how people can make money from their gaming hobby, and who the richest online gamers are.
What are The Most Popular Online Games?
If you’ve never played games online before, you might be surprised at the vast amount of options that are out there for you. From online fantasy games to first-person shooter games, there is something for everyone. One particularly popular realm of gaming is that of online casino games, which have come a long way since their humble beginning.
Featuring all the usual games you’d see in a casino, this genre of games has been rapidly transforming with the help of new technologies like virtual reality and blockchain. For example, in games like crypto blackjack, players can use popular currencies like Bitcoin to place bets and try their luck against a live dealer.
Similarly, games like Minecraft and Roblox seem like simple games at first but have amassed incredibly large player stats, proving their popularity across all age groups and skill levels. The world of gaming may seem saturated, but new games are being launched every day to the joy of millions of players worldwide.
How Do People Make Money Playing Games Online?
There are a few different ways that people make money online, but some of the most popular include streaming and entering eSports competitions.
Streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube allow players to create their channels and make money per viewer. It’s as simple as turning your webcam on and recording your screen while you’re playing a game! Once you start to build your audience, the more money you will earn, and the more likely you are to be approached by other gaming brands for sponsorship opportunities. Making money on platforms like Twitch is a good way to bring in some revenue from a game you would have been playing regardless.
On the other hand, if you think you are one of the best players out there in a particular game, you could try your luck entering some of the most prestigious eSports tournaments. Like any sports competition, you enter and will have to take on other hopeful players in the hopes of being placed on top of the leaderboard. If you do manage to win, you can get a substantial prize in return.
Who are The Most Successful Online Gamers?
The majority of the richest online gamers are the players who have made themselves on streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube. Outside of playing their favorite games, they have been able to build a brand for themselves that has resulted in some multi-million dollar deals with high-profile companies. These gamers include:
- Tyler “Ninja” Blevins ($40 million) gained his popularity through streaming himself playing Fortnite on Twitch but now has a following across multiple platforms.
- Felix “PewDiePie” Kjellberg ($40 million) made a name for himself on YouTube and has played a significant role in the online gaming community for almost two decades.
- Michael “Shroud” Grzesiek ($20 million) who was formerly a professional Counter-Strike: Global Offensive player but has now transitioned to being a full-time streamer on Twitch.
But it’s not just streamers who have been able to make a considerable amount of money through online gaming. Just look at Joe Cada, a rising poker star who already has a net worth that’s approaching $15 million. He’s an active participant in the global poker tour and thanks to his skill in the game has become one of the most promising new stars in the game.
Closing Thoughts
If you want to make some money on the side or quit your day job, online gaming could be a very lucrative opportunity for you. As we’ve demonstrated in this article, there are plenty of different ways that you can make money online.
With streamers like PewDiePie and Ninja paving the way for those who want to start a career in the gaming industry, we’d recommend brushing up on your skills and making a name for yourself online if you have hopes of becoming the next rising star in the online game industry.
Also read: 3 Career Options for Gamers