There are several ways you can potentially make money from playing games:

1. Streaming: Platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming allow you to earn money through donations, subscriptions, and ad revenue while streaming your gameplay.
2. Esports: Competing in professional gaming tournaments can be lucrative if you’re skilled enough. Many games have competitive scenes with cash prizes.
3. Game Testing: Companies often pay for game testers to find bugs and provide feedback before a game is released.
4. Content Creation: Creating and monetizing content related to gaming, such as guides, reviews, or let’s plays on platforms like YouTube, can generate income through ads and sponsorships.
5. In-Game Economies: Some games have systems for trading or selling in-game items or currency, which can be turned into real money.
6. Betting: Betting on esports events is another way, though it carries risk and should be approached with caution.

Online Games that allow commoners to make money

Here are some popular games and game genres where people have made significant money:

1. Fortnite: Known for its battle royale mode, Fortnite has a thriving competitive scene with substantial prize pools, and many streamers have made money through sponsorships and donations.
2. League of Legends: This MOBA has a large esports ecosystem with tournaments offering significant prize money. Content creators and streamers also earn from views and sponsorships.
3. Dota 2: The game’s International tournament features some of the largest prize pools in esports, and professional players can earn substantial sums from tournaments and endorsements.
4. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS
   ): This FPS has a well-established competitive scene, with players earning through tournaments and streaming.
5. World of Warcraft: Players can make money through boosting services, selling in-game items, or creating content related to the game.
6. Hearthstone: This card game has a competitive scene with prize money for tournament winners and opportunities for content creators.
7. Minecraft: Some players make money through YouTube content, server hosting, and selling custom mods or maps.
8. Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V): With its online mode, players have found ways to make money through in-game businesses, while content creators and streamers have profited from gameplay videos.
9. PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds): Like Fortnite, PUBG has a competitive scene with cash prizes and opportunities for content creation.
10. Roblox: Users can create and monetize their own games and experiences on the platform, and some have made substantial profits from their creations.

Each of these games offers different avenues for making money, depending on your skills and interests.

Skills Required To Make Money for Playing Games

To make money from playing games, you’ll need a mix of skills and attributes, depending on the avenue you choose. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Competitive Gaming (Esports):
   • High Skill Level: Mastery of the game mechanics, strategies, and tactics.
   • Quick Reflexes: Fast reaction times and precision.
   • Teamwork: Ability to work well with others if the game is team-based.
   • Adaptability: Adjusting strategies based on opponents and in-game situations.
2. Streaming and Content Creation:
   • Engaging Personality: Ability to entertain and connect with an audience.
   • Consistency: Regular streaming or content updates to build and maintain an audience.
   • Video Editing: Skills to create polished and engaging content.
   • Marketing: Promoting your channel or content effectively through social media and other platforms.
3. Game Testing:
   • Attention to Detail: Identifying bugs and issues in the game.
   • Analytical Skills: Understanding how different elements of the game interact.
   • Communication: Clearly documenting and reporting bugs to the development team.
4. In-Game Economies:
   • Market Knowledge: Understanding the in-game economy and market trends.
   • Trading Skills: Negotiation and trading abilities if dealing with virtual goods.
   • Game Knowledge: Deep understanding of the game mechanics and items.
5. Game Design and Development:
   • Programming Skills: For creating and managing custom mods, games, or tools.
   • Creativity: Designing engaging and innovative content or experiences.
   • Technical Knowledge: Understanding game engines and development tools.
6. Betting:
   • Analytical Skills: Evaluating odds and predicting outcomes.
   • Risk Management: Managing bets wisely and understanding the risks involved.
7. Community Engagement:
   • Networking: Building relationships with other players, developers, and influencers.
   • Marketing: Promoting your game-related services or content effectively.

Apps that pay you for playing games

Several apps and platforms offer ways to make money for playing games. Here are some popular ones:

1. Mistplay: This app rewards you with points for playing games, which can be redeemed for gift cards.
2. Lucktastic: Offers scratch-off games where you can win gift cards and cash prizes. It’s free to play and includes ad-based revenue.
3. Swagbucks Live: A trivia game show app where you can earn points for answering questions correctly. Points can be redeemed for gift cards or cash via PayPal.
4. Skillz: A platform hosting various competitive games where you can win cash prizes by competing in skill-based tournaments.
5. HQ Trivia: A live trivia game show where you can win cash prizes by answering questions correctly.
6. Pogo: Offers various games with a chance to win cash and prizes through their loyalty program and tournaments.
7. Gamehag: Play games and complete tasks to earn “soul gems,” which can be exchanged for gift cards, in-game items, or other rewards.
8. InboxDollars: Offers cash for playing games, taking surveys, watching videos, and other activities.
9. Givling: A trivia game where you can win money by answering questions correctly. It also supports educational loans through the winnings.
10. Second Life: While not a traditional game, it offers ways to earn money through virtual real estate, trading, and services in its virtual world.

These apps usually have different earning methods, such as rewards, gift cards, or cash prizes, and often involve ads or in-app purchases.