How to Make Big Money from Gaming: Tips for Streamers and Content Creators

Video games have become an integral part of the entertainment industry, and it’s no surprise that some gamers have turned their passion into a lucrative career. Whether you’re an aspiring streamer or content creator, there are plenty of ways to make money from gaming. This article will provide tips and advice on how to get started, as well as what platforms you can use to make money from gaming.

Streaming Platforms: Twitch and YouTube Gaming

When it comes to streaming online, the two biggest platforms are Twitch and YouTube Gaming. Both offer a variety of features that make them ideal for streaming, whether it’s streaming live gameplay or creating content for viewers to watch on-demand. Here’s a look at the features each platform offers:

Twitch:

Features

Stream live gameplay with commentary, manage multiple accounts for different games, create custom alerts for donations or subscribers, monetize streams with ads or subscriptions.

• Versions: Free (basic) and paid (Turbo)
• Pros: Built-in audience from millions of viewers, low-latency streaming with little buffering time, easy setup process.
• Cons: Ads can be distracting to viewers, limited customization options compared to other platforms.

YouTube Gaming:

Features

Stream live gameplay with commentary, manage multiple channels for different games, create custom alerts for donations or subscribers, monetize streams with ads or subscriptions.

• Versions: Free (basic) and paid (Premium)
• Pros: High-quality streaming with minimal buffering time, more customization options than Twitch, built-in audience from millions of viewers.
• Cons: Ads can be distracting to viewers, limited streaming capabilities compared to other platforms.

Game Subscription Services: Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Now

Another way gamers can make money is by subscribing to game subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Now. These services allow gamers access to hundreds of titles at a discounted price each month. Here’s an overview of what each platform offers gamers who subscribe:

Xbox Game Pass:

Features

Access over 100 titles each month at a discounted price, download games directly from the Xbox store, play online multiplayer.

• Versions: Basic ($9.99/month), Ultimate ($14.99/month).
• Pros: Low cost compared to buying individual titles, access new releases immediately after they launch, no additional fees for online multiplayer.
• Cons: Limited selection compared to other subscription services, some older titles may not be available.

PlayStation Now:

Features

Access over 400 titles each month at a discounted price, download games directly from the PlayStation Store, play online multiplayer.

• Versions: Basic ($9.99/month), Plus ($14.99/month).
• Pros: Low cost compared to buying individual titles, access new releases immediately after they launch, no additional fees for online multiplayer.
• Cons: Limited selection compared to other subscription services, some older titles may not be available.

Game Development Platforms: Unity and Unreal Engine

The last way gamers can make money is by creating their own video games using game development platforms like Unity and Unreal Engine. These programs offer powerful tools that allow developers of any skill level to create their own unique game experiences without having extensive programming knowledge.

Here’s what you need to know about these popular game development programs before getting started:

Unity:

Features

Create 3D worlds with a realistic physics engine, animate characters using pre-made models or custom models, build custom levels using the built-in level editor.

• Versions: Free (Basic) and Pro ($125 per month).
• Pros: An easy-to-learn user interface suitable for all skill levels, a wide range of tutorials available online, and a powerful graphics engine suitable for PC and mobile devices.
• Cons: Limited support when creating complex projects such as VR experiences or console ports.

Unreal Engine 4:

Features

Create 3D worlds with a realistic physics engine, animate characters using pre-made models or custom models built-in animation editor toolset, and create custom levels using a visual scripting toolset called Blueprint Visual Scripting system.

• Versions: Free (Basic) and Pro ($19 monthly).
• Pros: A flexible user interface allows users of all skill levels to create complex projects such as VR experiences or console ports quickly and easily. A powerful graphics engine suitable for PC and mobile devices allows developers to create high-quality visuals without additional plugins.
• Cons: No free tutorials are available outside the official documentation website.

The Bottom Line:

Making money from gaming is possible if you work to learn how each platform works and understand what type of content engages your audience most effectively. Whether you decide to stream on Twitch or YouTube Gaming, subscribe to Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Now, or develop your own video game using Unity or Unreal Engine 4, there are plenty of ways to make money from gaming if you are willing to commit yourself to learning the ins-and-outs of each platform. Good luck!