Become A Video Game Tester

Sometimes I receive a bit of flack about some of my articles. It seems some think my articles make it sound like getting into the gaming industry is “easy” and that these articles make it sound better than it really is.

These naysayers want people to give up their dreams of making a living doing what they enjoy. Of course, not everyone who wants to work in the gaming industry will succeed – that’s the same anywhere in any industry. But telling me I shouldn’t encourage people to follow their dreams – that’s just plain silly.

To that end, here a few ways almost ANYONE who enjoys gaming and has an internet connection can start making at least a bit of money from their passion, with just a little research and effort. I know, because I personally use the last two techniques in gaming and a variety of other markets – and it has provided me with plenty of extra income.

These methods are ways to actually get paid to play video games at home, doing what you’re already doing, but with a little cash reward at the end of the tunnel.

Online Gaming Contests

There are at times numerous ways to make money online by entering online gaming contests. You can compete with your fellow scrabblers, compete in tournaments via your favorite online game, or join one of many sites like WorldWinner that offer popular desktop computer games in which you can wager and win large sums of money if you’re good enough.

Of course, this probably isn’t going to provide a full time living , but a little cash reward incentive can make these games even more exciting. I mention this one only to put it on the table – it’s not a method I personally use but some might want to look into it. Let’s turn to more serious methods next – ones that I personally use myself to generate income…

Writing Simple Game Reviews

You’re playing the games anyway, why not write about them? Video game reviews are everywhere on the internet. Everyone writes them, but you can actually turn them into money if you’re savvy enough with the resources the internet offers you for free.

If you write well and play enough different games, start a blog and write game reviews for it. If you grow your readership, write decent reviews, and supplement your blog with news stories and video game ideas, you can position ads from google or commission junction and make money from your reviews.

Where To Start:

http://www.blogger.com from Google allows you to start a free blog AND place Google’s contextual advertisements (adsense) on it – you get paid when visitors read your blog and then click out on the ads. (Make sure to read and follow Google TOS – never click on the ads yourself.)

Also, http://www.squidoo.com allows you to create free webpages on any topic – including video games and reviews – and they will pay you a share of all advertising revenue generated on the pages you created.

Same goes for http://www.zimbio.com

If you like gaming and can string words together into a few coherent paragraphs, options like the above are a great way to earn money from your interest in gaming.

Writing FAQs and E-books

Speaking of writing, there is an even more lucrative opportunity for those with the time to invest. If you’ve ever looked at GameFAQS or searched for “World of Warcraft on eBay”, you’ll know that tip guides and e-books filled with gaming guides are everywhere, they are in demand, and they sell.

Someone has to write them though, and it might as well be you. If you’re a decent writer with a thorough approach to gaming and good advice to give, you can turn that guide into good money. Sell it on eBay for a couple of dollars or offer it on forums or message boards. You can also convert them into PDF format and sell them through services such as http://www.clickbank.com. I personally make hundreds of extra dollars per month with this service.

If you can prove that your advice is helpful and well written, there are plenty of gamers who are willing to pay for your tips, and support your desire to get paid to play video games at home.

Before I forget, here’s another place that will pay you upfront for short guides, reviews, articles – and even homemade videos about your favorite games:

http://www.AssociatedContent.com

Other than the first option – which is probably more akin to “gambling” – all these other options are legitimate and straightforward ways to making money using your knowledge and passion for gaming.

Bonus Tip: Again, these are easy and free ways to get started. Then, when you want full access to current paid assignments available for video game testers, click here.