Do you want to make money by playing games on your phone?
- Ways To Get Money By Playing Games
- Earn Money Playing Games Pc
- I Want To Earn Money By Playing Games Now
- Earn Money Playing Video Games
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That sounds like it would be too good to be true, but there are actually a lot of apps out there that let you do it! In this post, we will be showing you the best apps that pay you to play games.
What’s the Catch?
Before you download any of these apps, you might be wondering a company would ever do anything like this or what the catch might be. I mean, why would any company pay you to play free games on your phone?
There are three common reasons that you would get paid to play games.
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- First, companies pay money for people to use their apps to boost their player base and appear more popular on an app store. Because there are millions of apps out there, they need help from people like you to get higher rankings.
- The second reason is that free apps often want people to play so they can get “hooked” on a game and buy in-app currency. They’re hoping that the few cents you earn from downloading the app will go directly back into their pocket. Obviously, the best way to avoid this happening is to ignore any purchase opportunities!
- The final reason — and in my opinion, the sketchiest reason — is gambling. Some gambling apps will give you free tickets to play to win money. Then they’ll give you some “great deal” where you pay money on more tickets to gamble. The best approach to these apps is to accept the free tickets but never pay for anything they offer you.
Now, with that out of the way, here are the apps!
Earn Money by Playing Games on Android
Let’s start with apps that pay you to play game son Android.
1. Verydice
- Available on: iOS and Google Play
The premise is simple enough: you roll the virtual dice, win tickets based on what you roll, then redeem your tickets for prizes! You have a limited number of rolls per day, and they make their money by selling additional dice rolls.
2. InboxDollars
- Available on: iOS and Google Play
In addition to being a paid survey site, Inboxdollars has a whole section of games that you can play and get paid for! Basically, companies pay InboxDollars to find people to play their games, and the site passes a little of that money on to you.
Read our detailed review of InboxDollars for details and other ways to earn, plus a few tips on how to make the most money with InboxDollars.
3. Coin Pop
- Available on: Google Play
Coin Pop is a free app that rewards you in coins for every second you play games from their list. You can exchange the coins for gift cards or cash prizes.
4. CashPirate
- Available on: Google Play
This app offers a variety of ways to make money by downloading new apps, completing surveys watching videos and, yes, playing games.
5. Fitplay
- Available on: Google Play
Offering an experience with no deposits or in-app purchases, Fitplay is just here to reward you for trying new games. Just choose one off their list and start earning rewards.
6. AppStation
- Available on: Google Play
AppStation offers a variety of genres to choose from and get paid to play, like casual, action, strategy, puzzle or arcade. The games are all free to play, and your rewards are given by the amount of time you spend playing.
7. Lucky Miner
- Available on: Google Play
Featuring a cute user interface and a wide range of rewards, up to and beyond a $50 PayPal cash payout, Lucky Miner pays you by the minute to try new games.
8. Cash Alarm
- Available on: Google Play
Cash Alarm offers to give you your first gift card a few hours after you start playing one of their games, which is a big plus. You and your friends can also get bonuses for referring them to the app.
9. Golden Farmery
- Available on: Google Play
With new apps on offer every day, Golden Farmery will pay by the minute for you to play a variety of mobile games across all genres. Win rewards and cash out the next day.
10. Mistplay
- Available on: Google Play
Bored with your current game library? Mistplay offers mobile users recommendations for new games and even rewards you for playing them! The app also has a chat function to stay in touch with other players!
11. Cashout Rewards
- Available on: Google Play
This app lets you earn points by:
- Installing free apps
- Playing games
- Completing surveys
- Watching videos
You also get a guaranteed 10 points every day you log on. Once you have enough points, you can redeem them for PayPal cash and gift cards.
12. Bananatic
- Available on: Google Play
This app is specially made for people who are already into online games. Offering rewards like gaming mice and video games, this one’s perfect if you’re a gamer yourself or are looking to get a gift for one in your life.
Apps that Pay You to Play Games on iPhone
While there are many game apps that pay you real money for both Android and iOS devices, there are a few that are exclusive to iOS devices.
Some of the best include:
13. HQ Trivia
- Available on: iOS
Play a new quiz with word games and trivia every day with HQ Trivia! It’s actually a very popular app to play trivia and win cash. This app has had guest celebrities like The Rock, Robert De Niro, and more drop in, so keep your eyes peeled.
14. Toy Town Cash Money
- Available on: iOS
This app takes an interesting approach to earning cash by playing games. There are no in-app purchases or pay to win scenarios. All you have to do is play their games and earn tickets. The tickets let you enter into one of their many cash prize draws. If you win, you get the money paid to your PayPal. Pretty simple, right?
Best Apps that Pay You to Play Games
Here are applications that pay you for playing games.
15. Toluna
- Available on: iOS and Google Play
Toluna is a survey site with a hip modern twist, aiming itself at young would-be “influencers.” In addition to surveys, it offers a series of its own games which users can play and get rewarded for.
16. Swagbucks Live
- Available on: iOS and Google Play
From the popular online rewards site Swagbucks comes a trivia game that can earn you cash prizes! Answer all the questions quickly and correctly to qualify for a grand prize of up to $500!
17. Play and Win
- Available on: iOS and Google Play
Offering a grand prize of $50,000, Play and Win is a trivia game that offers cash prizes for its most knowledgeable players. A new game starts every hour, with players competing against each other.
18. Lucky Day
- Available on: iOS and Google Play
Love casino games but don’t like the crowds? Then Lucky Day is the app for you. Featuring scratch-offs, blackjack, and more coming soon, you can play to win real money!
19. Big Time
- Available on: iOS and Google Play
From WINR Games, Big Time offers real money to play their games. The money is handed out through a raffle, so the more tickets you earn playing games, the better your chances of winning big!
20. Lucktastic
- Available on: iOS and Google Play
Featuring a new contest to pay for your grocery trips, Lucktastic also offers Lucky Trivia Live, a trivia show that you the audience can participate in and win from!
21. Long Game
- Available on: iOS and Google Play
Long Game is a banking app that features a gamified rewards system. Every day, you can use points you’ve earned for using their card to play games and compete for up to a million dollars!
22. Wealth Words
- Available on: iOS and Google Play
Like puzzles? Wealth Words has crosswords, poem and story puzzles you can play to win 30, 200, even 700 dollars! The app offers secure instant withdrawal through PayPal for your winnings.
23. Brain Battle
- Available on: iOS and Google Play
Brain Battle offers players a chance to earn tickets by playing games. One ticket is all it takes to be entered to win cash prizes. Plus, the more people play, the bigger the rewards will be.
24. Appnana
- Available on: iOS and Google Play
Appnana says that it has paid over $10 million to its members over the years it’s been open. You play games they offer you, then you redeem your rewards for gift cards for places such as:
- Amazon
- iTunes
- Google Play
- Xbox
Final Thoughts
There are lots of apps that pay you to play games out there, you just need to install them and get playing! Just make sure you don’t fall into the trap of paying for in-app purchases while you’re having fun.
Have you used any of these apps before? Do you know of any other app that pays you to play games? Let us know if you liked any of them!
How would you like to get paid to test video games?
If you like and play a lot of video games, this is right up your alley.
According to THEESA (The Entertainment Software Association) 75% of Americans have at least one gamer in their household!
And we spend quite a bit of money on games.
$23.5 billion to be exact!
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But there are ways to make this a little less expensive habit.
You can even get paid to play games!
There is also another way to make money (and get premium games for free)…
Paid video game testing!
Why would gaming companies pay me to test games?
There are thousands of video games available in today’s market.
And every day, hundreds more are introduced.
Some flop, some succeed, and a few become big hits like Guitar Hero, Halo, Final Fantasy, Wii Fit, Grand Theft Auto, SSX, and Metroid.
Now, designing and production of video games is a long process.
It takes a lot of time, effort and money.
So the software companies behind these games need to eliminate any issues before they release the game to the public.
Imagine how pissed you’d be if you paid $50 for a game only to have to deal with bugs and errors.
To avoid losing loyal customers (and revenue,) video games companies, like any other smart software company, conduct tests before they actually release the product to the market.
This isn’t limited to just gaming companies, most companies do this. For example, Facebook pays you up to $500 for any bugs you find on their platform.
By having beta testers test the products, companies can find and fix potential bugs and errors before it gets too out of hand.
This is almost like market research and those paid surveys where you get paid to share your opinion about products before they are released to the market.
Of course, you won’t find many video game testers who would do this for free.
To entice gamers to participate, they reward them with money, prizes and free video games, online games and more.
Interested?
Let’s get you familiar with how it all works and how you can become a paid video game tester.
What exactly do you do as a game tester?
As a tester, you have one job and one job only…
Play games and report any bugs, errors, or glitches you come across.
That’s what it comes down to.
Of course, there are a few specific things that they want you to look out for.
Some of the features that testers need to inspect are:
- compatibility
- compliance
- functionality
- localization and beta
- regression load
- locating faults that may cause crashing of console, freezing of games, erasing of programs or distort visuals.
It’s really a fun job.
Sure, you may not always get a testing job for a game you like. but sometimes you may get lucky and get assigned to test play one of your favorite games.
Either way, you play the game!
It’s a simple process that can be broken down into 4 steps.
Here’s how it works:
- Play the game, looking for bugs and errors.
- When you find a bug, you’ll have to reproduce (“repro“) it.
- Type a bug report via the provided form (usually part of a bug-tracking software.)
- Submit your report to the developers of the game so they can fix it.
In some cases, the game developers may contact you for more details.
Game tester salary: How much money can you make?
The amount of money you can make as a game tester really varies.
You can get paid hourly or an annual salary.
Either way, the pay rate varies based on a few factors like the game company hiring you, your experience, geographical location and so on.
You can expect anywhere from $10 per hour to $100 per hour.
According to Gamasutra Salary Survey, the average annual salary of a tester is about $54,833.
Now here is the interesting part…
According to the same survey, for those with over 6 years of experience, the salary went up to $62,885 a year.
So, just like in most other industries, entry-level workers are paid less than those with more experience.
Sidebar: If you own a lot of games and want to make some fast cash, check out our post on best places to sell video games for cash.
How do you become a video game tester?
Normally, you can find video game tester jobs on third-party platforms that specialize in connecting testers with software companies.
That said, manufacturers of video games – Namco, EA Sports, Sega, PlayStation, Capcom, Sony, Konami, Apple,… – also offer video game testing jobs from time to time.
Most don’t have a dedicated panel where you can sign up year-round, but there are a few that do.
It’s important to note that in most aces you won’t be hired as an employee. Game testing jobs are offered on a contract basis. Meaning, you’ll be working as an interdependent contractor.
Ready to get started?
Here are a few companies offering video game testing jobs:
1. iGameLab
iGameLa is a part of PanelPolls, a market research company.
By joining the panel, you can become a beta tester and get paid to play
- Online games
- Mobile games/apps
- Virtual worlds
- Websites
According to the site, active testers earn $10.00-$15.00 for every month of participation.
- Where to apply:https://community.panelpolls.com/iGamelab.php
2. Nintendo
Working with Nintendo is a gamer’s dream.
We all know Nintendo, one of the biggest names in the gaming industry.
Many of us grew up playing Nintendo games such as Super Mario and Contra.
Nintendo hires testers through two different contractors/temp agencies – Parker Staffing Services and Allegis Group.
Unfortunately, they do not offer off-site beta testing or remote video game testing jobs.
All their current positions are located in Redmond, Washington.
Update: They seem to longer have the game tester position open as of 10/19/2020 but they may bring it back again. So bookmark the page linked below and check back for future openings.
- Where to apply: https://careers.nintendo.com/
3. VMC – Global Beta Test Network
Want to be the first to play big games?
Ways To Get Money By Playing Games
This is the platform for you!
The Global Beta Test Network is a community of hundreds of gamers from all over the world that help gaming companies test their games through the process known as “Stress Testing.”
Through VMC, you get to play and test AAA multiplayer console games.
To qualify, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Sign a non-disclosure agreement
- Be able to focus and follow instruction
- Behave professionally at all times.
These are paid jobs, although they don’t mention how much exactly you get paid (I’m guessing it’s because the pay varies based on the test.)
Compensation is an hourly rate based on where you live.
You receive your payment via PayPal 45 days after the end of the project.
- Where to apply:https://www.vmc.com/join-gbtn/
4. RockStar Games
Even if you’re not a gamer, you’ve provably heard of Grand Theft Auto. RockStar Games is the company behind it and many other top games.
RockStar is looking for “passionate, enthusiastic and self-motivated individuals” to join their QA (Quality Assurance) teams in various cities.
You must be at least 18 years old, and you may be asked to complete a video interview as well.
Keep an eye on their career page for openings in other cities.
- Where to apply:https://www.rockstargames.com/careers/openings/position/4047003003
5. Blizzard
Blizzard is one of the top game designers/developers. Some of their most successful games include World of Warcraft, Diablo, and StarCraft.
They hire game testers as temporary workers.
They don’t have open potions year-round, but they do from time to time.
To get notified, keep an eye on their Careers page.
If you like working in the gaming industry, they have other open positions for Animators, Designers, Character Artist and more.
- Where to apply:https://careers.blizzard.com/global/en
6. UserTesting
UserTesting is a great site for getting paid to test not only games but also websites, apps and other tech products.
You earn $10 for every 20-minute test you complete. They also have interviews for testers that pay much more. They pay via PayPal.
- Where to apply: https://www.usertesting.com/get-paid-to-test
7. Beta Family
If you like playing mobile games, this is a great game testing opportunity. The company rewards you for testing and providing feedback about gaming apps.
Earn Money Playing Games Pc
- Where to apply:https://betafamily.com/register?r=t–tester
8. BetaTesting (former Erli Bird)
With BetaTesting, you get paid to test websites & hardware and new apps (some of which are gaming apps). You earn $10-$20 for most tests (or more).
- Where to apply:https://betatesting.com/beta-testers
9. Betabound
Betabound is a website that allows you to become a beta game tester without requiring much experience of any kind. You need to be 18 years of age or older.
With Betabound you get to test and provide feedback on products from “some of the biggest names in tech before they are launched to the public.”
Anyone can apply to become a Betabound tester. To start, sign up for a free account and start applying for available tests. Pay varies based on each test and its requirements.
- Where to apply:https://my.betabound.com/welcome/
10. Android Central Forum
Android Central forum is one of the top forums where Android developers can get help, share tips and discuss phones, Android OS and more. The forum has one specific section called “Developer Beta Testing”. Here developers post ads when they are looking for beta testers to test out their apps, games and software. So it’s a great place to check for game testing opportunities.
- Where to apply:https://forums.androidcentral.com/developer-beta-testing/
11. Bananatic
Banantic is another testing site that rewards you for testing online games.
Once you register, you can play free online games as a tester to earn rewards. You can also earn rewards by reviewing games. For every test and review, you earn “Bananas” which is their form of virtual currency. You can then exchange your bananas for real prizes such as games and prepaids, CSGO skins, steam wallets, amazon, paysafecards, etc.
- Where to apply:https://www.bananatic.com/
How to Find More Game Testing Jobs
The companies mentioned above aren’t the only game (pun intended) in town.
Remember we said most game companies don’t have a dedicated panel?
So how do they find testers for their games?
Ads on a job site!
When they need testers, they simply put ads on job search engines.
And that’s where you can find more legitimate game testing jobs.
All you have to do is g to your favorite job site and search for terms like:
- “game tester jobs near me”
- “game tester jobs at home”
- “game tester jobs no experience”
- “entry level game tester jobs”
- …
I found a few dozens of openings on some of the top job search sites.
Here are some of the available game tester jobs on:
- Indeed: Current companies hiring include Big Fish Games and Electronic Arts.
- ZipRecruiter: Current companies hiring include RockStar and Ubisoft.
- GlassDoor: Current companies hiring include Epic Games and Gearbox Software.
- CareerBuilder: Current companies hiring include Steam and Big Fish Games.
- Linkedin: Current companies hiring include Epic Games and RockStar.
In just a few minutes, I was able to find available testing jobs for some of the biggest game development companies like Big Fish Games, C2S Technologies, RockStar North and Blizzard.
If you’re serious about wanting to make money as a game tester, I’d definitely keep an eye on these sites.
Tips for success
Here are a few tips to help you get that dream job.
Location matters
Unfortunately, remote testing jobs are rare. Most companies require you to show up in their studio somewhere and play the game under controlled situations.
So, living in big cities, especially tech and software hubs, like San Francisco, is your best bet for landing a beta tester job.
Reports from Houston Chronicle suggest that major cities like Los Angeles, New York and Seattle offer maximum opportunities for working as a game tester.
Learn to speak the language
Game developers look for people who are passionate and talented about games.
You should get familiar with gaming terminology and trends.
If you are already an expert on certain types of games, try some new games.
It will be helpful for you to learn how to write a test report, be aware of the ongoing trends in the industry.
And if you ever find an internship opportunity for a gaming company, do not mess it up!
Experience matters
Some companies don’t require degrees or years of experience. You may be able to find entry level jobs.
That said, having a degree in software development, computer programming or graphic design is a great tool for landing, not just testing, but any other job in this industry.
Scam Alert: Game-Testers.net
Finding legitimate game testing jobs is kind of hard, which is why a lot of people fall for scams.
One of those is Game-Testers.net.
The site claims you can make $50 to $150 an hour playing games from anywhere.
But here is the catch…
You have to actually pay to join the site!
They charge something like $50 for the “membership fee!”
I mean, what legit company that is hiring people, charges you to work for them?
And you know what you get for it?
Nothing!
All you get is a guide on how to get started (just like what you’re reading now, for free!) and links to major game development companies like Microsoft and Activision.
So, please stay away from this one and others like it.
In general, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Resources
I Want To Earn Money By Playing Games Now
When researching for this post, I came across a lot of great resources that I think are very helpful for anyone interested in making money as a game tester.
Earn Money Playing Video Games
Here are some of them:
- How to Get a Job as a Video Game Tester: A great guide by Volt that paints a realistic picture of this job and what you can expect.
- Inside the ‘dream job’ of a video game tester: A Business Insider’s interview with a someone who does this for a living.
Good Luck!
Have you ever been paid for testing video games?
Would you do it if you were offered a job?
And if you know of any other company that offers video game testing jobs, please leave a comment below.