There is an abundance of opportunities online to make money. Many people are finding ways to monetize their hobbies and even their daily routines (chipping away at those commuting websites!). One of the simplest ways to make money is by playing games online. This article will walk you through the process of how to make money playing games online from the ground up.
Decide On The Best Platform
Before you begin, you should decide which online game platforms and/or marketplaces you want to use to play your games. This will depend on a variety of factors such as your budget, and the type of game you are creating. Some platforms may be more suitable than others for your specific needs. For example, some may be better for games involving mobile phones or tablet computers, while others may be more suitable for computer or console based games. Keep in mind the type of device you will be using to access the platform. If you are planning to use a computer, smartphone, or tablet to play your games, make sure that you have an internet connection and a stable WiFi connection.
Deciding on the best platform for your needs can be challenging. To make the process easier, you can use a tool such as BestWire to find and compare the various platforms. Wirecutter, a review and recommendation site for digital goods and platforms, also lists several popular gaming platforms and their features. Additionally, GameFAQs (gaming forum) lists the pros and cons of numerous platforms. Using tools such as these to compare and contrast different platforms can be a quick and easy way to find the best fit for your needs.
Find The Best Gaming Equipment
Aside from choosing the right platform, you will need to decide on the type of hardware you want to use to play your games. This will depend on your personal preferences as well as the type of games you are creating. If you are creating a platform that will be used by multiple people, find a way to accommodate the largest number of devices possible.
If you are creating a mobile game, you will need to look into purchasing a tablet or mobile phone case to house your console. On the other hand, if you are using a computer or a console to play your games, you may not require additional equipment beyond what is already available.
Set Up A Game Account
In order to play games online, you will need to have a game account set up. This can be a bit challenging if you have not done so already. You can use tools such as Google Play Game Services to set up your account quickly and easily. This service provides you with a Google ID that can be used to identify you as a player. You will then need to add this ID to your game’s console or device in order to play. If you are creating a PC based game, you can use GameRanger to set up multiple users with individual accounts. This tool allows you to create and manage gamers accounts as well as download and install games to your PC.
Choose Your Desktop Environment And Interface
For any type of gaming, you will need to choose a desktop environment and interface. The desktop environment sets the overall look and feel of your computer or device. The interface is the program that you use to interact with your device. There are several popular desktop environments and interfaces for gamers to choose from. Each has its perks and quirks, which can be useful to know before making a decision. Linux, for example, is a free and open-source operating system that is ideal for gamers because of its modular design and wide-variety of available desktop environments and interfaces. Windows 10, on the other hand, was designed with gamers in mind. It has several built-in desktop environments and interfaces as well as thousands of third-party applications available for download. Using the right interface can also make a world of difference when it comes to gaming.
Learn JavaScript
If you are writing your games in HTML5 or CSS, you will not need to learn JavaScript. Those are the scripting languages used to build webpages and interfaces for games. If, however, you are writing your games in Adobe Flash, you will need to learn JavaScript. Flash is a proprietary program that allows for browser-based games, rich internet applications, and more. Without JavaScript, Flash games cannot be played offline, nor can they be updated remotely by the game developer. Additionally, some consoles have their own proprietary scripting languages that can be used to develop games. If you are writing your games in these languages, you will need to learn how to program in them so that you can take advantage of their unique features.
Choose A Server Host
The final component of the online game making equation is the server host. The server host is what makes the internet available to your device. It provides a stable and secure connection that can be accessed from anywhere. Many server hosts will offer you different levels of service for free, however, you will need to look into purchasing a paid plan if you want dedicated IP addresses, faster connections, and more storage.
If you are just beginning, make sure to choose a free server host. These are the most popular providers and usually the safest and most suitable for beginners. Once you have established a base of operations and are hosting multiple games, you may want to consider moving to a paid host.
Choosing the right server host can be challenging. You can use a tool such as Dynu to find and compare a variety of server hosts based on cost, plan features, and user reviews. You can then choose the one that best suits your needs.
Create Your Game
With the basics taken care of, it’s time to put your skills to use and create a game! There are several free and open source game creation platforms available; make sure to choose one that is suitable for your needs. Additionally, if you are creating a mobile game, make sure to look into using a cross-platform game engine such as Unity or Gamemaker to reduce the learning curve associated with creating a game for multiple devices.
Unity is a popular cross-platform game engine that is used to create mobile, desktop, and even, web-based games. The engine allows for game developers to focus less on the technicalities of coding and more on what they know best: making games! As a beginner, Unity can be a bit complex to get started with; however, with some tutorials, it is very easy to pick up and become proficient with. Its integrated asset store makes it simpler for developers to find the necessary assets (i.e. characters, guns, vehicles, etc.) to build their game.
Once you have a working game, it’s time to test it! There are several online game testing sites that you can use to find players to test your game. Using a tool such as xBox Test App can help you identify and fix any issues with your game before releasing it to the public. Additionally, App Testing Lab offers a free testing program for mobile apps and games that can be used to find and fix any issues with your product before publishing.
Testing is an important step in the process of game development. Without it, you will never know if your game is glitch-free and ready to be released to the public. It is also important to note that game testers typically need to be compensated for their time. For this reason, setting up a small fund in your budget for this purpose can be useful.
Make Money
After going through all of that simply to play games, you may be wondering if there is money to be made. While it is never easy to find financial gain in a creative field, there are several ways for gamers to make a little extra cash. First, you can use a tool such as Flamingo to browse game apps and discover any mobile games that are currently making money. You can then download and install these games on your phone or tablet.
Alternatively, you can use a tool such as Apptopia to browse the various games already released and discover the various ways in which players are winning or breaking even. Many games, especially those that allow for online multi-player, offer in-game economies where users can purchase virtual items that can be used to improve their gameplay and score higher than other users.
Getting started making money with apps and games is very simple. Just follow the above steps and you will be able to host and play your games online in no time at all. Additionally, if you are looking for some extra cash, you can even consider becoming a freelancer and getting paid to play games!