How to Make Money Online as a Video Game Designer: 10 Actionable Ideas

Video game design is a field that combines creativity, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of how games engage players. The global gaming industry has become one of the most lucrative sectors in entertainment, and with the rise of online platforms, there has never been a better time to start making money as a video game designer. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced designer, the opportunities are vast and varied. In this article, we'll explore 10 actionable ideas to help you make money online as a video game designer.

Freelance Game Design Work

What It Involves:

Freelancing as a game designer involves offering your skills to clients who need specific game design services. You could work on designing game mechanics, creating levels, building 3D models, or writing game scripts. Freelancing offers flexibility and allows you to work on various projects, making it an excellent way to build a diverse portfolio.

How to Start:

• Create a Portfolio: Your portfolio should showcase your best work, including completed game designs, 3D models, and prototypes. Use platforms like Behance, ArtStation, or your personal website to present your work.
• Join Freelance Platforms: Platforms like Upwork , Fiverr , Freelancer , and Toptal are excellent places to find freelance game design gigs. These platforms allow you to bid on projects that suit your expertise.
• Network with Developers: Attend virtual game design meetups, participate in game development forums, and connect with indie game developers who might need your skills.

Earning Potential:

Freelance game designers can earn anywhere from $30 to $150 per hour, depending on experience, skill level, and the complexity of the project.

Sell Game Assets Online

What It Involves:

Selling game assets is a lucrative way to make money online as a game designer. Game assets include 3D models, textures, sound effects, animations, and more. You can create high-quality game assets and sell them on online marketplaces, providing other developers with the resources they need to build their games.

How to Start:

• Create High-Quality Assets: Focus on making well-designed assets that are useful to game developers. Commonly sold assets include environments, characters, weapons, and animations.
• Sell on Marketplaces: Websites like Unity Asset Store , Unreal Engine Marketplace , Itch.io , and TurboSquid allow you to upload and sell your assets.
• Promote Your Work: Use social media, YouTube, and personal blogs to promote your assets. You can also showcase your creations through tutorials or case studies to attract buyers.

Earning Potential:

You can earn a fixed price for each asset sold, with popular assets selling for anywhere from $10 to $500, depending on their quality and complexity. Successful asset creators can earn passive income as their products continue to sell over time.

Develop and Sell Indie Games

What It Involves:

If you're a game designer with a passion for creating complete games, developing indie games can be a profitable endeavor. Indie games are often more experimental, creative, and can cater to niche audiences. Developing and selling your games on platforms like Steam or the Epic Games Store allows you to earn revenue directly from game sales.

How to Start:

• Learn Game Development Tools: To create a game from scratch, you need to learn game engines like Unity , Unreal Engine , or Godot. These platforms provide resources, tutorials, and community support to help you build and release games.
• Create Your Game: Develop a game that stands out with an engaging storyline, unique mechanics, and appealing visuals. Focus on polish and user experience.
• Publish and Promote: Once your game is ready, publish it on platforms like Steam , Itch.io , and Google Play Store. Promote it through social media, gaming forums, and game review websites to attract players.

Earning Potential:

Indie game prices typically range from $5 to $30, and while many games won't become multi-million dollar hits, successful indie games can earn developers a substantial income. Indie game developers can earn from hundreds to thousands of dollars monthly depending on the game's popularity.

Offer Game Design Courses and Tutorials

What It Involves:

If you have expertise in game design, you can share your knowledge by creating online courses or tutorials. Platforms like Udemy , Skillshare , and YouTube allow game designers to teach others and earn money in return.

How to Start:

• Select a Niche Topic: Choose a specific area of game design that you excel in, such as 2D game design, 3D modeling, level design, or game programming. The more niche your topic, the more likely you'll attract students.
• Create High-Quality Content: Prepare your course materials, including video tutorials, written guides, and example projects. Be clear, concise, and engaging.
• Host on Platforms: Use Udemy or Skillshare to host your course, or create a YouTube channel and monetize through ads and sponsorships.

Earning Potential:

Depending on the platform and the number of students or views you get, you can earn from $200 to $5,000 per month, or more, if your courses become popular.

Game Design Consulting

What It Involves:

Game design consulting is a high-paying service where you advise game developers, studios, or companies on how to improve their games. This could involve reviewing game mechanics, suggesting new features, or helping developers overcome design challenges.

How to Start:

• Build a Reputation: If you're just starting out, offer free advice or collaborate with small indie developers to build a portfolio. Once you have experience, you can start charging for consulting services.
• Use LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a great platform for networking with game studios and developers who may need consulting services. Share your knowledge through articles or posts to showcase your expertise.
• Specialize: Consulting is more profitable when you specialize in a niche, such as mobile games, VR games, or multiplayer game design.

Earning Potential:

Consulting rates can vary significantly based on experience and the complexity of the project. Expect to charge anywhere from $50 to $250 per hour.

Join Game Jams and Competitions

What It Involves:

Game jams are events where game designers come together to create games in a short period, often 48 hours or less. Winning or participating in well-known game jams can not only help you build a portfolio but can also lead to monetary rewards and job offers.

How to Start:

• Find Game Jams: Participate in well-established game jams such as Ludum Dare , Global Game Jam , or itch.io's game jams. These events usually offer prizes for the best games.
• Collaborate with Others: Many game jams encourage collaboration with programmers, artists, and sound designers. This allows you to focus on the design aspect while others handle the coding and art.
• Promote Your Game: Once your game is ready, upload it to Itch.io or Game Jolt for wider visibility.

Earning Potential:

Some game jams offer monetary prizes, ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, while others offer exposure and networking opportunities that can lead to paid projects or job offers.

Monetize Your Game Design Blog or YouTube Channel

What It Involves:

Creating a blog or YouTube channel focused on game design can provide a passive income through ads, affiliate marketing, and sponsorships. By sharing tutorials, design advice, and insights into the gaming industry, you can attract an audience and generate revenue.

How to Start:

• Choose a Platform: For blogging, platforms like WordPress or Medium are great choices. For YouTube, create a channel dedicated to game design.
• Create Engaging Content: Focus on providing valuable content, such as game design tips, industry trends, reviews, and tutorials. The more helpful and unique your content, the more likely it is to attract an audience.
• Monetize: Once you've built an audience, you can monetize through ads (Google AdSense), sponsored posts, or affiliate marketing (promoting game design tools, courses, etc.).

Earning Potential:

Bloggers and YouTubers can earn anywhere from $200 to $10,000 or more per month, depending on their traffic and audience engagement.

Create a Patreon for Exclusive Game Design Content

What It Involves:

Patreon allows content creators to earn money through memberships. As a game designer, you can offer exclusive content to your subscribers, such as early access to your games, behind-the-scenes development updates, or in-depth tutorials.

How to Start:

• Set Up Your Patreon: Create a Patreon account and offer different tiers with various benefits, such as exclusive game assets, tutorial videos, or one-on-one consultations.
• Promote to Your Audience: Use your existing platforms (social media, blog, YouTube) to promote your Patreon account.
• Engage with Subscribers: Offer regular updates and make sure to interact with your patrons to create a loyal community.

Earning Potential:

The earning potential varies based on the number of patrons and the value you provide. Successful game designers can earn anywhere from $500 to $10,000+ per month.

Create a Game Design Podcast

What It Involves:

Podcasts are a great way to share your insights, experiences, and industry knowledge with a global audience. You can create a podcast dedicated to game design, offering tips, interviews with other designers, and discussions on the latest trends in gaming.

How to Start:

• Choose a Topic: Focus your podcast on a specific aspect of game design, such as indie development, level design, or game mechanics.
• Get the Right Equipment: Invest in a good microphone, soundproofing, and podcast hosting services to ensure high-quality audio.
• Monetize Your Podcast: Once you have an audience, you can monetize through sponsorships, listener donations, or merchandise sales.

Earning Potential:

Podcasts can earn money through ads, sponsorships, and listener support. Popular podcasts can earn anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000+ per month.

Create and Sell Game Design Templates

What It Involves:

Game designers can create templates, which are pre-built structures or systems that other developers can use to kickstart their games. Examples include level design templates, combat systems, and UI designs.

How to Start:

• Develop a Template: Design systems or levels that other developers can use in their games. Make sure they are easy to implement and customizable.
• Sell on Marketplaces: You can sell your templates on marketplaces like Unity Asset Store , Itch.io , or Gumroad.
• Promote Your Templates: Use social media, forums, and blogs to promote your templates to the game development community.

Earning Potential:

Game design templates can sell for anywhere from $10 to $100 or more. Successful template creators can earn passive income as their products continue to sell.

Conclusion

Making money online as a video game designer requires a combination of creativity, technical expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit. Whether you're freelancing, developing indie games, or teaching others, the opportunities are vast. By focusing on high-quality work, building your online presence, and exploring multiple revenue streams, you can turn your passion for game design into a sustainable online career. The key is to stay adaptable, keep learning, and continue refining your craft.

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