Sure, you can earn money on Steam! You can sell in-game items, create mods, sell your own games, offer video game coaching, earn free gift cards, and more. This article will show you 12 different ways to make money on Steam.
If you’re a gamer, you probably know about Steam, the top video game platform. And now, thanks to Steam, your love for gaming can turn into a paycheck!
In this guide, we’ll show you how to turn your gaming skills into real cash. From selling items and crafting in-game mods to streaming, you’ll not only win in games but also earn big in the world of Steam.
Ready to start?
**Table Of Contents**
1. Selling items
2. Sell trading cards
3. Pre-release items
4. Sell unwanted Steam games/keys
5. Sell mods in Steam Workshop
6. Selling your own game
7. Freelance work for Steam developers
8. Sell Steam artwork
9. Video game coaching
10. Stream on Twitch
11. Start a blog or YouTube channel about Steam
12. Earn free Steam gift cards
**Selling Items**
One of the simplest ways to make money on Steam is by collecting and selling in-game items. You can get items by playing games, finding item drops, buying in the Community Market, or trading with other players. Not all games have item drops, so check online communities to see where you can get the best items. The value of items can range from a few cents to over $1,000 for rare ones. Rare items fetch higher prices, but you need some luck to get them. You can also buy items when prices drop and sell them when they rise, similar to stock trading. You can set up Buy and Sell Orders to automate this process.
**How to Get Money Out of Your Steam Wallet**
You can’t directly get cash from selling items on Steam; you get Steam Wallet credit instead. This credit can only be used to buy items and games on Steam. If you want actual cash, you can buy Steam games with your credit and sell them on third-party sites like Gameflip. You can also sell items on platforms like eBay but be cautious of scammers.
**Sell Trading Cards**
You can sell Steam trading cards the same way you sell items. These virtual cards can be earned by playing games and sold in the Steam marketplace. Most cards are worth a few cents, but rare ones can be worth much more. You can earn cards by playing games or getting booster packs. Foil cards are the rarest and most valuable. Cards that are no longer available or are new to a game can also be sold for higher prices.
**Pre-release Items**
Pre-release items can be very profitable. Sometimes, you get exclusive item packs or skins when you pre-order a game, and these can increase in value after the game is released. Keep an eye on the market and sell when prices are high.
**Sell Unwanted Steam Games/Keys**
If you have Steam games you don’t want, you can sell them to other players on third-party sites like Gameflip. Steam games are non-transferable once redeemed, but you can sell unredeemed game codes or gift cards. Gameflip allows you to withdraw your funds using Payoneer, Wise, Skrill, or Bitcoin.
**Sell Mods in Steam Workshop**
You can create and sell mods for many games on Steam. Typical pricing is a few dollars, but popular mods can provide a steady income. Followers can also donate money to support your work. When you sell items from Steam Workshop, you can withdraw your earnings as real cash.
**Selling Your Own Game**
Developing and selling your own game is a great way to make real money on Steam. It’s not quick or easy, and there’s a risk your game might not sell, but the earning potential is huge if it takes off. Game development can also become a stream of passive income. If you can’t code, you can hire developers on Fiverr or Upwork. Your game must meet Steam’s guidelines, and there’s a $100 application fee, refunded after you earn over $1,000. Steam takes 30% of game sales. Successful games can make significant revenue.
**Freelance Work for Steam Developers**
If you’re a developer, coder, designer, or graphic artist, you can offer your freelance services to Steam game developers. This is less risky than developing your own game and more reliable for short-term income. You can find clients on platforms like Upwork or network in Steam chats and forums.
**Sell Steam Artwork**
Artists can sell commissions to gamers who want unique digital art for their profiles or as physical prints, wallpapers, and more. Popular commissions include custom characters, profile art, and artwork based on games.
**Video Game Coaching**
If you’re excellent at video games, people will pay for your coaching. You can make up to $100/hour. Platforms to offer coaching include Gamer Sensei, Steam community forums, relevant subreddits, and Fiverr. You need to be at a very advanced level to attract clients.
**Stream on Twitch**
If you can create engaging content while playing, you can make money as a Twitch streamer. You need to make compelling streams to gain followers. Twitch streamers can earn through subscribers, bits/cheers, ads, sponsored content, and affiliate sales. Even with a small audience, you can make money.
**Start a Blog or YouTube Channel About Steam**
If you prefer creating content over streaming, you can start a blog or YouTube channel. Gaming content creators make money through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate sales. You can create various content types like walkthrough guides, reviews, tips, and gaming news. Partnering with developers can get you free games and promotional opportunities. A blog can provide passive income through SEO.
**Earn Free Steam Gift Cards**
You can earn free Steam gift cards by completing simple tasks, playing games, or participating in giveaways. While it’s not cash, it can save you money if you spend a lot on Steam. Sites like Swagbucks, Freecash, Mistplay, Gamehag, and Bananatic offer ways to earn these cards. Following online gaming communities can also lead to free codes.
**Conclusion**
Gamers, rejoice! There are many ways to make money on Steam. Selling Steam items is a good start, though it might not make you rich. Developing a successful game offers the highest profit potential but comes with risks. A balanced approach is to use your gaming skills and knowledge to offer freelance services. Whether it’s custom artwork, coding, or coaching, combining your skills with your passion for gaming can be profitable. Good luck and happy gaming!