19 Business Ideas For Video Game Enthusiasts [2024]
Are you a video game enthusiast with dreams of turning your passion into a profitable venture? In 2024, there are more opportunities than ever for you to incorporate your love for gaming into a successful business. Whether you’re into game development, streaming, or offering gaming-related services, the possibilities are plentiful.
Imagine earning a living by creating the next hit indie game or by developing unique in-game assets. You could also explore the booming world of content creation, where your streaming skills could attract a large, dedicated audience. Alternatively, setting up an online store for gaming gear and merchandise could cater to a global community of players.
This article dives into various business ideas that could transform your gaming interest into a revenue-generating enterprise. Stay tuned to discover practical insights and strategies that could help you level up your entrepreneurial game.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other video game enthusiast businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Have a knack for creating compelling video content? Starting a YouTube channel might be your next big move as a video game enthusiast. Not only would it allow you to share your passion for gaming, but it also opens doors to monetizing your content through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. Your channel could feature everything from gameplay tutorials and reviews to live streaming and esports commentary, providing numerous ways to engage with an avid audience.
Building a successful YouTube channel requires consistency and quality content production. You'll need to plan your content, shoot and edit videos, and interact with your community regularly. While this involves significant effort, the potential rewards—both financial and personal—make it a viable business idea for dedicated gamers.
You can check out these success stories here to get inspired by YouTube channels that have made it big.
Why consider starting a YouTube channel?
- Showcase your gaming skills and knowledge: Sharing tips, tricks, and reviews helps you build a loyal audience of fellow gamers.
- Diverse revenue streams: Earn money from advertising, sponsorships, and even selling your own merchandise.
- Creative freedom: A YouTube channel allows you to create content that you’re passionate about and connect with like-minded individuals.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
2. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
For video game enthusiasts, creating a mobile app offers a unique opportunity to transform your passion into a viable business. Whether your idea is for a game, a productivity tool for gamers, or a community-based app, the skills and insights you've developed as a gamer can set you up for success. Developing a mobile app not only allows you to leverage your knowledge of what keeps users engaged but also provides a platform to directly reach millions of potential users.
Creating a mobile app involves steps like planning the user experience, designing engaging interfaces, and rigorous testing to ensure high quality. Start by turning your brilliant idea into a reality by either developing the app yourself or hiring a skilled developer. For more insights and successful stories in this realm, check out examples of mobile app success stories.
Why create a mobile app?
- You could capitalize on the booming mobile market, tapping into millions of potential users.
- With your gamer insights, you are well-equipped to create engaging and addictive user experiences.
- Mobile apps offer diverse monetization methods, from in-app purchases to ad revenue, providing multiple income streams.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
3. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
As a video game enthusiast, starting a podcast could be an excellent venture to nurture your passion while generating extra income. Podcasts are a growing medium for content creation and are perfect for discussing game reviews, industry trends, and gameplay strategies with fellow gamers. With a modest investment in basic recording equipment and a knack for engaging storytelling, you could build a loyal audience and attract sponsors.
Why start a podcast?
- You could provide unique insights and expert commentary on video games, tapping into a market of like-minded listeners.
- Monetizing your podcast through sponsorships and listener donations is possible, providing a steady income stream.
- Podcasting offers a flexible schedule, making it an ideal side business for busy enthusiasts.
For more detailed tips on how to make your podcast successful, visit Starter Story’s podcast success stories page.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
4. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog could be an ideal way for a video game enthusiast to dive into entrepreneurship while engaging with a passionate community. By focusing on specific gaming topics like indie game reviews, speedrunning guides, or eSports commentary, you could create highly valuable content that resonates with fellow gamers. Monetizing through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and collaborations with gaming brands could help you turn your blog into a profitable venture.
Why start a niche blog?
- You could turn your passion for gaming into an income stream by sharing unique and valuable content with a dedicated audience.
- There's potential to build a loyal community that engages with your blog regularly, boosting both your influence and earnings.
- Opportunities for monetization through affiliate links, brand partnerships, and sponsored content are abundant in the gaming industry.
Learn more about the possibilities of starting a niche blog here.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
5. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
For video game enthusiasts looking to merge their passion with a business opportunity, starting a niche website could be the perfect fit. A niche website allows you to create focused content and build a community around a specific aspect of gaming—whether it's game reviews, walkthroughs, or industry news. As the site grows, you could monetize it through affiliate marketing, ad placements, or selling digital products, transforming your hobby into a potential stream of income. Explore successful niche website stories for more inspiration.
Why start a niche website?
- You'll get to share your gaming passion and expertise with a dedicated audience.
- Creating targeted content allows you to attract and retain followers, building a loyal community.
- Once established, your niche website could generate passive income, turning your hobby into a sustainable side business.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
6. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
Starting an eCommerce reselling business makes perfect sense for video game enthusiasts, as it allows you to leverage your passion for gaming into a potentially profitable venture. You could purchase popular or rare gaming merchandise, consoles, and even limited edition items and resell them online for a profit. This type of business requires minimal upfront investment and can be easily managed through social media platforms initially, allowing you to scale as your customer base grows.
Why start an eCommerce reselling business?
- You can profit from your gaming knowledge by selecting high-demand items.
- A low-cost entry point allows you to start without significant financial risk.
- You can turn your hobby into a side business that could eventually grow into a full-time gig.
For more tips and startup cost considerations, check out Starter Story's success stories on eCommerce reselling businesses.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.
7. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
Starting an AI-based business solution could be a game-changer for video game enthusiasts. By leveraging artificial intelligence, you could optimize various business processes, whether it’s for enhanced customer service, efficient inventory management, or deeper data analysis. This technology allows you to automate repetitive tasks and make data-driven decisions, thereby boosting efficiency and potentially reducing operational costs. If you're fascinated by the strategic and data-analytic aspects of gaming, transitioning to AI technology could be a natural progression.
Why start an AI-based business solution?
- The AI market is growing rapidly, offering numerous opportunities to innovate and stay competitive.
- AI tools can automate routine tasks, freeing up time to focus on high-impact, creative aspects of your business.
- Video game enthusiasts already have a knack for strategic thinking and problem-solving, skillsets crucial for implementing and managing AI solutions.
For more insights, visit our starter story on AI-based business solutions.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
8. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
Are you passionate about video games and technology? Starting a social media automation business could be an exciting venture for you. Imagine managing multiple social media accounts effortlessly while driving engagement and growth. This business involves creating tools and services to schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data across various platforms. Your clients—from small businesses to influencers—could pay you to save them time and enhance their social media presence. With the burgeoning need for consistent and strategic social media engagement, there’s a significant demand for automation. For those with a knack for technology and marketing, starting a social media automation business can be both a lucrative and fulfilling endeavor.
Why start a social media automation business?
- Effortless management for clients: You could save your clients valuable time by automating their social media interactions and scheduling posts.
- High demand: With the ever-growing importance of social media, businesses and influencers constantly seek automation solutions to streamline their activities.
- Combines tech and creativity: This business allows you to leverage your technical skills and creativity, merging them into a profitable venture.
For a deeper dive into success stories and marketing ideas, check out Starter Story's additional insights on launching a social media automation business here.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
9. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
Starting a dropshipping business could be an excellent opportunity for video game enthusiasts, leveraging your passion into a profitable venture. By focusing on gaming-related products such as accessories, collectibles, and apparel, you could curate a niche store that resonates with fellow gamers. Platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce make it relatively easy to set up your online store, allowing you to spend more time on marketing and customer service to grow your business. Plus, by not holding inventory, you could mitigate upfront costs and focus on what really matters: connecting with your audience and sharing your love for gaming.
Check out some inspiring success stories and tips to start your own dropshipping business here.
Why start a dropshipping business?
- You could turn your gaming passion into a business by selling gaming-related products.
- It requires minimal upfront investment since you won’t hold any inventory.
- With a good marketing strategy, you could grow your brand and tap into the massive gaming community.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
10. Start an email marketing tool ($992K/month)
Starting an email marketing tool business could be a great fit for video game enthusiasts looking to combine their passion with a tech-savvy venture. As someone who's familiar with the gaming community, you can tailor your email marketing tool to specifically address the needs of game developers, publishers, and streamer influencers. You already understand the importance of engagement and community within gaming, translating that insight into helping others grow their online presence.
With the email marketing industry expected to reach $2.53B by 2028, there's substantial potential to carve out a niche. Making an email marketing tool is not just about the tech—it's about empowering entrepreneurial-minded folks to connect more effectively with their audience. You could create and automate campaigns that increase sales, generate leads, and manage bulk emails with ease. For more in-depth insights, check out this starter story.
Why start an email marketing tool?
- You could leverage your understanding of community engagement from gaming to create specialized marketing solutions.
- It's a booming industry with endless opportunities, expected to be worth $2.53B by 2028.
- You can help other entrepreneurs and businesses grow, making it a rewarding and profitable side venture or full-time business.
How much you can make: $120 — $20,833,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.
11. Start a niche investment platform ($167K/month)
Creating a niche investment platform can be a lucrative venture for video game enthusiasts looking to monetize their passion and expertise. By tapping into specialized asset classes, such as gaming-related collectibles or cryptocurrencies, you could offer a unique investment opportunity that aligns with your interests while appealing to like-minded individuals. The platform could generate consistent revenue through transaction fees and premium subscriptions.
Why start a niche investment platform?
- You could leverage your gaming knowledge to create a specialized and engaging investment ecosystem.
- The platform offers asset diversification, which is attractive to investors seeking alternatives to traditional markets.
- By focusing on a niche, you could build a loyal and exclusive user base, enhancing long-term business sustainability.
To learn more about the possibilities and requirements of starting a niche investment platform, check out some tips here.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.
12. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
Starting a print-on-demand business can be a smart move if you're a video game enthusiast looking to monetize your passion. By creating custom game-themed apparel, phone cases, and merchandise, you could make extra money without the need for initial inventory investment. Using platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy as your storefronts, you could reach a global audience and build a scalable business from the comfort of your home.
Why start a print-on-demand business?
- You could turn your love for video games into income by designing products that appeal to fellow gaming fans.
- With minimal startup costs, you could easily experiment with different designs and trends to see what sells best.
- Running a print-on-demand business allows you to focus on creativity and design rather than dealing with inventory and shipping logistics.
Learn more by clicking here.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
13. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business could be an exciting venture for a video game enthusiast. By curating a monthly collection of gaming-related items, you could create a unique and engaging product that keeps your customers eagerly awaiting each new box. From exclusive collectibles to limited-edition merchandise and game-themed snacks, the possibilities for what you include are endless. Check out our subscription box business success stories for inspiration.
Why start a subscription box business?
- You could capitalize on the high demand for gaming paraphernalia with a dedicated, passionate audience.
- Curating and sharing exclusive, niche products allows you to connect with fellow gamers on a deeper level.
- Subscription models provide a predictable income stream, making financial management simpler.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
14. Develop a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
As a video game enthusiast, harnessing your tech-savvy nature to create a lead generation tool could open up lucrative opportunities. A lead generation tool helps businesses identify and capture potential customer leads, streamlining their marketing efforts by automating client searches. By leveraging your familiarity with technology and problem-solving, you could develop a platform that integrates seamlessly with websites, social media, and other digital touchpoints, gathering essential data such as email addresses and interests that businesses need to convert leads into sales.
The demand for efficient lead generation tools is consistently high, making it an excellent side business or even a full-time venture. Companies of all sizes are eager to invest in tools that simplify the lead generation process, allowing them to focus more on conversion and less on manual labor. If you're interested in learning more about starting a lead generation tool business, check out the detailed insights and startup costs here.
Why develop a lead generation tool?
- The demand for effective lead generation tools is high, offering significant income potential.
- Utilizing your tech skills to simplify complex business processes can make you an invaluable asset to any company.
- Developing such a tool allows you to merge your passion for technology with a profitable business venture.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Dux-Soup is a LinkedIn automation tool that helps business owners and sales & marketing professionals generate more leads, increase efficiency, and save time; with over 70,000 users and revenue of nearly $5 million, it offers automated top-of-the-funnel LinkedIn outreach activities, targeted LinkedIn campaigns and multi-touch & personalized LinkedIn drip campaigns for lead generation.
15. Start a cold email service business ($170K/month)
Starting a cold email service business could be a valuable venture for video game enthusiasts who are looking to supplement their income or begin a side business. With your strategic mindset and ability to engage through compelling writing—skills often honed by understanding complex game narratives and in-game communication—you could create targeted email campaigns for businesses. By researching target audiences and analyzing client needs, you can use email marketing tools to track effective metrics like open rates and conversions.
Why start a cold email service business?
- Your strategic thinking can easily translate into crafting engaging email campaigns.
- Familiarity with digital tools and analytics from gaming can help in tracking email performance effectively.
- The scalability is high; you could start with small businesses and expand as your clientele grows.
For more details on starting a cold email service business, check out some success stories.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $450,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)
How long does it take to build: 35 days (?)
GMass, an email marketing platform that allows users to send cold emails and email marketing campaigns with Gmail, has attracted over 500,000 user signups, including major tech companies like Uber, LinkedIn, and Google, and now generates over $200K in monthly recurring revenue through a successful content marketing strategy and focused ad spend.
16. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
As a video game enthusiast, starting a WordPress plugin business could be a clever avenue for incorporating your passion into a side hustle or even a full-fledged business. Leveraging your gaming knowledge, you could develop plugins that enhance gaming blogs, e-commerce sites selling game-related merchandise, or community forums. By solving common issues or enhancing user experience with your plugins, you will not only generate extra income but also contribute positively to the gaming community.
Why start a WordPress plugin business?
- Combine passions: You could merge your love for gaming and technology by creating plugins tailored for game-specific websites.
- Passive income: Once developed and listed, WordPress plugins can continuously generate income with minimal ongoing effort.
- Community support: By addressing the needs of the gaming community, you could build a loyal user base eager to see more of your innovative solutions.
For more guidance and ideas on starting your own WordPress plugin business, check out this detailed guide on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $120 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Wheely Sales CEO Josh created a lucky wheel popup that has grown revenue from $0 to $600/month in just 4 months since getting started and has attracted over 1.1 million users to his customers’ websites, all while proving that when it comes to creating a product, competition is validation.
17. Create an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
With the explosion of modern technology, starting a business centered around an AI writing tool can be a profitable venture. As a video game enthusiast, you could leverage your unique knowledge in the gaming industry to create a specialized AI tool that generates content for game reviews, walkthroughs, or narrative scripts. This could cater to other gamers, bloggers, and even indie game developers who require consistent, high-quality content. Developing an AI writing tool not only positions you as a pioneer in the industry but also opens up numerous avenues for income generation.
Why create an AI writing tool?
- You'll ride the wave of future innovation by integrating artificial intelligence into content creation.
- You'll address the high demand for constant, quality content, especially in niche areas like gaming.
- You could generate passive income by providing a tool that users subscribe to monthly, making writing more efficient for them.
For more insights on the benefits and startup costs of creating an AI writing tool, check out this detailed guide on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
Rytr, a new AI writing assistant developed by a startup platform and business incubator, has become a market leader, serving over 300,000 customers across the world and doing seven figures in ARR.
18. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
If you're a video game enthusiast with an eye for detail and a knack for capturing stunning visuals, starting a stock photography business could be a lucrative side hustle or full-time endeavor. By utilizing your in-game screenshot skills or embarking on virtual photography missions within various games, you could build an impressive portfolio of unique and eye-catching images. Stock photos are in high demand for marketing, advertising, and content creation, providing you with a steady source of passive income as your photos get licensed out for use.
Why start a stock photography business? - You could turn your hobby into an income stream by leveraging your gaming expertise to capture high-quality, unique images. - Building a diverse portfolio allows you to tap into various markets, ranging from websites to bloggers who need engaging visuals. - Unlike many businesses, stock photography can generate passive income, allowing you to earn money even when you're not actively working.
For a deeper dive into this exciting opportunity, check out some success stories here.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
19. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Harness your passion as a video game enthusiast by starting an affiliate marketing business. This venture allows you to earn money by promoting video game products, accessories, and services you genuinely love. Not only do you get to share your expertise and favorite finds with fellow gamers, but you could also build a steady stream of passive income over time. You could check out some success stories at Starter Story to get inspired.
Why consider affiliate marketing?
- You could earn commissions by promoting products you already use and love.
- You will have the flexibility to work from anywhere, freeing up time to play and explore new games.
- Helping fellow gamers discover great products will make you a trusted voice in the gaming community.
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
