PLAYING video games can be a fun way to spend the evening with your mates for many across the world.
But what you could combine the brain stimulating activity with raking money – and cash in a whopping $36 an hour?
Well, according to one TikTok user, Nick Sean, you can turn playing video games – whether that’s Minecraft or Fortnite – into a lucrative side hustle.
”Companies will actually pay you to test their video games for any bugs or glitches,” Nick (@smartincomeinsider) explained in the video.
One company, he found whilst scrolling online, was offering a whopping $9 for every 15 minutes that you play.
Stay online playing the game for an hour – and you will land a hefty £36 cheque.
To start raking in some serious money without having to leave your home, the whizz advised to check out Play Test Cloud, which boasts more than 1.5 million players based all over the world.
It only takes just three steps to join the ever-growing family – submit the sign-up form here and if you’re eligible, the team will send you their qualification test.
Although the test is unpaid, it will teach you how to playtest – an essential part of turning your hobby into a side hustle.
Once you’re qualified, Play Test Cloud will then invite you to playtests – and you can finally start making some money on the side from the comfort of your sofa.
Keep in mind that being a playtester is not a full-time job but more of a fun way to occasionally make some money on the side.
Generally, a 15 minute playtest will have a reward of $9 USD, but if you are ever unsure, please check the invitation email for the reward amount.
The reward payment for each playtest can vary depending on the tasks required during the playtests and the length of the playtest itself.
You can decide whether to join the game and see how much the reward payment is in the invitation email the company sends you.
There might be some playtest where they specifically say it’s okay to speak other languages, but if you don’t see any information about the language you are required to speak, assume that it’s English.
Side hustles and tax implications
Extra income you make from side hustles may need to be reported to the IRS.
If you receive more than $600 in gross payouts from a selling platform like eBay, the site will issue you a Form 1099-K to use in your tax return.
Individuals should calculate their adjusted gross income, taxable earnings, and deductions for the year.
Once they have that, they can use the 1040-ES form to calculate estimated taxes.
There’s no need to be a hardcore gamer either – being a playtester is not about being an expert in the field.
Game developers are looking for a variety of people to give feedback on their games so anyone is free to join, whether you’ve been in the business for years or have never touched a video console.
If you’re a parent, you can also add your kid to the profile and you will receive playtests for the little ones too.
To take part in a playtest with your child, you will need to have them there with you and they must play the game themselves.
Whilst adults can most definitely encourage their child, the company advised to not talk or play for them.
