Is it possible to make real money gaming during your time off? - Holandia

So I’ve been thinking — is it actually realistic to earn money playing games without going full-time pro? Like, not esports-level, but something manageable during free time? Curious if anyone here has done that.

Yeah, totally depends on the type of game and how much time you’re putting in. Some people grind skins in CS:GO or trade items in Dota. Also, platforms like Twitch or YouTube Shorts let you monetize content without being a top-tier player.
For a good general overview, check this out: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Play-to-earn — explains a lot about different models.

I tried the YouTube route. It takes patience but you can get passive views once a few videos pop off. Also been flipping game accounts (legally, of course) for niche games. Not huge money, but it adds up.

That wiki link is actually decent. Never realized there were that many models for monetization.

Interesting! I always thought those play-to-earn models were mostly crypto scams, but it looks like there’s more nuance.

How do you even sell accounts without risking bans?

There are some platforms where it's “grey market” — not officially allowed, but not exactly policed unless you’re doing it recklessly. Stuff like Clash of Clans or old WoW accounts still have value. But yeah, gotta be careful.

If you want safer options, creating guides or even offering coaching for casual players is a decent niche.

Exactly. I’ve actually been using my downtime to make short guides and gameplay clips. A buddy of mine also plays online poker for fun and supplements it with quick wins on skill-based games — surprisingly, he recommended this sweepstakesnetherlands.com as a spot for lighter side hustle-style gaming. Not my thing, but he swears it works for him.

Just be careful — treat it like entertainment, not guaranteed income.

Hmm, that’s pretty wild. I’ve never considered mixing strategy games with actual payouts. Kinda tempting, not gonna lie. But yeah, the risk is real.

Do either of you ever burn out juggling work and these side gaming projects?

All the time. That’s why I only do it a few hours a week, max. It’s more relaxing than scrolling social media, but once it feels like “work,” I pull back. If you’re chasing money too hard, it kills the fun.

100%. Make it a hobby with perks, not a hustle that drains you. Once you enjoy it first, any cash you make feels like a bonus.

Also, don’t sleep on passive content — clips, blog posts, even affiliate links can pay off over time.