When I first heard about affiliate marketing, I thought it was just YouTubers screaming about VPNs and energy drinks for a paycheck.
But the deeper I got into gaming, content creation, and building this site…
The more I realized this isn’t a side hustle.
It’s a real business model when you do it right.
Some links may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. But these are tools and programs I use or trust, or wish I’d known about sooner.
The Biggest Mistake People Make
Most people treat affiliate marketing like a shortcut.
Spam links. Push random products. Hope for money.
That’s why most people fail.
What Actually Works for Gamers
The people making money with affiliate marketing usually do a few things really well.
1. Recommending Stuff You Actually Use
Trust matters more than commissions. If you wouldn’t buy it yourself, don’t promote it. People can smell BS from a mile away. This is Why Building a Community Beats Going Viral!
What works?
- Your gaming setup – Monitors, headsets, keyboards, mice (stuff you actually use and can vouch for).
- Games & in-game content – If a game has an affiliate program (like Steam or Green Man Gaming), you can make money just by recommending games you love.
- Services you believe in – Game server hosting, VPNs (if they’re actually useful), coaching platforms, etc.
Example: I love my Acer Nitro Monitor for the price. It’s not the best in the world, but for what I paid, it’s a killer deal. That’s the kind of honest recommendation people trust.
That’s the difference between recommending something…
and trying to sell something.a
2. High-Traffic Gaming Niches
Some niches make money easier simply because people are already searching for answers. Affiliate marketing is all about traffic. The more eyeballs, the more potential sales. Here are the best gaming niches for making money:
- Gaming gear & setups (monitors, PCs, peripherals, chairs)
- Esports & competitive gaming (ranked play tips, team setups)
- Streaming & content creation (best mics, cameras, streaming software)
- Game reviews & guides (if you can rank on Google or YouTube, you win)
If you create content in any of these areas, you can add affiliate links naturally without sounding like an infomercial.
Check out how I added links naturally in Keyboard vs Controller: Does It Matter?.
If you’re creating content on gaming gear, tools like the OBSBot are easy to recommend.
3. Big Affiliate Programs That Actually Pay
Some affiliate programs pay pennies. Others can quietly turn into real income over time.
The key is finding programs that actually fit your content instead of trying to promote everything at once.
Amazon Associates
Huge product selection and easy to start with.
Reality:
The commissions are low (usually 1–3%), but the volume adds up fast if you’re consistently recommending gaming gear, setups, and accessories.
Best for: Gaming setups, peripherals, accessories, and beginner affiliate marketers
Best Buy Affiliate
Solid option for gaming PCs, monitors, and tech gear.
Reality:
Sometimes the payouts are better than Amazon, especially on bigger purchases like monitors or laptops.
Best for: Tech-focused gaming content and setup blogs
GameStop Affiliate
Great if you already talk about game releases, controllers, or console gaming.
Reality:
This works best when it fits naturally into your content instead of forcing random game links everywhere.
Best for: Console gaming content and game recommendations
Green Man Gaming
Digital game sales are one of the easiest affiliate recommendations in gaming.
Reality:
If you already talk about games you’re playing, this is an easy and natural fit.
Best for: Game reviews, recommendations, and “what I’m playing” content
Streamlabs
Perfect for streamers and content creators.
Reality:
These work best if you’re actively creating content and showing people how you stream, edit, or improve their setup.
Best for: Streaming tutorials, creator content, and beginner setup guides
Hostinger / Bluehost / SiteGround
This is where affiliate payouts can get serious.
Reality:
Website hosting pays way more than most gaming products, but only if you genuinely understand and use the platforms you recommend.
Best for: Bloggers, gaming websites, Discord communities, and long-term creators
What I’d Focus On
If I were starting today, I wouldn’t sign up for 20 different programs.
I’d focus on:
- Amazon Associates
- One or two gaming-specific programs
- One higher-ticket program like hosting or creator tools
That’s more than enough to get started.
Most people don’t need more affiliate programs.
They need better content.
4. YouTube & Blogging = Long-Term Money
Short-form content gets attention.
Long-form content builds assets.
Affiliate marketing only works if people see your links, and the best way to get free traffic is through:
- YouTube (guides, reviews, gameplay tips)
- Blogging (SEO-driven content like Gaming Setups For Every Budget)
- Short-term? TikTok and Instagram Reels can drive traffic fast.
- Long-term? Blog posts and YouTube videos keep earning for years.
What’s a Waste of Time?
Here’s where most people burn themselves out.
1. Spamming Affiliate Links Everywhere
Randomly dropping affiliate links everywhere doesn’t work.
If nobody trusts you, nobody clicks.
2. Sketchy “High Ticket” Programs
If a program claims you’ll make $500 per sale, it’s probably a scam or a pyramid scheme. Stick to legit brands and products you’d actually recommend.
3. Chasing Every New Affiliate Program
Most people don’t need more affiliate programs.
They need better content.
Pick 3-5 solid ones and focus.
Skip Sketchy Programs, Stick With brands that pay like SiteGround
Try to keep in mind, The Algorithm Isn’t the Enemy.. Expectations Are.
If I Were Starting Today, Here’s My Plan
Most people quit before affiliate marketing has time to work.
That’s the real problem.
- Pick a niche that actually fits my content (gaming setups, ranked play guides, esports gear, etc.)
- Sign up for Amazon Associates and a couple of gaming-specific programs.
- Create content first, then add affiliate links where they make sense.
- Stick with it for at least 6 months before expecting big results.
Affiliate marketing is slow…
until it isn’t.
That’s why consistency matters more than hype.