Gaming is one of the most popular and profitable niches in affiliate marketing. As an industry worth over $150 billion, it offers huge earning potential for publishers and affiliates. This guide will explore the world of gaming affiliates – who they are, how they work, the types of programs available, and most importantly, the top gaming affiliate programs you should consider joining.
Who Are Gaming Affiliates?
Gaming affiliates connect affiliate programs with potential customers to promote games and gaming products. In return, they earn attractive commissions.
Gaming affiliates include:
- Gamers
- Bloggers
- Content creators
- Streamers
- Influencers
- Website owners
They leverage their audience and followers to drive traffic and sales for gaming merchant programs. Based on predefined commission structures, they earn percentages of resulting sales or actions like signups, downloads etc.
With over 2.8 billion gamers across the world, it is an extremely lucrative industry for affiliates.
Why Join Gaming Affiliate Programs
Here are some of the major benefits of joining gaming affiliate programs:
High Commissions
Gaming offers some of the most generous commission rates in affiliate marketing, ranging from 25% to even 75% per sale. Rates vary based on merchant, product type and more.
High Demand
Gaming products from video games to merch are always in demand. This ensures steady traffic and conversions for affiliates.
Engaged Audiences
Gamers spend a lot of time and money on their passion. They actively engage with gaming content and are receptive to relevant recommendations.
Variety
There is an endless variety of products to promote. Popular ones include games, gaming PCs & accessories, guides & courses, merch and collectibles.
Recurring Revenue
Subscription products like guides and courses allow affiliates to earn recurring monthly commissions.
Types of Gaming Affiliate Programs
There are two major types of gaming affiliate programs:
Business Affiliate Programs
These target website owners who can promote gaming merchants through content, ads, product listings etc. Commissions earned depend on the amount of traffic driven and its quality.
Influencer Affiliate Programs
Popular with streamers, YouTubers and influencers in the gaming niche. They leverage their audience to promote affiliate links, coupon codes and gaming products verbally and through overlays & descriptions.
Now let‘s look at 16 handpicked gaming affiliate programs that offer great commission rates and high earning potential.
1. Nvidia
Commission Rate: Up to 5%
Nvidia‘s affiliate program allows you to earn commissions by driving traffic and sales for their popular graphic cards, processors and other cutting-edge gaming hardware.
You get access to text links, banners, and other promotional assets. Payouts depend on product type and average order value. Sign up is free and easy to get started.
2. Green Man Gaming
Commission Rate: 5%
Green Man Gaming is a digital video game retailer with an engaged community of gamers. You can promote game titles across various platforms and earn 5% for every transaction driven.
They offer slick banners, text links and exclusive promotions to help drive conversions. You can join for free and access your real-time stats anytime.
3. Adtogame
Commission Structure: CPA/CPI/CPL
Adtogame offers flexible commission models – CPA, CPI and CPL. So whether you drive app installs, leads or sales, you can earn commissions your way.
They have a great gaming deals and offer walls along with push notifications to maximize conversions. All creatives and promo tools provided free of cost.
4. 2Game
Commission Rate: Up to 5%
2Game offers instant delivery of gaming keys at the lowest prices. Join their program to access attractive banners and text links to promotions.
You earn commissions on all qualifying game and DLC sales. They offer additional earnings through a loyalty program and deals on your favorite games.
5. GameStop
Commission Structure: Commission on purchases & click-throughs
As one of the world‘s largest gaming and entertainment retailers, GameStop‘s program offers extensive reach across their ecosystem – stores, websites, apps, etc.
You earn commissions when referrals purchase video games, gaming merchandise and more. Exclusive creatives and promotions provided to power conversions.
6. GameFly
Commission Rates:
- $5-$15 per signup/subscription
- Up to 10% of all qualifying game purchases
GameFly is a top game rental service. Their program pays $5-$15 for every new member you refer via a special link. You also earn up to 10% commission on used game/accessory sales.
They provide text links, banners, social posts and more to help drive conversions. Real-time reporting allows to track earnings.
7. Razer
Commission Rate: Up to 10%
Razer is a leading gaming gear and peripherals brand worldwide. Their affiliate program allows you to earn commissions by referring your audience to purchase Razer products.
You get access to their slick gaming creatives and promotional elements like text links and coupons. Payouts via PayPal on reaching the $50 minimum threshold.
8. Xsolla
Commission Rate: Revenue share basis
Xsolla powers payments and commerce for major game developers and publishers. Their affiliate program offers attractive commissions for driving sales and user actions.
Available for all types of affiliates and content creators. Offers intuitive performance tracking dashboard and dedicated affiliate manager support.
9. Kinguin
Commission Rate: 0.25% to 5%
Kinguin is a digital marketplace for game keys, gift cards and software licenses. They offer a 3-tier commission structure, allowing you to earn more as you drive higher volumes.
Just share your unique referral link through your website, YouTube channel, forums etc. and earn on all referred purchases and subscriptions.
10. CrakRevenue
Commission Rate: Up to 75% revenue share + bonuses
CrakRevenue manages premium offers and campaigns for 18+ gaming merchants. Their program promises some of the highest payouts in gaming affiliate space.
In addition to attractive commission rates, you also get bonuses for top performance. They provide a great range of creatives and marketing tools as well.
11. SkyTech Gaming
Commission Rate: Competitive rates per sale
SkyTech Gaming manufactures top-quality, custom-built gaming PCs. Promote their gaming desktops and Build Your Own PC configurator to earn generous commissions from resulting sales.
Joining their program is very easy and completely free. The only requirement is to follow their guidelines and be an active affiliate.
12. Logitech
Commission Rate: 4% to 10%
Logitech, the leading manufacturer of gaming mice, headsets, controllers and more offers attractive commissions to affiliates.
Generate tracked links and showcase banners, videos and texts on your site. Earn 4% to 10% commissions based on a 90-day cookie period.
13. Zygor Guides
Commission Rates:
- 50% on frontend products
- Up to $42.99 per subscription
Zygor Guides creates guides and addons for popular games like World of Warcraft, Elder Scrolls Online etc.
Their affiliate program pays 50% commission on frontend purchases and up to $42.99 per month long subscriber. They provide readymade creatives and promo tools.
14. Fanatical
Commission Rate: 5%
Fanatical is a licensed digital video game retailer with the mission to provide the best online shopping experience at unbeatable prices.
Their affiliate program offers 5% commission on eligible game sales. Quick access to banners, videos and text links to promote their constantly updated catalog of cheap game deals.
15. Wargaming
Commission Rate: Up to $12 CPA
Wargaming operates popular MMO games like World of Tanks, World of Warships etc. Publishers can earn attractive CPAs for driving registrations and other key conversions.
Offer details and payouts may vary depending on user geography. Signup process involves a quick review before approval.
16. Twitch
Commission Structure: Revenue share basis
The world‘s leading live streaming platform offers its established gaming broadcasters the ability to monetize their channels through ads, subscription, and Bit campaigns.
Payouts are calculated basis a net-60 revenue share model. In-depth analytics provided to track performance.
Minimum eligibility requires having streamed 500+ minutes in the past 30 days and 50+ average viewers in the past 60 days.
Tips to Maximize Earnings from Gaming Affiliates
Here are some tips to help you maximize your affiliate income in the lucrative gaming vertical:
Choose merchant partners carefully – Compare commission rates, cookie periods, payment terms etc. to pick the most profitable ones. Join both CPS and recurring commission models.
Leverage promotions – Time promotions like new product launches, festive sales etc. with special coupon codes to boost conversion rates.
Target engaged audiences – Zero in on niches like RPG, shooter, battle royale fans who are more likely to purchase frequently.
Create gaming content – Build trust by publishing genuine entertainment and informational content instead of overt ads.
Promote new releases – Newly launched games see a lot of buzz and conversions. Make the most of it.
Conclusion
I hope this detailed guide gives you a comprehensive overview of gaming affiliate marketing and helps you identify and shortlist the best gaming affiliate programs for high earnings and commissions.
Gaming is slated to be a $200 billion+ industry by 2023. That along with rising interest in affiliate marketing presents a tremendous opportunity for content creators and website owners to capitalize on this growth.
As you explore the various options, do share your favourite gaming affiliate programs with us. And be sure to try out the ones listed above to turbocharge your affiliate revenue.
Happy gaming and happy earnings!
