Last updated on January 19, 2021
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Many years ago, I was a gamer. I played Street Fighter, Mario Go-Kart, and Zelda daily on my Super Nintendo Entertainment System (Super NES). My Street Fighter skills were superior to most (if you don’t mind me saying).
Gaming has changed a lot since the days of Super NES and Sega Genesis. Increased demand and the internet have helped the video game industry to reach annual sales of 100 billion-plus. The internet enables gamers to connect globally and play together in real-time.
Esports is another exciting development. Esports (also known as electronic sports, e-sports, or eSports) is a form of competition using video games. Tournaments feature organized, multiplayer video game events between professional players. Millions of people worldwide watch esports, and the market is growing. The increase in interest has even garnered attention and investment from basketball legend Michael Jordan.
Affiliate Marketing
A gaming affiliate forms partnerships with gaming companies to promote their products and services. To make additional income, many gamers, streamers, and content creators promote games, accessories, hardware, software, apparel, and furniture as affiliate marketers. They might also promote goods in related categories, such as gaming events, health, wellness, food, entertainment, and lifestyle. For example, Joe, a Fortnite gamer, writes about the nine best gaming conferences to attend this year.
Gaming affiliates typically promote products and services on YouTube and their websites. On YouTube, placing affiliate links in video descriptions is standard. On websites and blogs, marketers will market goods in their articles and ad banners. There are also opportunities to promote items through email marketing and on social media networks, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Best Gaming Affiliate Programs
Let’s review the best PC, video, and gaming affiliate programs. Advertisers typically have a 30-day cookie duration, which gives you enough time to get credit for sales. Outside of gaming companies; many online retailers and department stores have affiliate programs, such as Amazon, Walmart, eBay, Best Buy, AlixExpress, and Target.
Most merchants and affiliate networks default to payment thresholds of $50 (or the local equivalent). Once affiliates meet that amount, commissions will be processed and sent to them via bank EFT, PayPal, Stripe, wire, or cheque. Bank and PayPal payments are the two most common methods.
1. Acer
Acer’s product range includes laptop and desktop PCs, tablets, smartphones, monitors, projectors, and cloud solutions. Learn more and join the Acer affiliate program.
- Cost per action (CPA): Cost per sale
- Commission rate: 4%
- Cookie duration: 14 days
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
2. Astro Gaming
Astro Gaming sells gaming headsets, controllers, and accessories for PS4, Xbox, PCs, and Macs. Learn more and join the Astro Gaming affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per sale
- Commission rate: 5%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: Impact and AvantLink
3. CDkeys
CDkeys provides you with the best digital codes for the hottest games. Learn more and join the CDkeys affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per sale
- Commission rate: 5%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: Post Affiliate Pro and CJ Affiliate
4. Corsair
Corsair provides gaming keyboards, mice, headsets, and mousepads to eSports professionals and anyone passionate about PC gaming. Learn more and join the Corsair affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per sale
- Commission rate: Up to 1%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
5. Dell and Alienware
Dell sells desktops, laptops, monitors, printers, TVs, cell phones, and other consumer electronics and accessories. Dell’s Alienware brand is specifically for gamers. Learn more and join the Dell affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per sale
- Commission rate: 1.5%
- Cookie duration: 3 days
- Affiliate software/network: FlexOffers and CJ Affiliate
6. Epic Games and Fortnite
Epic Games is a video game and software developer and publisher based in Cary, North Carolina. It’s the maker of Fortnite. Epic Games has a support-a-creator program, not an affiliate program. Here’s how it works:
- Apply: Sign in with your Epic account, tell us about your channels, and accept the terms. Check that you meet the eligibility requirements.
- Create & Share: Once you’re accepted, share your links and tags to grow your supporters.
- Earn: You’ll earn money from your supporter’s purchases.
7. GameFly
GameFly is a leading online video game rental service in the United States. It sells games for all the major consoles, PCs, and Macs. Learn more and join the GameFly affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per sale and cost per lead
- Commission rate: Up to 10%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
8. GameStop
GameStop is one of the largest video game retailers. It has an expansive selection of new and used gaming products and other tech items. Learn more and join the GameStop affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per sale
- Commission rate: Up to 5%
- Cookie duration: 1 day
- Affiliate software/network: Rakuten Advertising
9. GeekBuying
GeekBuying is a leading ecommerce website that offers a wide range of gadgets and consumer goods globally. Learn more and join the GeekBuying affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per sale
- Commission rate: 8%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale
10. Green Man Gaming
Green Man Gaming is a global, multiplatform online videogame store. Learn more and join the Green Man Gaming affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per sale
- Commission rate: 5%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
11. Logitech
Logitech creates innovative products for computing, gaming, and home entertainment. Learn more and join the Logitech affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per sale
- Commission rate: Up to 4%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
12. Kinguin
Kinguin provides sellers and buyers with the possibility to trade video games on an innovative platform. Learn more and join the Kinguin affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per sale
- Commission rate: 5%
- Cookie duration: 7 days
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
13. Microsoft Gaming
Microsoft sells a broad range of hardware and software, including Xbox gaming consoles, games, apps, songs, music albums, office software, laptops, tablets, and more. Learn more and join the Microsoft affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per sale
- Commission rate: Up to 7%
- Cookie duration: 14 days
- Affiliate software/network: FlexOffers and Rakuten Advertising
14. Nvidia
Nvidia designs and sells graphics processing units (GPUs) for the gaming and professional markets. Learn more and join the NVIDIA affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per sale
- Commission rate: 2%
- Cookie duration: 45 days
- Affiliate software/network: Rakuten Advertising
15. Origin PC
Origin PC makes the best parts and technology the computer gaming industry has to offer. Learn more and join the Origin PC affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per sale
- Commission rate: 2%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
16. Razer
Razer makes award-winning hardware from high-performance gaming peripherals to the Razer Blade line of gaming laptops. Learn more and join the Razer affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per sale
- Commission rate: 3%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
17. SCDKey
SCDKey sells a wide variety of products, including games, cards, codes, and keys. Learn more and join the SCDKey affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per sale
- Commission rate: 8%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale
18. Sega Shop
Sega Shop sells apparel, accessories, collectibles, and home décor based on Sega consoles and games. Learn more and join the Sega Shop affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per sale
- Commission rate: 7%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
19. Turtle Beach
Turtle Beach is a leading gaming accessory brand, offering a wide selection of innovative, award-winning gaming headsets. Learn more and join the Turtle Beach affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per sale
- Commission rate: 4%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
20. Twitch
Twitch is a popular online service for watching and streaming digital video broadcasts. Learn more and join the Twitch affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per sale
- Commission rate: 5%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: In-house custom
21. Ubisoft and Uplay+
The Ubisoft store features over 100 PC games from the hottest franchises, including Assassin’s Creed, Watch Dogs, and Far Cry. Learn more and join the Ubisoft and Uplay+ affiliate programs.
- CPA: Cost per sale
- Commission rate: Up to 3%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
22. WorldWinner
WorldWinner is a cross-platform, skill-based games community that operates competitive cash tournaments for web and mobile platforms. Learn more and join the WorldWinner affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per sale
- Commission rate: $25
- Cookie duration: Session-based
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
23. Zygor Guides
Accomplish more in World of Warcraft with in-game guides for leveling, gold, professions, achievements, and more. Learn more and join the Zygor Guides affiliate program.
- CPA: Cost per sale
- Commission rate: 50%
- Cookie duration: 60 days
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale
Your Next Move
Can you make money with gaming affiliate programs? Yes, you can. The gaming industry is on fire. Secondly, many successful YouTubers are video gamers. They attract millions of subscribers who tune in each day for live streams, strategies, and insights. Alternatively, Twitch attracts millions of visitors daily to watch and chat about gaming.
One drawback of gaming affiliate programs is their low commission rates compared to other niches. Rates are usually in the single to low double digits. That’s the nature of the retail industry, which operates on small margins. On the flip side, high-ticket affiliate programs include merchants that sell expensive goods. Many gaming companies sell high-ticket items like computers, monitors, televisions, and speakers. Therefore, it’s possible to offset low commission rates with large purchases to make a significant income.
You now have an excellent selection of gaming affiliate programs to review. I recommend adding some high-ticket and high-paying affiliate programs to your marketing activities to increase your average commission rate. For instance, many YouTube gamers have fans who are fellow YouTubers. They can promote TubeBuddy, which is a top-rated YouTube channel growth tool. TubeBuddy pays a 50 percent recurring commission rate and is one of many terrific recurring affiliate programs. It’s now time for me to return to kicking butt in Street Fighter.
