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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. Competitions 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.

How to Make Money

Many gamers leverage YouTube and Twitch to build and monetize their skills. Although there are many ways to profit on YouTube, YouTubers and streamers typically make money from ad revenue and affiliate marketing. Ad revenue comes from Google running ads on videos. Earnings are split between Google and channel owners and paid through AdSense. Companies pay affiliates when their marketing efforts result in sales or leads.

The Top Affiliate Programs

Publishers want to promote the top affiliate programs because they can yield more commissions. It’s as simple as that. Other articles highlight “the best programs,” but most of them include random and unvetted merchants that won’t increase your earnings. Let’s identify what excellent and profitable affiliate programs have in common.

A Generous Percentage-Based or Fixed Commission

Advertisers who pay single to low double-digit commission rates (or who nickel and dime publishers) aren’t worth your consideration. (Note: some industries pay low commission rates because they operate on thin margins.) A commission rate of 20 percent is the benchmark I use, whereas the fixed commission amount will vary.

A Minimum Cookie Length of 30 Days

Giving marketers one or a few days to convert traffic is ridiculous and unfair. By contrast, a 30-day conversion period allows for prospects to become customers and affiliates to get credit for their promotional efforts. Although thirty-day referral periods are a standard industry practice, a minimum of 90 days should be commonplace.

Excellent Affiliate Tracking Software

Affiliate tracking software is the cornerstone of success, and there are good and bad applications. Reliable tracking, user-friendly dashboards, and robust reporting make for excellent user experiences. Activity data—such as impressions, clicks, and conversions—should be available. Applications that omit activity data and reporting make it difficult to track and evaluate performance.

Other Factors

Other factors you should consider are a program’s earnings per click (EPC), payout threshold, deep linking capabilities, and affiliate support. You’ll want to partner with merchants/affiliate managers who are intelligent, fair, responsive, and quick to resolve inquiries. Learn how to choose affiliate products and programs.

Gaming Affiliate Programs

Let’s explore the best gaming affiliate programs. Creators typically promote games, accessories, hardware and software, apparel, and furniture. They might also promote goods in related categories, such as gaming events, health, wellness, food, entertainment, and lifestyle, for example, the nine best gaming conferences to attend this year.

Many of the programs on this list are available on the top affiliate networks, including ShareASale, Impact, CJ Affiliate, and FlexOffers. These programs and networks are excellent for bloggers, YouTubers, beginners, and experienced marketers. A company might not mention an affiliate program on its website but may have one. Merchants typically link to their affiliate programs in their website menus and footers, and some offer programs on multiple networks.

Game Affiliate Programs

• CDkeys – 5%

CDkeys provides you with the best digital codes for the hottest games. Learn about the CDkeys affiliate program.

• Epic Games – 5%

Epic Games is the creator of Fortnite, Unreal, Gears of War, Shadow Complex, and the Infinity Blade series of games. Learn about the Epic Games affiliate program.

• Fanatical – Up to 5%

Fanatical is a top destination for millions of gamers worldwide. It offers more than 5,000 officially licensed game keys from 800+ developers. Learn about the Fanatical affiliate program.

• G2A – 3%

G2A is a gaming marketplace with more than 60,000 products including games, merchandise, electronics, software, accessories, and online courses. Learn about the G2A affiliate program.

• G2deal – 5%

G2deal sells a variety of products such as game activation codes, Xbox Live cards, PSN codes, and more. Learn about the G2deal affiliate program.

• GameFly – Up to 10%

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 about the GameFly affiliate program.

• GamersGate – 5%

GamersGate sells PC and Mac games (4,500+ games) and creates gaming experiences for players worldwide. Learn about the GamersGate affiliate program.

• GamesDeal – Up to 30%

GamesDeal and GameLaden sell a variety of products such as game activation codes, Xbox Live cards, PSN codes, time cards, and software. Learn about the GamesDeal affiliate program.

• GameStop – Up to 4%

GameStop is one of the largest video game retailers. It has an expansive selection of new and pre-owned gaming products and other cool items. Learn about the GameStop affiliate program.

• Green Man Gaming – 5%

Green Man Gaming is a global, multiplatform online videogame store. Learn about the Green Man Gaming affiliate program.

• JJGames – 8%

JJGames is an online retailer of used video games, consoles, and accessories. Learn about the JJGames affiliate program.

• SCDKey – Up to 20%

SCDKey sells a wide variety of products including games, cards, codes, and keys. Learn about the SCDKey affiliate program.

Hardware & Accessories Programs

• Amazon – Up to 10%

Amazon is an ecommerce giant and the second-largest retailer worldwide. It sells gaming products, accessories, hardware, and software. Learn about the Amazon affiliate program.

• Banggood – 12%

Banggood is an online retailer based in China. It boasts more than 70,000 products and claims to be the “best bang for your buck.” Learn about the Banggood affiliate program on ShareASale.

• Best Buy – Up to 6%

Best Buy is a retailer of technology products, services, and solutions. It sells consumer electronics, computers and accessories, entertainment products, and more. Learn about the Best Buy affiliate program.

• Costco – Up to $6

Costco Wholesale is an international chain of membership warehouses that carries quality, brand-name products at substantially lower prices. Learn about the Costco affiliate program on CJ Affiliate.

• Dell – Up to 8%

Dell sells desktops, laptops, monitors, printers, TVs, cell phones, and other popular consumer electronics and accessories. Learn about the Dell affiliate program.

• eBay – 50% to 70%

eBay is an ecommerce company and provides an online auction model in which users can purchase products by bidding and buying at set prices. Learn about the eBay affiliate program.

• GeekBuying – Up to 8%

GeekBuying is a leading ecommerce website that offers a wide range of gadgets and consumer goods globally. Learn about the GeekBuying affiliate program.

• HTC – 4%

HTC sells smartphones, VR headsets (Vive), systems, and accessories for gaming. Learn about the HTC affiliate program on FlexOffers.

• KontrolFreek – Up to 20%

KontrolFreek is a developer of innovative gaming accessories that enhance the gaming experience and give gamers of all skill levels the competitive edge. Learn about the KontrolFreek affiliate program.

• Logitech – 4%

Logitech creates innovative products for computing, gaming, and home entertainment. Learn about the Logitech affiliate program on CJ Affiliate.

• Microsoft – Up to 12%

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 about the Microsoft affiliate program on FlexOffers.

• Newegg – 1%

Newegg offers a wide selection of consumer electronics, entertainment, smart home, and gaming products. Learn about the Newegg affiliate program.

• Origin PC

Origin PC makes the best parts and technology the computer gaming industry has to offer. Learn about the Origin PC affiliate program.

• Razer – Up to 20%

Razer makes award-winning hardware from high-performance gaming peripherals to the Razer Blade line of gaming laptops. Learn about the Razer affiliate program.

• Sennheiser – 6%

Sennheiser makes precision microphone equipment and the headsets. Learn about the Sennheiser affiliate program.

• SteelSeries – 5%

SteelSeries is a leading manufacturer of top-quality gaming peripherals, including headsets, keyboards, mice, controllers, and more. Learn about the SteelSeries affiliate program.

• Tanga – 5%

Tanga is the place to go for daily deals in electronics, games, magazines, t-shirts, toys, jewelry, and more. Learn about the Tanga affiliate program.

• TigerDirect – Up to 3%

TigerDirect is your one-stop-shop for consumer electronics. It offers a variety of gaming hardware and accessories. Learn about the TigerDirect affiliate program.

• Turtle Beach – 4%

Turtle Beach is a leading gaming accessory brand, offering a wide selection of cutting-edge, award-winning gaming headsets. Learn about the Turtle Beach affiliate program.

• Walmart – Up to 4%

Walmart is a multinational retail corporation that operates a chain of discount department and grocery stores. It sells many gaming products instore and online. Learn about the Walmart affiliate program.

Furniture Affiliate Programs

• AKRacing – Up to 5% per sale

AKRacing puts you on the front lines of the gaming chair revolution with fresh designs, bold colors, and high attention to detail. Learn about the AKRacing affiliate program.

• Astro Gaming – 5%

Astro Gaming creates premium video gaming equipment for pro gamers, core enthusiasts and their lifestyles. Learn about the Astro Gaming affiliate program.

• DXRacer – 10%

DXRacer makes high-quality gaming and computer chairs and accessories. Learn about the DXRacer affiliate program.

• Ewin Racing – 10%

Ewin Racing gaming chairs are designed for anyone who can afford and sit for extended periods of time. Learn about the Ewin Racing affiliate program.

• Opseat – $15

Opseat is a premium gaming furniture and lifestyle brand focused on supporting the game. Learn about the Opseat affiliate program.

• Secretlab – Up to 12%

Secretlab makes chairs that are carefully and meticulously designed to keep you seated for long hours while remaining comfortable and healthy. Learn about the Secretlab affiliate program.

Other Affiliate Programs

• Declutrr – Up to 10%

Decluttr is the fast, easy, and free way to sell cell phones, tech, CDs, DVDs, and games. Learn about the Declutrr affiliate program.

• Kinguin – Up to 10%

Kinguin provides sellers and buyers with the possibility to trade video games on an innovative platform. Learn about Kinguin affiliate program.

• Nvidia – 2%

Nvidia designs and sells graphics processing units (GPUs) for the gaming and professional markets. Learn about the NVIDIA affiliate program.

• Twitch – 5%

Twitch is a popular online service for watching and streaming digital video broadcasts. Learn about the Twitch affiliate program.

*Contact me on LinkedIn to add your affiliate program to the list.