Hello there Sea Changers. Today we head into our basements to a world of junk food, smelly teenagers and the soothing glow of an electronic screen with my 10 video game affiliate programs to control this year. My name is Paul and I have been making money in the affiliate marketing game for the past decade and have created this site to assist those of you looking to do the same.
With the advancement of internet based technologies and online gaming, it makes sense that this niche is a popular one. However there is also a rather healthy market for those looking to promote the related hardware required by gamers the world over as well.
- Gamestop
- newegg
- G2Deal
- CDKeys
- green man gaming
- KontrolFreek
- Chairs4Gaming
- Astro Gaming
- JJGames.com
- GameFly
That's right! Wealthy Affiliate provided me with all of the tools and training I needed to get this post in front of my audience - a.k.a YOU!
You too can start your very own online business here that can make you money from anywhere in the world!!
As I run through them, I am keeping in mind that there are quite a few sub niches to choose from with a large variation of affiliate programs available. So how have I picked my best 10? Well… I really just wanted to give you a good cross section of what is out there so I did some searching around and checked a few out and chose them by looking at:
- What they offer
- Commission rates
- Payment terms
- Cookie duration
- Application processes
- Affiliate/Marketing materials provided
Video Game Affiliate Programs
As we know, gamers will spend money online if it can make their lives easier so as long as you are solving problems, then you are on the right track. And to give you a boost, let's have a look at 10 best gaming affiliate programs that I have found below:
1. Gamestop
Let's start with Gamestop, a site that encompasses a massive range of new and used video game related products making it perfect for general gaming sites.
Their entire range is too large to list here but does include:
- Games
- Consoles
- Accessories
- Toys and collectables
- Electronics
- Movies
- Clothing
In fact, if your site is aimed at the true video game nerd, there are so many cross selling opportunities here that it is a must use site. There is also enough content here to allow for some great review posts as well as some good priced items to allow for greater revenue from your links.
Commission Rate: up to 4%
Payment Terms: Monthly
Cookie Duration: 45 Days.
Application required?: Yes – Gamestop's affiliate program is managed by Rakuten. You will be required to apply for an account, set up your network and then for the Gamestop affiliate program. You will need to enter personal and website information as well as promotional plans and platforms to be used.
Marketing material provided: Ready-to-use banners, text links, product ads, data feed
2. newegg
Whilst newegg could possibly be classified more as an electronics site rather than a gaming one, it carries so much gaming equipment that I have included it here as it definitely carries enough products for many general and specific gaming niche sites such as:
- Platform specific gaming (X-Box, PlayStation etc.)
- PC gaming
- Accessories for all
- Games – new and used
- Retro consoles
- VR
The real advantage to this site – apart from its huge range of gaming products – is the ability to branch out into some great high ticket items and cross sells. This could include reviewing the best televisions to use with an X-Box or trying different consoles on different TVs etc. If you are in the PC gaming niche, there is also ample opportunity with this site to run through the entire PC setup process including equipment, operating system software and PC components as well.
Commission Rate: Starting at 2.5%
Payment Terms: Monthly
Cookie Duration: Not stated
Application required?: Yes, newegg’s affiliate program is managed by Rakuten. You will be required to apply for an account then for the newegg affiliate program. You will need to enter personal and website information as well as promotional plans and platforms to be used.
Marketing material provided: Banners and Text Links, RSS feeds, deep linking available
3. G2Deal
G2Deal is an online gaming site providing access to:
- PC Games
- X-Box live cards
- PSN codes
- Time cards for online games
- Cloud and software keys.
They also provide access to anti-virus software as well as Microsoft Office codes allowing for some extra cross selling on your gaming site.
Commission Rate: 5%
Payment Terms: Monthly
Cookie Duration: 30days
Application required?: Yes – basic personal information, promotional website and key shop information required.
Marketing material provided: Text links and banners
4. CDKeys
Another very popular site for online gaming purchase covering all of the big brand games including the latest and greatest is cdkeys.com. All games are offered at discounted prices giving you a great range if you are targeting the budget conscious gamers who want the latest games without paying full price.
If you are in the pure game niche then the blog and coming soon pages on this site will be of great assistance for reviews of all the popular and upcoming games to then refer your readers to the discounted pricing available.
Commission Rate: 5%
Payment Terms: Weekly – Monthly
Cookie Duration: Not stated
Application required?: Yes – basic personal and website information required
Marketing material provided: Text links, banners and widgets
5. green man gaming
green man gaming is all about PC gaming that appears to steer away from the mainstream with a decent range of options for online purchase.
As above, this site might be a good one to look at if you are focusing on alternatives to the X-Box and PlayStation goliaths with its Indie games, bundles and add-ons and if your niche covers PC and VR equipment then this site would also make for some good cross selling opportunities. There is also a great blog and news page as well as an online forum to give you a world of post and review ideas as well as a place to send readers for more information.
Commission Rate:
5% – first time buyers
2% – return buyers
Payment Terms: 3 Monthly
Cookie Duration: Permanent
Application required?: Yes – green man gaming's affiliate program is managed by CJ Affiliates. You will be required to apply for an account and then for the green man gaming affiliate program. You will need to enter personal and website information as well as promotional plans and platforms to be used.
Marketing material provided: Access text links, ad banners
That's right! Wealthy Affiliate provided me with all of the tools and training I needed to get this post in front of my audience - a.k.a YOU!
You too can start your very own online business here that can make you money from anywhere in the world!!
6. KontrolFreek
If your readers are in desperate need of performance thumbsticks – especially if they are branded with their favourite games, then KontrolFreek is a must for your site.
Whilst there is probably not enough on this site to sustain a complete niche, there are some great cross selling opportunities here especially if you are reviewing certain games. Each game is represented with advice on which of the following products is best suited for it:
- Performance thumbsticks
- Controller grips
- Precision rings
They also offer a smaller range of accessories such as extra long USB cables and gaming lights. There is a good blog and plenty of information in regards to how these products work and their benefits to the avid gamer.
Commission Rate: Variable dependent upon sales volume.
Payment Terms: Monthly.
Cookie Duration: 7 Days.
Application required?: Yes – Personal, website, social media and promotional strategies required.
Marketing material provided: Text links and banners
Note: To be accepted into the KontrolFreek affiliate program you will need:
- A minimum of 15,000 followers on your social channels.
- Be constantly uploading or streaming to show off your favourite performance thumbsticks or grip!
- To use KontrolFreek products and be able to share the benefits you see with your followers.
7. Chairs4Gaming
Now we all know that some gamers like to play for a good deal of time – hours and hours in fact. So, if you wish to help them do so in comfort, then check out Chairs4Gaming.
This is another great cross selling site especially for those looking to market the entire gaming experience with the ability here to promote:
- Gaming chairs – for a number of genres
- Gaming desks – to go with the chairs of course
- Footrests and other accessories.
There is also a great information section fully outlining each product and what it is best for. Again, this site is probably not one to build a site around alone, but as a means of getting amongst some higher ticketed items and well-rounded cross selling opportunities it is well worth a look.
Commission Rate: 10%
- Ongoing ranking system based on number of sales providing cash bonuses and free products (e.g. a free gaming chair provided for those making 10 sales)
Payment Terms: Monthly.
Cookie Duration: 30 days
Application required?: Yes – Basic personal and website information required.
Marketing material provided: Text links and banner ads – custom links available after first sale.
8. Astro Gaming
With more and more gaming taking place within the online world these days, many gamers are looking for the best communications' equipment that they can find to truly enhance their experience and abilities to play well with others. Astro Gaming is a great little site for your portfolio if you are looking to add this as a cross selling opportunity
Whilst this site is not big enough to have as your only program, it is a great one to add for many other niches such as specific consoles, online gaming or gaming technologies.
Commission Rate: 5%
Payment Terms: Monthly
Cookie Duration: 180 Days.
Application required?: Yes – Astro Gaming's affiliate program is managed by Avantlink. You will be required to apply for an account and then for the Astro Gaming affiliate program. You will need to enter personal and website information as well as promotional plans and platforms to be used.
Marketing material provided: Banners, Ads, Text Links, RSS Feeds
9. JJGames.com
Is your site all about the retro? If so, JJGames.com is a great site to incorporate into your posts.
The advantages to this site are endless in regards to its current product list of:
- Used consoles – including almost every model of each platform ever made
- Used games – from as little as $1
- Accessories for new and old equipment.
This is great site allowing you to not only review the differences between old and new consoles, but to also set yourself up and the go-to for information and links to accessories for consoles that are no longer available in general retail outlets.
Commission Rate: 8%
Payment Terms: Monthly
Cookie Duration: 15 Days.
Application required?: Yes – JJGames.com's affiliate program is managed by Share-A-Sale. You will be required to apply for an account and then for the JJGames.com affiliate program. You will need to enter personal and website information as well as promotional plans and platforms to be used.
Marketing material provided: Banners, Text Links, product feed
10. GameFly
Gamefly is an online video game rental and sales site providing access to games across all platforms. Oh, and there is also as app to make things a little more mobile friendly.
The beauty of this site, apart from the ability to market games in all genres and categories, is the ability to undertake free trials, which for an affiliate marketer is a priceless way to have a look at these games for reviews and comparisons without expensive purchases.
Commission Rate: $15 – $25 per prepaid trial or subscription, 5 – 10% for console sales
Payment Terms: Monthly
Cookie Duration: Not stated
Application required?: Yes, GameFly's affiliate program is managed by CJ Affiliate. You will be required to apply for an account then for the Gamefly affiliate program. You will need to enter personal and website information as well as promotional plans and platforms to be used.
Marketing material provided: Banners, Text Links
FAQ
What can you sell within the video game niche?
The online sale of video games and equipment is a popular option with possibilities amongst all levels from beginners to professionals alike. Products that can be sold within this niche include general gaming, hardware, software, online gaming, accessories, merchandise and even lessons for those starting out. And most importantly, video gaming falls within the lucrative world of hobbies where we know people will spend cash.
How to find your own affiliate programs
As stated earlier, by outlining the sites above I have really just tried to give you a good cross section of the types of programs that are out there by listing the really good ones in each ‘category'. That does not mean that you cannot find affiliate programs that better suit what it is that you are trying to do within this space – especially as I could never even begin to cover every gaming requirement or sub niche in the one post. Luckily for us, there is a simple way to find these programs online.
All you need to do is enter “affiliate: niche type” into your search engine (substituting ‘niche type‘ for whatever product it is that you are choosing to sell).
We can even dig a little deeper with a more specific sub niche related search say for example x-box
There are gaming related affiliate programs for everything else that we have listed at the top of this page as well – you will just need to have a look around until you find one or two that suit your site. Once you have completed your searches, you can look through and find programs that:
- Relate to your niche/problems that you are solving.
- Have quality products – your brand can be severely damaged if you promote poor quality product.
- Have solid payment and customer service arrangement.
- Pay decent commissions.
- Have good testimonials covering commission payouts and quality of product.
In most cases, you will need to apply for the program before you are allowed to promote their products – don’t take this step lightly or you will be rejected. Affiliate programs will generally want to know:
- Your website name.
- Traffic levels.
- Why you want to join – (so I can make money by selling your Playstations is unfortunately not generally a good enough answer).
- How you plan to promote their products.
Conclusion
So… There are 10 Video Game Affiliate Programs to control this year. I hope it has been helpful for you as you commence your own gaming based affiliate marketing business and as usual, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, need some advice or have any experiences to share. Oh, and especially comment if you have any experience with these, or any other programs as well.
Do you want further assistance with any of the above or need help to build your own gaming based website?
Are you looking for a comprehensive training platform that can give you step by step training, 24/7 support, tools to develop and host your very own gaming based website, ongoing assistance with SEO and social media and access to some of the best affiliate marketing minds on the planet, then click on the following link to read more about Wealthy Affiliate.
Until next time
Have fun
Paul
Note: If you make a purchase from this page, there is a very good chance that I make a commission from it – these commissions do not increase your sale price. This may include sales made via Wealthy Affiliate.