Can You Really Earn Money Just by Playing Games?

What Is Swagbucks?

Swagbucks is a get-paid-to (GPT) platform where you earn “SB points” for doing things like:

• Watching videos

• Completing surveys

• Shopping online

• And yep—playing games

Those SB points can then be converted into PayPal cash or gift cards (Amazon, Tesco, Starbucks, etc.). The gaming side of Swagbucks typically involves downloading partner games and completing certain tasks, like reaching a level or making an in-game purchase, to earn your rewards.

🎯 How Playing Games for Money on Swagbucks Works

Swagbucks partners with gaming apps—usually free-to-play games with in-app purchases. You’ll see offers like:

• “Earn 2,500 SB for reaching Level 15 in this match-3 game in 10 days”

• “Get 1,000 SB for making your first in-game purchase in [insert city-building game]”

The catch? You often need to grind hard or spend money to meet the offer’s criteria.

✅ The Good Stuff

1. Easy to Start

No fancy setup required. You just need a phone or tablet and a Swagbucks account.

2. Can Be Genuinely Fun

You’re playing actual games, not boring mini-surveys. If you’re someone who enjoys casual games, it can feel like a bonus getting paid to do something you’d do anyway.

3. Some Offers Pay Well

Certain offers (especially new game launches) offer 1,000–5,000 SB (£7–£35) for completing challenges. If you find a good one, it can be a solid little side-earner.

4. No Upfront Cost

Most games are free to download. You don’t need to invest anything upfront, unless the offer specifically involves a purchase (which should be very clear).

❌ The Downsides 

1. Time vs Reward Can Be Rubbish

Some games want you to grind for hours just to reach a level that earns 500 SB (about £3). When you break it down, you’re getting paid way below minimum wage.

2. You Might Need to Spend to Earn

Some offers aren’t even unlockable unless you make an in-game purchase. So you’re spending £5+ to earn £7 worth of SB—not great if you’re trying to make money, not spend it.

3. Addictive by Design

Many of these games are designed to keep you coming back. What starts as “just earning some SB” can turn into hours lost, with no real return.

🧠 Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Playing games on Swagbucks can earn you some extra cash or gift cards—but it’s not a fast track to financial freedom. If you enjoy casual gaming and don’t mind a bit of grind, it’s a low-effort way to top up your earnings here and there.

But if you’re looking for a high-value side hustle? There are better ways to use your time, like matched betting, online freelancing, or even flipping stuff on Vinted.

TL;DR:

✅ Fun and easy
✅ Decent rewards occasionally
❌ Time-consuming
❌ Can tempt you to spend
❌ Not reliable for steady income

Tester Up

What Is Testerup?

Testerup is a “user testing” platform that rewards people for trying out mobile apps and games. It partners with advertisers (mainly gaming companies) and pays users to complete specific tasks, like reaching a level in a game, trying a new dating app, or signing up for a service.

Once you complete the required tasks, you earn money directly in your Testerup account. The platform says you can cash out once you hit €70 (approx £60).

🎯 How Testerup Works

You’ll see a list of available tasks in the app. Each one will show:

• The app or game name

• The task requirements (e.g. “Reach Level 20 within 14 days”)

• The estimated payout (€1–€100+ depending on difficulty)

• A deadline (some tasks expire quickly!)

You download the app through Testerup, play or engage with it according to the rules, and once it tracks your progress, the money is added to your balance.

Sounds simple, right? Well… not always.

✅ The Good Stuff

1. High Earning Potential (On Paper)

You’ll see some juicy offers, like €80 for reaching a high level in a strategy game. For casual gamers, this can be tempting.

2. Wide Range of Apps

It’s not just games—you’ll find surveys, cashback tasks, free trials, and finance apps. There’s a variety if you don’t want to game 24/7.

3. Legit Payouts (Eventually)

Testerup does pay out, but only after you meet all their criteria and hit the minimum withdrawal threshold.

❌ The Downsides 

1. High Payout Threshold

You can’t cash out until you’ve earned at least €70. That means if you get stuck at €65, your money is trapped until you find a new task that fills the gap, which can be rare.

2. Insane Time Commitment

Most high-paying offers involve grinding hard. We’re talking 20–40 hours to reach the goal. If you calculate the hourly rate? You’re often earning less than minimum wage.

3. In-App Purchase Pressure

Some tasks become nearly impossible without spending money. For example, to reach Level 30 in a game within 7 days, you might need boosters or paid upgrades. So that €80 task? You might end up spending €20+ to complete it.

🧠 Final Thoughts: Is Testerup Worth It?

Testerup is not a scam, but it’s not the goldmine it looks like either. Yes, you can make money. But you’ll pay with your time, your patience, and sometimes your wallet.

If you enjoy mobile games and don’t mind the grind, or you’re strategic and good at finding the easiest tasks, Testerup can be a way to make some extra cash. But if you’re after reliable, decent hourly pay? There are far better side hustles out there.

TL;DR:

✅ Real payouts if you hit the mark
✅ Wide range of tasks
❌ Huge time commitment
❌ Payouts locked behind high thresholds
❌ Often not worth the grind