November 14, 2024
Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you buy something through the links on this page (at no extra cost).
The gaming industry has dramatically changed since I played Super NES and Sega Genesis. Increased demand and the internet have helped the video game industry reach over $100 billion in annual sales. The internet also enables gamers to connect globally and play together in real time. This post will review the best PC, video, and gaming affiliate programs for beginners, bloggers, and social media marketers.
Gaming Affiliate Marketers
Gaming affiliates partner with gaming companies to promote their products and services. Many gamers, streamers, and content creators market games, accessories, hardware, software, apparel, and furniture as affiliate marketers to make additional income. They might also promote goods in related categories, such as gaming events, health, wellness, food, entertainment, and lifestyle. For example, Joe 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. In addition, marketers will market goods in their articles and ad banners on websites and blogs. There are also opportunities to promote items through email marketing and social media networks, including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and Twitter.
Best Gaming Affiliate Programs
Merchants on my list typically have a 30-day cookie duration, giving you enough time to get credit for sales. You’ll also find many programs on the top affiliate networks, including ShareASale, Impact, FlexOffers, and CJ Affiliate.
Affiliate Network | Merchant Listings |
Impact | 153 programs |
ShareASale | 81 programs |
CJ Affiliate | 71 programs |
FlexOffers | 53 programs |
Rakuten Advertising | 15 programs |
Acer
Acer sells products for home and work, including laptops, desktops, tablets, monitors, projectors, VR/MR, accessories, and green and smart devices. Predator’s gaming products division includes the innovative Thronos Air, a professional-grade gaming massage chair.
Acer’s affiliate program offers the following incentives:
- Commission: 4% per sale
- Cookie duration: 14 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate network: CJ Affiliate
Astro Gaming
Astro Gaming retails headsets, VR headphones, mix amps, controls, gear, and accessories for PC, Mac, Xbox, and PlayStation. Customers can customize their headsets with exclusive or personally designed speaker tags and mod kits to enhance their gaming experience.
Astro Gaming’s affiliate program is lucrative for these reasons:
- Commission: 5% per sale
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate network: Impact and AvantLink
CDKeys
CDKeys offers the best digital codes for the hottest games and systems, including Xbox Live, PlayStation Network, Nintendo (Wii U and 3DS digital games), Steam, Origin, Google Play, iTunes, and even Facebook. CDKeys also has over 20 years of combined industry experience.
Affiliates get the following from CDKeys’ affiliate program:
- Commission: 5% per sale
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate network: Impact and in-house
Dell and Alienware
Dell offers desktops, laptops, monitors, printers, TVs, workstations, servers, data storage and protection, PC accessories, networking, cloud, and computer services. Its gaming products brand, Alienware, includes high-performance desktops, laptops, monitors, accessories, and games.
Dell’s affiliate program offers the following compensation:
- Commission: 1.5% per sale
- Cookie duration: 3 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate network: FlexOffers and CJ Affiliate
Epic Games and Fortnite
Epic Games is a video game software developer and publisher based in Cary, North Carolina. It’s the maker of Fortnite.
The Support-A-Creator program is an affiliate marketing program for streamers and social media content creators. Support-A-Creator allows creators to receive real-money payout awards by creating content for Fortnite and Rocket League and participating in games in the Epic Games Store. All games have a minimum payout rate of 5%.
GameFly
GameFly is a leading online video game rental service in the United States. It delivers the most comprehensive selection and availability of new and used games for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and older systems without the hassles of late fees or trips to the video store.
GameFly’s affiliate program is rewarding for these reasons:
- Commission: Up to 10% per sale
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate network: CJ Affiliate
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GameStop
GameStop is one of the largest video game retailers in the United States. Its expansive selection of new and used gaming products includes games, consoles, hardware, accessories, electronics, collectibles, clothing, drinkware, tableware, gadgets, and furniture. Customers can also trade in their used products and purchase gift cards.
Marketers get the following from GameStop’s affiliate program:
- Commission: Up to 5% per sale
- Cookie duration: 24 hours
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate network: Rakuten Advertising
GeekBuying
GeekBuying is a global e-commerce site with a wide selection of products in multiple categories. It sells headphones, earphones, 3D printers, Bluetooth speakers, chargers, consoles, controllers, projectors, memory cards, instruments, and more for gaming.
GeekBuying’s affiliate program has the following benefits:
- Commission: 8% per sale
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate network: ShareASale and in-house
Green Man Gaming
Green Man Gaming is on a mission to ensure gaming gets to everyone. It sells PC and Xbox games at fantastic prices and has over 10,000 games from 1350 publishers. Since 2010, it has become one of the biggest gaming shops on the internet, with a loyal customer base.
Green Man Gaming’s affiliate program is appealing for these reasons:
- Commission: 5% per sale
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate network: Impact
Logitech
Logitech is a multi-brand company that designs products that unite people through music, gaming, video, and computing. Its brands include Logitech, Logitech G, ASTRO Gaming, Ultimate Ears, and Blue Microphones. The Logitech brand also makes mice, keyboards, streaming devices, video conferencing equipment, headsets, speakers, and innovative home products and accessories.
Logitech’s affiliate program is profitable for these reasons:
- Commission: Up to 4% per sale
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate network: Impact
Microsoft Gaming
Microsoft is a leading global technology company selling various computer software and hardware, including Office 365, Windows, Surface laptops, Azure, cloud, security, home, office, and small business solutions. In addition, its Xbox gaming division includes games, consoles, play passes, and accessories.
Affiliates get the following benefits from Microsoft’s affiliate program:
- Commission: Up to 7% per sale
- Cookie duration: 14 days
- Payout threshold: $1
- Affiliate network: Rakuten Advertising
Nexters
Nexters is an international game development company that strives to introduce casual players to the joy of core gaming experiences on mobile and desktop.
Marketers get the following benefits from Nexters’ affiliate program:
- Commission: $0.10 to $8 per lead
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate network: Impact
Nintendo
Nintendo is one of the most influential and successful companies in the video game industry. It has produced classic hits like Street Fighter, Mario Brothers, and Zelda and introduced groundbreaking systems like the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Game Boy, Nintendo 64, Wii, and Nintendo Switch.
Nintendo’s affiliate program offers the following benefits:
- Commission: Up to 6% per sale
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate network: Impact
Nvidia
Nvidia leads the way in AI, gaming, and entertainment hardware. Additionally, it sells workstations, cloud, data centers, networking, GPUs, app frameworks, and embedded systems. GeForce is the gaming brand division for graphic cards, laptops, G-sync monitors, and cloud gaming.
NVIDIA’s affiliate program offers the following incentives:
- Commission: 2% per sale
- Cookie duration: 45 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate network: Rakuten Advertising
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NZXT
NZXT builds custom PCs that fit your budget and are optimized for the games you love. With NZXT’s powerful PCs designed to run your favorite games, gamers can unlock their playing skills. Pick a prebuilt system or build the custom system you’ve always wanted.
NZXT’s affiliate program offers the following benefits:
- Commission: $10 per sale
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate network: Impact
Origin PC
As part of the CORSAIR group, Origin PC builds award-winning custom PCs for gamers, enthusiasts, and professionals. It also retails gaming desktops, laptops, workstations, custom and prebuilt hardware, and accessories.
Origin PC’s affiliate program is lucrative for these reasons:
- Commission: 2% per sale
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate network: CJ Affiliate
Razer
Razer has the world’s largest gamer-focused ecosystem for hardware, software, and services. Its main product categories include PC, console, mobile, lifestyle, and community, with such goods as laptops, desktops, components, mice, keyboards, streaming, gear, chairs, speakers, and headsets.
Partners get the following from Razer’s affiliate program:
- Commission: 3% per sale
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate network: Impact
Samsung
Samsung is a global leader in consumer electronics and sells smartphones, watches, tablets, televisions, audio equipment, projectors, home appliances, laptops, monitors, displays, memory, and SSD gaming chips.
Samsung’s affiliate program offers the following compensation:
- Commission: Up to 2% per sale
- Cookie duration: 14 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate network: FlexOffers and Rakuten Advertising
Sony
Sony Electronics sells innovative and inspiring products, including televisions, projectors, home audio systems, gaming, headphones, speakers, cameras, and smartphones. Sony Electronics has also been a consumer and professional electronics leader for generations.
Sony’s affiliate program is rewarding for these reasons:
- Commission: 3% per sale
- Cookie duration: 14 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate network: CJ Affiliate
Twitch
Twitch is an interactive live-streaming service that offers gaming, entertainment, sports, music, and more content. Its content categories include games, music, talk shows, sports, travel, food, and special events.
Twitch’s affiliate program allows affiliates to earn revenue from subscribers, ads, and bits. Eligibility to join the program includes the following:
- Reach 50 followers.
- Stream for eight hours.
- Stream on seven different days.
- Have an average of three viewers.
To qualify for the Affiliate Program, you must simultaneously meet all four requirements over 30 days. Payment methods include direct deposit, wire, PayPal, and cheque.
Ubisoft
The Ubisoft store features over 100 PC games from the hottest franchises, including Assassin’s Creed, Watch Dogs, Rainbox Six, Riders Republic, and Far Cry.
Marketers get the following from Ubisoft’s affiliate program:
- Commission: Up to 3% per sale
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate network: Impact
Ubisoft also has a creators program.
Zygor Guides
Zyfor Guides provides in-game guides and strategies for accomplishing more in less time in World of Warcraft. There are also guides for the retail, classic, and Burning Crusade classic versions.
Zygor Guides’ affiliate program has the following benefits:
- Commission: 50% per sale
- Cookie duration: 60 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate network: ShareASale
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Walmart
Walmart carries laptops, desktops, networking hardware, and games. Customers can also shop for accessories like keyboards, mice, and components. The four brands listed on the main page include HP, Legion by Lenovo, MSI, and iBuyPower. Esports and Xbox Game Pass items are also available.
Walmart’s affiliate program is rewarding for these reasons:
- Commission: Up to 4% per sale
- Cookie duration: 3 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate network: Impact
Amazon Games
Amazon offers many gaming product categories, including games, accessories, hardware, monitors, and furniture. It also carries 30+ brands, including Blade Hawk, Cooler Master, Bengoo, Redragon, HyperX, MSI, JBL, SteelSeries, Nubwo, Sony Playstation, and others.
Amazon’s affiliate program (Amazon Associates) offers the following incentives:
- Commission: 20% per sale
- Cookie duration: 24 hours
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate software: In-house
eBay
eBay has a wide range of gaming items, which are old, new, and used. Its auction model allows for many excellent prices and deals. If someone is looking for something specific or no longer available, eBay is likely the best place to find it.
Affiliates get the following from the eBay Partner Network:
- Commission: Up to 6% per sale
- Cookie duration: 24 hours
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate software: Impact
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Target
Target offers a wide selection of gaming goods, including computers, monitors, PC controllers, headsets, games, desks, chairs, subscriptions, and accessories. It carries over 100 brands, including Turtle Beach, 2K Sports, Activision, Atari, Audio-Technica, Blizzard, Nintendo, DualSense, and CAPCOM.
Target’s affiliate program offers the following compensation:
- Commission: Up to 8% per sale
- Cookie duration: 7 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate network: Impact
Best Buy
Best Buy sells consumer electronics and entertainment products to customers in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Its gaming categories include desktops, monitors, laptops, cards, components, headsets, keyboards, and mice. It also focuses heavily on Xbox accessories and provides a robust side panel of filters to find what you need.
Best Buy’s affiliate program is lucrative for these reasons:
- Commission: Up to 1% per sale
- Cookie duration: 24 hours
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate network: Impact and Rakuten Advertising
Alibaba and AliExpress
Alibaba and AliExpress have neverending search results for gaming products and accessories. Chinese manufacturers supply most items on the site, but many international retailers sell there, too. As a result, you can find every product and brand imaginable, for example, gaming finger gloves and sleeves.
Alibaba and AliExpress affiliate programs offer the following:
- Commission: 5% per sale
- Cookie duration: 15 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate software: In-house and FlexOffers
How to Promote Video Gaming Merchants
Here are ways to promote video game merchants across different funnel stages: ToFu, MoFu, and BoFu.
🎮 Top of Funnel (TOFU): Awareness
At this stage, you aim to attract a broad audience of gamers, hobbyists, or curious individuals. The focus should be on value-driven, educational, or entertaining content.
Content Types: Blog posts, listicles, YouTube videos, social media posts, podcasts, and infographics.
Content Ideas:
- “Top 10 Gaming Accessories You Need in [Year]”
- “Best Gaming Laptops for Every Budget”
- “A Beginner’s Guide to Building a Gaming PC”
- “Trending Video Games You Should Try”
Promotions: List articles or product reviews should include affiliate links to gaming hardware, software, or accessories. Videos or social media posts should mention or demonstrate how products enhance the gaming experience and link to relevant merchants.
🕹️ Middle of Funnel (MOFU): Consideration
In this stage, your audience explores solutions, compares products, and seeks deeper engagement. Provide comparison-focused or tutorial content.
Content Types: In-depth product reviews, how-to guides, comparison posts, webinars, and long-form videos.
Content Ideas:
- “Which Gaming Headset is Best for Competitive Gamers? A Detailed Comparison”
- “How to Choose the Right Graphics Card for 4K Gaming”
- “Best Platforms for Indie Game Developers to Launch Their Games”
- “How to Optimize Your Gaming Setup for Performance”
Promotions: Add affiliate links to products discussed, especially in comparison articles. Request discount codes or limited-time offers from merchants to give your audience and achieve higher conversion rates.
🎧 Bottom of Funnel (BOFU): Conversion
Your audience is ready to purchase at this stage, so your content should focus on compelling offers, testimonials, and incentives to finalize the sale.
Content Types: Case studies, success stories, product demos, coupon deals, email marketing campaigns, and live streams.
Content Ideas:
- “Why I Chose [Merchant] for My Gaming Needs”
- “Exclusive Coupon Codes for Gaming Gear – Act Fast!”
- “Live Stream Tomorrow: Unboxing and Testing [Product]”
- “How [Product Name] Improved My FPS by 30% in Competitive Gaming”
Promotions: Use urgency tactics (limited-time offers and discount codes), feature clear calls to action with affiliate links, and offer incentives like free shipping or extra bonuses from merchants.
Start Earning
Can you make money with gaming affiliate programs? Yes, you can. The gaming industry is on fire. Secondly, many successful YouTubers are video gamers. Millions of subscribers tune in daily for live streams, strategies, and insights. Twitch attracts millions of visitors who watch and chat about gaming daily.
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 gaming 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, offsetting low commission rates with large purchases can make you a significant income.
You now have an excellent selection of gaming affiliate programs to review. I recommend adding high-ticket and high-paying affiliate programs to your marketing activities to increase your average commission rate (AVC). For instance, many YouTube gamers have fans who are fellow YouTubers. Thus, they can promote VidIQ and TubeBuddy, top-rated YouTube channel growth tools. These programs pay recurring commissions and are among many terrific affiliate programs.