Affiliate marketing for gamers

Let's be real: gaming is more than a hobby; it's a passion. And if you're building an audience on Twitch or a community on Discord, you've already put in the work. You've spent countless hours perfecting your skills, engaging with chat, and creating a space where people love to hang out.

But passion doesn't pay for the new GPU, a better microphone, or those games on your Steam wishlist. While subscriptions, donations, and ad revenue are great, they can be unpredictable. What if you could build a more stable, passive income stream without changing what you do?

That's where affiliate marketing comes in.

For gamers, affiliate marketing isn't about becoming a pushy salesperson. It's about getting a kickback for recommending the gear, games, and services you already use and love. It's a way to monetize your expertise and trust. In this guide, we'll break down exactly how you can turn your Twitch channel and Discord server into legitimate revenue-generating machines.

Why Affiliate Marketing is a Perfect Fit for Gamers

The gaming community runs on trust and recommendations. Before buying a new headset, a viewer will likely ask their favorite streamer for advice. Before downloading a new game, a Discord community member will seek opinions from the group.

You are that trusted source. Affiliate marketing simply allows you to get a small commission (usually 3-10%, sometimes much more for software) for those recommendations. It’s a win-win: your audience gets a genuine review, the company gets a sale, and you get paid for your influence.

The best part? It works at any size. You don't need 10,000 viewers to start. With a dedicated community of even 50 true fans, you can make your first sales.

The Best Gaming Affiliate Programs to Get Started With

Not all affiliate programs are created equal. You want ones with products relevant to your audience, good commission rates, and reliable tracking. Here are the top categories and specific programs to check out:

1. Amazon Associates

This is the easiest place to start. You can link to almost anything: the mouse you use, the energy drinks you consume on stream, the specific webcam you have, and even the games themselves.

  • Pros: Massive product selection, everyone knows Amazon, and it's easy to use.
  • Cons: Low commission rates (often 1-4%), and a short 24-hour cookie window (meaning if someone clicks your link and buys something else three days later, you don't get credit).
  • Best For: Linking specific hardware components, peripherals, and everyday items.

2. Gear & Peripheral Manufacturers

Many top gaming brands have their own dedicated affiliate programs with much better commissions than Amazon.

  • Elgato: Famous for stream decks, capture cards, and lighting. Essential for any serious streamer.
  • NZXT: Known for PC cases, coolers, and pre-built PCs. Their streaming PC, "NZXT Player," is a popular product.
  • Razer, Logitech G, Corsair, SteelSeries: All major peripheral makers have programs. You can apply directly on their websites.
  • Secretlab, Noblechairs, DXRacer: High-end gaming chairs are a huge niche within the streaming world.
  • Pros: Higher commissions (often 5-15%), longer cookie windows, and you're promoting premium products.
  • Cons: Usually need to apply and be approved.

3. Game-Specific Programs

Many game developers and publishers, especially for MMORPGs and free-to-play games, have affiliate programs.

  • GGWP: An emerging platform that partners with game publishers to offer affiliate programs for games like League of Legends, Valorant, and Genshin Impact. You can earn from in-game currency purchases.
  • World of Warcraft: Blizzard has an program for WoW subscriptions and game time.
  • Minecraft: You can become a Minecraft Partner and earn revenue from game sales.
  • Pros: Hyper-relevant to your audience if you stream that specific game.
  • Cons: Can be limited to one game or publisher.

4. Software & Services

The tools you use to game and stream are also fantastic affiliate opportunities.

  • Discord Nitro: Earn $USD commission for every person who subscribes to Nitro using your referral link.
  • VPNs (ExpressVPN, NordVPN): Gamers use VPNs for security and sometimes to access games early. These programs offer massive, recurring commissions.
  • Streaming Software: OBS is free, but tools like StreamElements or Streamlabs Prime have affiliate programs.
  • Gaming-Related Software: Voice modulators, graphic design tools, or video editing software.
affiliate marketing for gamers

How to Naturally Integrate Affiliate Links on Twitch

The key to successful affiliate marketing is authenticity. Your audience can smell a disingenuous sales pitch from a mile away. Here’s how to weave recommendations into your channel naturally.

1. Optimize Your Twitch Panels

This is your digital real estate. Under your stream, you can create panels with text and images.

  • "My Gear" or "My Setup" Panel: This is a non-negotiable. Create a clean, well-designed panel that lists every piece of equipment you use: PC specs, monitor, keyboard, mouse, headset, microphone, camera, and lighting. Link each item name directly to its product page using your affiliate link.
  • "Support the Channel" Panel: Frame it as a way to support you at no extra cost. You can write something like: "Want to support the channel for free? Use my affiliate links when you shop for your gear! It costs you nothing extra, but I get a small commission that helps me upgrade the stream."
  • "Games I Play" Panel: List your all-time favorite games or the current game you're streaming with affiliate links to them on Steam, Epic Games, or GOG.

2. Master the Stream Description

Every time you go live, you write a description. This is prime space for a strategic link.

  • "Today's Stream" Template: Include a line like: "Want the [Keyboard I'm using]? Check it out here: [Your Affiliate Link]".
  • Hosting a Giveaway? If you're giving away a game, use your affiliate link to the game in the description and say, "Can't wait for the giveaway? Pick up a copy for yourself here!"

3. The Power of Verbal Shoutouts (Without Being Sleazy)

How you talk about products on stream is crucial.

  • Answer Questions Naturally: When someone in chat asks, "What headset is that? It sounds great!" that's your golden ticket. Answer: "It's the [Brand and Model]. I've been using it for [time] and I love it because [genuine reason]. I have a link to it in my panels if you want to check it out!"
  • The "Why" is Everything: Don't just say "I use this." Explain why. "This mouse has a really high DPI which is great for FPS games," or "This chair has incredible lumbar support for those 12-hour streaming sessions." This provides real value.
  • Disclose Transparently: It builds trust. A simple, "Just a heads up, that's an affiliate link, so it helps support the channel if you use it" goes a long way.

Using Discord Bots to Share Exclusive Deals

Your Discord server is a community hub. You can provide value here while also generating revenue.

1. Create a #deals-or-affiliates Channel

Dedicate a specific channel for your recommendations. This keeps it organized and prevents spamming your general chats.

  • Set the Rules: Explain in the channel topic that this is where you post deals on gear you trust or links to products you use daily.
  • Pin a Welcome Message: Pin a message that explains affiliate links and your philosophy behind them.

2. Leverage Bots for Automation and Fun

Bots like MEE6, Dyno, or Carl-bot can automate messages and create interactive experiences.

  • Weekly Deal Blast: Set up a bot to post a message once a week featuring a "Product of the Week." This could be a piece of your gear that's on sale or a game that just received a discount.
  • Use Webhooks for New Content: Whenever you post a new YouTube video (like a setup tour), you can have a webhook automatically post the link in your Discord channel with a custom message.
  • Affiliate Link as a Reward: You can set up a bot to give users a special role after they've been in the server for a certain amount of time. You can then grant that role access to a private channel containing exclusive affiliate links or discount codes.

Creating Killer Content: Setup Tours and Budget Reviews

Content is the engine that drives affiliate marketing. It gives you a reason to share your links.

1. The "Ultimate Setup Tour" Video

This is the single most effective piece of content for gear affiliates. Don't just list your items; create a compelling video.

  • Platform: Upload it to YouTube. This gives it a permanent home and makes it discoverable via search.
  • Structure: Walk through your entire setup. For each item, show it on camera, explain why you chose it, its pros and cons, and who it's best for.
  • Call to Action: In the video description, create a bulleted list of every single item with direct affiliate links. In the video itself, verbally direct people to the description for the links.

2. The "Budget Build" Review Series

Your audience isn't just made of people with unlimited money. Creating content focused on affordable gear is incredibly valuable and shareable.

  • Target Key Items: "Best Gaming Headset Under $50," "Top 3 Mechanical Keyboards on a Budget," "How to Build a Streaming PC for $800."
  • Be Authentic: If a budget item is 80% as good as the premium version but costs 50% less, your audience will love you for the honest recommendation. This builds immense trust.
  • Use Amazon for This: Amazon is perfect for these types of reviews because of its vast selection of products at all price points.

Ethics and Transparency: Building Trust is Everything

This is the most important section. Lose trust, and you lose your community.

  • Always Disclose: It's the law (FTC guidelines) and it's the right thing to do. Clearly state that your links are affiliate links and that you earn a commission. This honesty will make your recommendations more powerful, not less.
  • Only Promote What You Use and Believe In: Your reputation is your most valuable asset. Never promote a product just for the commission. If you haven't used it, don't link it. If you tried a product and hated it, tell your audience that too. Critical reviews build credibility.
  • Focus on Value, Not Sales: Your primary goal should always be to help your audience make a better purchasing decision. The sales will follow naturally if this is your focus.

Your Game Plan to Start Earning Today

  1. Sign Up: Pick one program to start with (likely Amazon Associates or your favorite peripheral brand) and get approved.
  2. Build Your "My Gear" Panel: This is your first task. Create a comprehensive, linked list of your entire setup on your Twitch channel.
  3. Create One Piece of Content: Script and film a short YouTube video reviewing your favorite piece of gear.
  4. Engage Your Discord: Announce your new #deals channel and explain how it will provide value to the community.
  5. Be Patient and Consistent: You won't make $1,000 in your first week. This is a long-term strategy. Keep creating, keep engaging, and keep providing value. The revenue will grow alongside your community.

The world of gaming is evolving, and creators have more power than ever. By leveraging affiliate marketing, you can finally get paid for the influence and trust you've worked so hard to build. Now get out there, gear up, and start building your empire.