Earn extra money doing what you love—learn how to get paid to test board games as a side hustle. Discover where to find gigs, how much you can earn, and tips to become a top board game testing side hustle success story.
Why Board Game Testing Is an Ideal Side Hustle
For tabletop enthusiasts searching for an enjoyable side hustle, few opportunities are as fun and fulfilling as board game testing. Increasingly, indie developers and established publishers seek detailed feedback on their games before launching. As a board game tester, your playtime becomes valuable work—testing mechanics, identifying balance issues, improving user experience, and helping creators bring better games to market.
The keyword-rich topic “get paid to test board games” perfectly aligns with this demand-driven niche. Because so many people search for that phrase (“paid board game tester,” “playtest board games for money”), publishing high-quality content can help capture that niche traffic.
The Growing Demand for Playtesters
Tabletop gaming has entered a golden age. Not only are classic publishers thriving, but crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter, IndieGo, and Gamefound host hundreds of game campaigns monthly. Each successful campaign typically benefits from thorough playtesting—whether physical prototypes or digital versions via Tabletop Simulator or Tabletopia.
Smaller studios often rely on volunteer testers who are passionate about the genre. However, many creators understand that offering paid board game tester positions attracts more committed feedback. This creates openings for people looking to get paid to test board games as a side income.
Who Makes an Ideal Board Game Tester?
You don’t need professional credentials to start—just passion, reliability, and an eye for improvement. Typical traits of successful testers include:
-
Familiarity with various game types: strategy, party, deck-building, deduction, and more.
-
Strong communication and analytical abilities.
-
Attention to detail, especially when spotting broken mechanics or ambiguous rulebook sections.
-
Reliability in meeting deadlines and providing thorough feedback.
-
Openness to testing both digital (Tabletop Simulator) and in-person or prototype versions.
By integrating these qualities into your outreach and profile, you position yourself as a serious candidate when reaching out to game designers.
How Much Can You Earn Testing Board Games?
Compensation varies widely, but hearing phrases like “get paid to test board games” or “paid board game tester” isn’t just hype—many testers earn meaningful side income. Typical earnings include:
-
Flat-rate sessions: $20–$40 per 1–2 hour session.
-
Multi-session gigs: $200–$500+ for extended modules across several weeks.
-
Prototype bonuses: Instead of cash, many testers receive final or pre-release copies—worth $30–$80 each.
-
Platform projects: Freelance marketplaces offering one-off playtests, paid per session.
Many side hustlers report earnings between $300–$1,000 a month doing a few hours per week. A top-tier tester could net even more by expanding into moderation, feedback form templates, or playtesting panels.
Where to Find Board Game Playtesters Gigs
The best places to playtest board games for money include:
BoardGameGeek (BGG)
Search for threads tagged with [PLAYTEST] or consult the Print-and-Play section. Independent designers often recruit here.
Reddit Communities
• r/boardgames
• r/PlayTestRequests
These subs regularly host offers from designers looking for test players.
Kickstarter & Crowdfunding
Search “playtest” within campaigns; many tiers include testing slots or paid extras.
Freelance Sites
Upwork, PeoplePerHour, and Fiverr occasionally post playsessions, rulebook reviews, or Tabletop Simulator tests.
Local Game Cafรฉs & Clubs
In-person opportunities arise in club settings or conventions—attendants may host indie designers in need of local testers.
Building a Professional Tester Profile
When pitching yourself, adopt a professional, yet enthusiastic tone. A strong tester profile includes:
-
Genres you're familiar with (strategy, family, card, war games).
-
Tools you use (physical prototypes, digital simulators).
-
Any previous playtests or informal projects.
-
Your availability, timezone, and ideal session structure.
An example intro:
“I’m a tabletop enthusiast in the Pacific Time Zone with experience playtesting four Kickstarter prototypes and testing via Tabletop Simulator. I focus on rule clarity, balance, and pacing.”
You can create a portfolio or use a Google Doc to track and share past gameplay experiences, session outcomes, and developer quotes.
How to Deliver Valuable Feedback
To get recurring work and establish trust, ensure your feedback is:
-
Clear and data-driven: note which card combos dominate, for example.
-
Constructive: “Card X feels overpowered—maybe adjust resource cost?”
-
Organized: categorize feedback by rule issues, usability, balance.
-
Timely: meet deadlines and maintain professional communication.
Designers value insights that drive useful changes. On top of feedback, survey-style summaries work well: session duration, player count, issues encountered, and bug logs.
Tips to Boost Your Earnings
Once you’ve completed a few paid sessions, consider expanding your side hustle:
Provide Extra Services
-
Format rulebooks or write rule summaries.
-
Moderate playtest groups online.
-
Create feedback templates or session transcripts.
Establish an Online Presence
-
Launch a blog, YouTube channel, or social media page about board game testing.
-
Share session recaps, design breakdowns, and testing advice.
-
Use affiliate links to Kickstarter or Amazon when you mention games.
Create and Sell Digital Products
-
Offer feedback checklist templates in Notion or Google Docs.
-
Provide “How to be a better tester” guides as downloadable PDFs.
Real-Life Example: A Tester’s Journey
Meet Samantha, a teacher and avid board game player. She responded to a Kickstarter call and got paid $30 for one session. Soon after, she joined a multi-week testing group for a small studio, earning $300 and keeping two game copies worth $60 each. She also sold a feedback template she made for $20 and promoted in her LinkedIn review. In total, she earned $400 in cash and $60 in game value in under a month working just 6 hours weekly. Her effective follow-up even led to direct referrals.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a large collection of board games?
No—many tests use digital versions, and designers provide prototypes. Basic familiarity with game structure is enough.
2. How to stand out as a tester?
Be timely and precise. Offer solutions along with critiques and ask meaningful questions, such as, “Is the turn order intentional or unbalanced?”
3. How many hours should I commit?
Even 5–10 hours a week can yield up to $400–$800 monthly. Reliability often leads to more invitations.
4. What if I disagree with a designer?
Frame feedback respectfully. Share how players experienced confusion or imbalance and offer examples—but avoid harsh or insulting language.
Balancing the Upsides and Challenges
| Benefits | Challenges |
|---|---|
| Fun + side income | Rate variability |
| Perks like free games | Irregular schedule |
| Community and networking | Learning curve for feedback structure |
| Growth into consulting or content | Requires self-discipline |
Getting Started: A Step-by-Step Checklist
-
Join BGG, Reddit, and Kickstarter; search “playtest.”
-
Create a one-page tester bio and leave it in each application.
-
Track your feedback and results in a document.
-
Apply to 1–2 gigs weekly and respond promptly.
-
Deliver high-quality feedback and ask for testimonials.
-
Expand into add-on services or start a blog/review channel.
Conclusion: Combine Passion with Profit
If you already love playing board games, getting paid to test board games is the best side hustle you'll find. It blends enjoyment, creativity, and income—without needing complex technical skills. By tapping into indie and small-publisher demand, committing to quality feedback, and strategically building your presence, you can turn fun into earnings.
Ready to get started? Head to BoardGameGeek’s [PLAYTEST] threads, join r/PlayTestRequests, or message a running Kickstarter today. And if you’d like help writing outreach messages, organizing feedback, or optimizing your tester profile, I’m here to assist!