Last Updated on September 15, 2025 by Caesar Fikson
Let’s skip the fairy dust. “Best” gaming affiliate programs aren’t about who pays the biggest headline percentage; it’s about EPC, legit supply (authorized keys > headaches), cookie reality, your audience’s platform mix, and whether the brand converts cold traffic. That last part is wildly underrated. If your readers are deal-hunters and your program can’t track coupon-assisted sales, you’ll bleed revenue.
If you cover PC hardware and your merchant is perpetually out of stock?
Same story.
Here’s how I evaluate gaming affiliate programs that still move in 2025: go where purchase intent already lives (launch-day PC titles, seasonal peripheral upgrades, creator gear), favor authorized sellers (trust converts), and stack “category fit + link placement + timing” instead of chasing mythical 20% rates that never track.
And yes—programs change often.
So I grouped the strongest, most defensible options (and a few “use with caution” plays) and paired them with practical use cases you can plug into content today.
How to pick gaming affiliate programs (fast checklist)
| What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Audience & platform mix 🎮 | PC vs. console vs. cloud gamers buy in different places; align programs to actual audience behavior. |
| Authorized vs. gray-market keys 🧾 | Authorized stores convert better and reduce chargebacks/support drama. |
| Cookie window vs. your funnel ⏱️ | Short windows (24h) demand timely CTAs; longer windows work for evergreen builds. |
| Geography & availability 🌍 | Some publishers geo-lock keys or store availability; match your top GEOs. |
| Promo allowances & brand rules 🧩 | Amazon disallows link cloaking; some merchants prohibit coupon language or price scraping. |
| Data & tools 🧪 | Deep links, product feeds, and creator codes lift CTR and AOV—if the program supports them. |
The “game stores & keys” cluster (high intent when timed to releases)
These five are your bread-and-butter for new releases, evergreen PC catalogs, and publisher sales. Favor authorized sellers for trust and fewer support tickets.
| Program (linked) | Typical Commission | Cookie | Network/Notes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epic Games Support-A-Creator | Min 5% on attributed store purchases (developer may set higher) | Program rules | Creator code attribution; strict $100/12-month payout threshold | Launch guides for EGS titles, Fortnite cosmetics explainer pages. |
| Ubisoft Store Creator Codes | 7% on Ubisoft Store orders with your code | Code-based | First-party publisher store | Assassin’s Creed / The Division release hubs; franchise buying guides. |
| Green Man Gaming Affiliates | Varies (competitive) | Varies | Authorized retailer since 2010; global keys | “Cheapest place to buy on PC” price-check widgets; deal roundups. |
| Fanatical Affiliates | Competitive | Varies | Authorized bundles + Steam keys; high conversion on bundles | Bundle alerts, “complete the collection” DLC articles. |
| GOG.com Affiliate | Varies | Varies | DRM-free angle converts purists; classic catalogs | Retro/indie curation lists; DRM-free gifting guides. |
Notes worth knowing:
Epic’s SAC sets a minimum 5% payout on attributed game sales (developers can choose higher). Ubisoft’s Creator Code pays 7% on store purchases when the code is used. These are good “platform-native” plays when you’re already making content for those ecosystems.
“Authorized, publisher-friendly” retailers (stable trust, solid conversion)
| Program (linked) | Positioning | Why it converts | Use it for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gamesplanet | Authorized PC keys since 2006 | Credibility; great regional pricing pages | Preorder trackers; “where to buy on PC” blocks. |
| Humble (Partner) | Bundles + charity angle | Bundle FOMO; Choice subs; charity trust | Bundle watch posts; “best charity bundles this month”. |
| Microsoft Store (Affiliate) | Xbox + PC ecosystem | Rewards-stacking shoppers; Game Pass tie-ins | First-party titles, accessories, and DLC pages. |
| GameStop Affiliate | Physical + pre-owned | Pre-order bonuses, trade-in ecosystem | Console launch kits; collectible tie-ins. |
Heads-up: Gamesplanet publicly emphasizes “authorized retailer” status (that trust bumps conversion on AAA launches). Humble is now fully centralized through a partner platform; the charity angle still nudges CTR. Microsoft’s official program covers Store inventory including Xbox software/hardware.
“Gear & peripherals” (fat AOVs, consistent evergreen demand)
The money isn’t only in games. Streamers and competitive players upgrade headsets, mice, capture cards, and chairs year-round. These programs are evergreen gold if you publish “best X for Y” guides.
| Program (linked) | Claimed Commission | Cookie | Why I like it | Sweet-spot content |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logitech / Logitech G | 4–10% (brand-dependent) | 30 days | Wide catalog + strong brand; good seasonal promos | “Best budget wireless mice,” “mic picks for streamers.” |
| Razer | Up to 10% | Varies | Massive brand gravity; frequent promos | Mobile controllers, tournament-grade mice, keycap mods. |
| SteelSeries → Affiliate | Up to 8% | Varies | Esports credibility; Arctis headsets convert | Headset buying guides; “best for footstep audio” tests. |
| Corsair (Ambassadors) | Program-based | Program rules | PC + streaming ecosystem (Elgato) | Full desk setups, capture workflows. |
| Secretlab | Competitive | Program rules | High AOV chairs; influencer social proof | Ergonomics explainers; “chair sizing” guides. |
Numbers: Logitech states 4–10% and a 30-day cookie; Razer advertises up to 10%; SteelSeries shows up to 8% (applications occasionally paused). These are reliable backbone programs for gear content.
“Marketplaces / key resellers” (use with care, disclose clearly)
They convert on price, but buyer experience varies. If you run them, add clear disclaimers and prioritize merchants with strong support. I segment them to deal-centric posts only.
| Program (linked) | Positioning | What to watch | Where it fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDKeys | Discount keys | Region locks; support responsiveness | “Cheapest keys” sidebars; limited to price-focused pieces. |
| Eneba (Affiliate) | Marketplace | Seller quality variance | Deal roundups; emphasize activation region. |
| Newegg Affiliate | PC components | Flash inventory swings | GPU/CPU build guides; Black Friday pages. |
I still funnel my main “where to buy” blocks to authorized sellers first and place marketplaces below the fold for deal-hunters—conversions are great, but post-purchase friction isn’t worth eroding trust if a key hiccups. (If you include CDKeys or Eneba, make your region-lock disclosure explicit.)
“Platforms & tools” that pay (creator-adjacent, not just game sales)
These live adjacent to gameplay and streaming—great for audiences who create as well as play.
| Program (linked) | What it pays on | Best content fit |
|---|---|---|
| BlueStacks (Partners) | Installs/usage tied to referred users (program-specific) | “Play mobile on PC” emulation guides; controller mapping tutorials. |
| Xsolla Partner Network | Rev-share on game sales/subscriptions inside games using Xsolla | Indie showcases; monetization explainers for dev-minded readers. |
| Microsoft Store (Affiliate) | Xbox/PC software + devices | Game Pass entry points, controller/accessory curation. |
| Humble (Partner) | Bundles, store, subs (program-dependent) | “Best indie/charity bundles”; monthly picks. |
Amazon Associates (still a must—if you use it right)
Amazon isn’t glamorous for game software rates—but it crushes on peripherals, capture gear, SSDs and impulse add-ons. The key is knowing the category grid:
- Digital Video Games: ~2%
- Physical Video Games & Consoles: ~1%
- PC & PC Components: ~2.5%
- Headphones, etc.: ~3%
(Standard U.S. schedule at time of writing; regions differ.)
Make Amazon your “catch-all cart closer” where readers want Prime shipping or to bundle accessories—then feature your higher-rate merchants earlier in the article.
Program snapshots (copy-paste friendly comparisons)
Keep tables narrow; each row = one decision. Links are direct—no tracking parameters.
PC / Storefront programs
| 🕹️ Program | Commission | Cookie | Join |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epic Games Support-A-Creator | Minimum 5% (dev may set higher) | Program rules | sac.epicgames.com (Support-A-Creator) |
| Ubisoft Creator Codes | 7% on Ubisoft Store with code | Code-based | ubisoft.com/help … Creator Codes (Ubisoft) |
| Green Man Gaming | Competitive | Varies | greenmangaming.com/affiliates |
| Fanatical | Competitive | Varies | fanatical.com/affiliates |
| GOG.com | Competitive | Varies | af.gog.com |
Authorized retailers & ecosystems
| 🛒 Program | Commission | Cookie | Join |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gamesplanet | Varies | Varies | gamesplanet.com (partner info via site) (us.gamesplanet.com) |
| Humble Partner | Varies by offer | Varies | humblebundle.com |
| Microsoft (Xbox/PC) | Program-based | Program rules | microsoft.com/affiliates |
| GameStop | Program-based | Program rules | gamestop.com/affiliates |
| Amazon Associates (Gaming) | 0.5–3% category-dependent | Typically 24h | affiliate-program.amazon.com (Amazon Associates) |
Gear & streaming staples
| 🧰 Program | Commission | Cookie | Join |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logitech / Logitech G | 4–10% | 30 days | logitech.com … affiliate-program (Logitech) |
| Razer | Up to 10% | Varies | razer.com … programs (Razer) |
| SteelSeries | Up to 8% | Varies | steelseries.com → Affiliate link in footer (availability varies) |
| Corsair (Ambassadors) | Program-based | Program rules | corsair.com/lp/ambassadors |
| Secretlab | Competitive | Program rules | secretlab.co/pages/affiliates |
Marketplaces / other monetizers
| 🧩 Program | Commission | Cookie | Join |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDKeys | Network-dependent | Varies | cdkeys.com support: affiliate |
| Eneba | Program-based | Varies | eneba.com/affiliate-terms |
| Newegg | Program-based | Varies | newegg.com/info/affiliates |
| BlueStacks Partners | Program-based | Varies | bluestacks.com/partners |
| Xsolla Partner Network | Rev-share | Varies | developers.xsolla.com … partner_network |
Tactical use cases (plug-and-play)
1) Launch-day “where to buy on PC” modules
- Primary: GMG / Fanatical / GOG (authorized)
- Secondary: Epic SAC (if the game is on EGS) with a nudge to use your creator code.
- Why it works: Readers already decided to buy; your job is to remove friction and meet their store preference.
- Copy you can steal: “Prefer DRM-free? Grab it on GOG. Want Epic rewards? Use creator code YOURTAG at checkout for support.”
2) Streamer setup hub (evergreen, high AOV)
- Primary: Logitech, Razer, SteelSeries, Corsair/Elgato, Secretlab.
- Why it works: These posts age well and absorb seasonal spikes (back-to-school, Black Friday).
- Tip: Lead with an “under $100 / $200 / $350” stack; add comparison tables for mic pickup patterns and headset isolation.
3) Franchise hub + publisher store
- Primary: Ubisoft Creator Code (7%); Microsoft Store for Xbox-first titles.
- Why it works: Franchise fans want DLC roadmaps, editions, and preorder bonuses—publisher stores often include exclusive cosmetics.
- Add-on: A slim “What to buy first” table by edition.
4) Retro & indie discovery
- Primary: GOG (DRM-free), Humble (bundles), GMG.
- Why it works: Discovery content converts on “nostalgia + low price” psychology.
- Angle: “Top 12 pixel-art Metroidvanias this month” with direct add-to-cart links.
5) Price-first deal pages (be transparent)
- Primary: CDKeys/Eneba (clearly marked) below authorized options.
- Why it works: Deal-seekers scroll; you satisfy demand without cannibalizing top rows.
- Compliance: Add regional activation notes in the same line as the link.
Placement & on-page tactics that move the needle
- Link early, then prove it. Put your primary merchant link above the fold next to the box art/spec table. You can earn the click before the deep analysis.
- Use edition tables. For AAA launches, a narrow table mapping Standard / Deluxe / Ultimate with “Includes season pass? 🎟️” and “Early access? ⏳” is conversion rocket fuel.
- Creator codes where they belong. For Epic and Ubisoft, teach readers where to enter your code (item shop vs. checkout field). If you think it’s “obvious,” it isn’t. (Epic Games Developers)
- Feed-backed price boxes. If a program gives you a feed or API, cache prices server-side and refresh daily. If not, show “Current price on X” without numbers to avoid stale prices.
Compliance that keeps you paid
- FTC/ASA disclosure: Put a plain-language disclosure at the top of monetized posts (“This post uses affiliate links; we may earn a commission if you buy.”).
- Amazon rules: Don’t cloak Amazon links, don’t put affiliate links in emails or offline PDFs, and don’t display explicit Amazon prices unless via compliant tools. Their category grid is strict (e.g., Digital Video Games ~2%, Physical Video Games & Consoles ~1%).
- Platform specifics: Epic SAC has that $100/12-month minimum; if you don’t hit it, attributed purchases reset. Set realistic expectations.
Content templates you can ship this week
Template A — “Best Places to Buy [Game Title] on PC”
- H2: Where it’s cheapest today (authorized stores only)
- Table: GMG / Fanatical / GOG with “Refund policy 😊 / Regional key 🌍 / Launcher 🚀”
- H3: Buying on Epic? Use creator code YOURTAG at checkout (1-line explainer).
- H3: Edition picker (Standard vs. Deluxe vs. Ultimate)
Template B — “The $150 / $300 / $600 Streaming Setup”
- Table: Mic 🎤 / Headset 🎧 / Capture 📼 / Lights 💡 with links to Logitech, Razer, Corsair/Elgato, Secretlab (chair in the higher tier).
- H3: Upgrade paths (e.g., “Swap capsule mic → XLR when you add an interface.”)
Template C — “Annual Franchise Buyer’s Guide: [Series]”
- H2: Where to buy (Ubisoft/Microsoft/Steam alternatives)
- H3: Edition matrix + preorder bonus tracker
- H3: DLC roadmap & season pass value
- Block: “Support this guide—use code YOURTAG on Ubisoft checkout.”
When to mix programs (and when not to)
- Mix authorized + Amazon: Put the authorized store link first; put the Amazon block where accessory bundling makes sense.
- Don’t mix creator codes that confuse checkout: Epic SAC and Ubisoft codes live in different places; adding both to the same sentence tanks follow-through. Teach one step at a time.
- Segment by region: If 40% of your traffic is LATAM, your “best price on PC” should resolve to a seller that actually supports those regions (many do; some don’t).
Final thought
The fastest way to grow gaming affiliate revenue isn’t “finding a unicorn 15% program.” It’s audience-fit + timing + frictionless link placement, wrapped in content that helps people buy confidently. If your current lineup can’t do that, which two programs above—just two—would change that this week?
