Last Updated on September 18, 2025 by Caesar Fikson
If you’ve spent years in gaming media or creator marketing, you already know the rule: the best video game affiliate programs aren’t just the ones that pay—it’s the ones that convert on launch week, keep tracking clean through sales season, and don’t implode when the publisher bumps a date. At NOWG, I look at gaming affiliate marketing like a portfolio: diversify across storefronts, subscriptions, and services; avoid overexposure to any single publisher calendar; and build evergreen pages that still print during quiet months.
What follows is a practical, opinionated guide to the best gaming affiliate programs you can join in 2025. I grouped them by category, added conversion notes, and flagged where caution is smart (grey-market keys, shifting cookie windows, creator-code payouts). No links—just a builder’s map you can execute.
How gaming affiliate money really flows
- CPS (Cost-per-Sale): A percentage of the cart (digital keys, publisher stores, bundles). Great when your SEO captures intent like “best price” or “PC vs console performance.”
- CPA (Cost-per-Acquisition): Flat fee for a qualified signup (common with subscriptions and cloud services). Works well with tutorial content and how-to setup guides.
- Rev share on subscriptions: Monthly or annual share (cloud gaming, game libraries). Shines with retention-oriented audiences (MMO, retro, strategy).
- Creator codes: Low-percentage revenue share tied to an in-game or store code (Fortnite, Rocket League). Massive scale can still add up—but manage expectations.
Tip from too many launches: model your EPC against your traffic mix (deal hunters vs lore readers vs hardware tinkerers), not just headline commissions. EPC wins.
Selection criteria (what actually matters)
| Aspect | What to vet | Why it moves EPC |
|---|---|---|
| Commission 💸 | Percent on games or flat fee on subs | A 2–3% gap matters less than a higher average order value |
| Cookie ⏱️ | 24 hours vs 7–30 days | Deal blogs need longer cookies; creator code traffic often converts same session |
| Catalog 🎮 | Day-one titles, DLC, indie depth | Your editorial calendar should map to real inventory |
| GEO 🌍 | Coverage for your top markets | Traffic without in-GEO store support is wasted |
| Integrity 🛡️ | Authorized vs grey market | Chargebacks and bad keys kill trust and NPS |
| Tools 🧰 | Deep links, widgets, coupons, API | Automation reduces misses on fast-moving sales |
PC game stores & bundles (authorized, high-conversion mainstays)
These online casino—err, online game—providers are your bread and butter for PC game affiliate programs. They convert because buyers are already in deal mode.
| Program | Type | Commission 💸 | Cookie ⏱️ | Why it converts 🎯 | My take 🧠 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humble Partner | Authorized store + bundles + charity | % of cart | Typical multi-day | Bundles spike AOV; charity angle boosts CTR 😊 | Evergreen revenue machine, especially with “monthly” subs |
| Fanatical | Authorized store + bundles | % of cart | Multi-day | Aggressive discounts; global keys | Consistent deal cadence; great for “best price” roundups |
| Green Man Gaming | Authorized store | % of cart | Multi-day | Day-one AAA + strong indie mix | Good for launch pages + pre-order content |
| GOG.com Affiliate | DRM-free store | % of cart | Multi-day | Retro & indie depth; DRM-free ❤️ | Owns the nostalgia niche; perfect for retro SEO |
| Gamesplanet | Authorized store | % of cart | Multi-day | Regional storefronts (EU focus) | Reliable tracking, solid on Ubisoft/SEGA drops |
| GamersGate | Authorized store | % of cart | Multi-day | Long tail of AA/indies | Slow-and-steady earner if you have depth coverage |
| Direct2Drive (D2D) | Authorized store | % of cart | Multi-day | US-friendly promos | Handy for North America deal content |
| 2Game | Authorized store | % of cart | Multi-day | Voucher culture 🔖 | Coupon surfaces boost CTR—use responsibly |
| IndieGala | Store + bundles | % of cart | Multi-day | Budget bundles, discovery | Good for “under $10” listicles |
| Voidu | Authorized store | % of cart | Multi-day | Deep seasonal promos | Solid in EU; complementary to GMG/Gamesplanet |
| WinGameStore | Authorized store | % of cart | Multi-day | Mac + PC catalog 🍏 | Sneaky good for Mac gaming audiences |
| Noctre | Authorized store (APAC) | % of cart | Multi-day | Australia-friendly pricing | APAC complement for global sites |
| GameBillet | Authorized store | % of cart | Multi-day | Indie depth | Anchor for long-tail traffic |
Opinion: If you run a deals hub or price tracker, stacking Humble + Fanatical + GMG + GOG covers most launch weeks and all sale seasons. Tie your internal links to price-comparison tables so you can switch the “best buy” row without rewriting the article.
Publisher stores (direct-to-player, strong on day-one)
These pay on first-party carts. Good for gaming affiliate marketing tied to official DLC, expansions, and cosmetics.
| Program | Publisher store | Commission 💸 | Cookie ⏱️ | Why it converts 🎯 | My take 🧠 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ubisoft Store | First-party | % of cart | Multi-day | Big franchises + DLC + virtual currency | Great for evergreen franchise hubs |
| Paradox Store | First-party | % of cart | Multi-day | Strategy DLC cadence 📅 | DLC drip keeps posts earning |
| Bandai Namco Store | First-party | % of cart | Multi-day | Anime + fighting hits | Niche audiences convert hard |
| Square Enix Store | First-party | % of cart | Multi-day | JRPG loyalists 🧡 | Use for collector’s editions |
| SEGA Store/Shop | First-party/merch | % of cart | Multi-day | Sonic + Yakuza + merch 🧢 | Pair with “complete series” guides |
| Capcom Store | First-party | % of cart | Multi-day | Monster Hunter, RE drops | Include bundle trees and edition charts |
Opinion: Publisher stores shine when your editorial is franchise-first (guides, build lists, lore). Map every DLC page to the store’s DLC tree; you’ll catch long-tail buyers years after release.
Cloud gaming & subscription libraries (recurring revenue when content sticks)
Subscription-forward game affiliate programs favor guides, setup tutorials, and “best games on X this month” content.
| Program | Model | Payout style 💸 | Cookie ⏱️ | Why it converts 🎯 | My take 🧠 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GeForce NOW | Cloud streaming | CPA or rev share | Multi-day | Solves low-end PC pain 🔧 | Pair with “potato PC” SEO |
| Boosteroid | Cloud gaming | CPA or rev share | Multi-day | Broad catalog, low friction | Great for Chromebook audiences |
| Shadow PC | Cloud desktop | CPA + recurring | Multi-day | Full Windows cloud rig ☁️ | High AOV; setup guides convert |
| Utomik | PC subscription | Rev share | Multi-day | Family-friendly library | Evergreen “best kid-safe games” |
| Antstream Arcade | Retro cloud | Rev share | Multi-day | Nostalgia + zero install 🕹️ | Retro hubs love this |
Opinion: Subs win when you update lists monthly. Build an editorial ritual: a fresh “Top 25 on X right now,” with a change log at the top. Your returning readers will reward the cadence.
Creator-code programs (low percent, huge scale)
Not classic affiliates, but they’re a real pillar in gaming affiliate programs for creators.
| Program | Type | Payout 💸 | Why it converts 🎯 | My take 🧠 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epic Support-A-Creator (Fortnite/Rocket League) | Creator code | Low % of eligible purchases | Monster reach; event spikes | Volume game—pair with code-only challenges |
| Xsolla Partner Network / creator stores | Creator storefronts | % of cart | Sell indies direct to your audience | Good for YouTube/Discord-centric communities |
| Nexus.gg (creator keys) | Creator storefronts | % of cart | Dev-approved keys; indie support | Great for guide makers tied to specific games |
Opinion: Expect low single-digit revenue share but high scale if your community listens. You’re monetizing trust, not discounts—lean into build guides and creator events, not price.
Game server hosting (Minecraft, survival, modded—recurring and sticky)
These game server hosting affiliate programs convert off “how to make a server” tutorials and modpack guides.
| Brand | Focus | Payout 💸 | Why it converts 🎯 | My take 🧠 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apex Hosting | Minecraft-first | CPA + recurring | Beginner-friendly panels 🧑💻 | Top pick for “start a server” content |
| Shockbyte | Minecraft + survival | CPA + recurring | Global pricing, good docs | Write region-specific setup guides |
| ScalaCube | MC + Ark/Rust | CPA | Fast spin-up ⚡ | Simple compare tables convert |
| GPORTAL | AAA survival | CPA + recurring | Official partnerships | Ride new survival launches |
| Nitrado | Survival + console | CPA + recurring | Console server hosting 🎮 | Perfect for “crossplay server” niches |
| BisectHosting | MC + modded | CPA + recurring | Modpack-friendly | Modpack SEO is gold |
Opinion: This category is quietly one of the best gaming affiliate programs for evergreen revenue. Tutorials age well. Discord communities spread them for you.
Grey-market key resellers (proceed carefully)
They convert and pay—but they are not authorized. If your brand values buyer protection, weigh this carefully.
| Marketplace | Why people use it | Risk 🛑 | My take 🧠 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDKeys | Often cheapest keys | Warranty varies | Large audience; be transparent about sourcing |
| G2A | Big marketplace | Seller variability | Vet your content tone; expect reader questions |
| Kinguin | Marketplace | Seller variability | Only if your audience accepts grey-market tradeoffs |
| Eneba | Marketplace | Varying seller quality | Disclose risks; offer authorized alternatives |
| HRK, SCDKey (and similar) | Keys, sometimes OEM | Refund/chargeback risk | Use sparingly, never as your only option |
Opinion: I include them because they exist and convert. I rarely lead with them. Trust is harder to rebuild than EPC is to improve.
30+ programs at a glance (cheat sheet)
| Program | Category | Why it’s here 🎯 | Cookie ⏱️ | Notes 🧠 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humble Partner | Store/bundles | Bundles drive AOV 😊 | Multi-day | Charity lift |
| Fanatical | Store/bundles | Discounts convert | Multi-day | Voucher culture |
| Green Man Gaming | Store | Day-one + indies | Multi-day | Strong pre-orders |
| GOG.com | Store | DRM-free ❤️ | Multi-day | Retro evergreen |
| Gamesplanet | Store | EU reach | Multi-day | Ubisoft/SEGA |
| GamersGate | Store | Long tail | Multi-day | Depth |
| Direct2Drive | Store | US-friendly | Multi-day | Legacy brand |
| 2Game | Store | Coupons 🔖 | Multi-day | Deal sites |
| IndieGala | Store/bundles | Budget bundles | Multi-day | Indie discovery |
| Voidu | Store | EU deals | Multi-day | Seasonal |
| WinGameStore | Store | Mac + PC 🍏 | Multi-day | Apple audience |
| Noctre | Store | APAC pricing | Multi-day | AU/NZ |
| GameBillet | Store | Indie depth | Multi-day | Long tail |
| Ubisoft Store | Publisher | DLC + credits | Multi-day | Franchise hubs |
| Paradox Store | Publisher | DLC cadence 📅 | Multi-day | Strategy |
| Bandai Namco | Publisher | Anime/fighting | Multi-day | Collector’s |
| Square Enix | Publisher | JRPG | Multi-day | Editions |
| SEGA Store | Publisher/merch | Sonic/Yakuza | Multi-day | Cross-sell |
| Capcom Store | Publisher | RE/MH | Multi-day | Launch pushes |
| GeForce NOW | Cloud | Solves low-end PCs | Multi-day | CPA/rev share |
| Boosteroid | Cloud | Broad catalog | Multi-day | Quick wins |
| Shadow PC | Cloud | Full desktop ☁️ | Multi-day | High AOV |
| Utomik | Subscription | Family-first | Multi-day | Monthly lists |
| Antstream | Retro cloud | Nostalgia 🕹️ | Multi-day | Evergreen |
| Epic Support-A-Creator | Creator code | Massive scale | N/A | Low %; volume |
| Xsolla Partner Network | Creator store | Dev-approved | Multi-day | Indie focus |
| Nexus.gg | Creator store | Creator-run | Multi-day | Community sales |
| Apex Hosting | Servers | Recurring | Multi-day | Minecraft |
| Shockbyte | Servers | Global | Multi-day | How-to SEO |
| ScalaCube | Servers | Fast spin-up | Multi-day | Price comps |
| GPORTAL | Servers | AAA survival | Multi-day | Official ties |
| Nitrado | Servers | Console servers 🎮 | Multi-day | Crossplay |
| BisectHosting | Servers | Modpack-ready | Multi-day | Guides |
| CDKeys | Grey market | Cheap keys | Multi-day | Caution |
| G2A | Grey market | Volume | Multi-day | Caution |
| Kinguin | Grey market | Marketplace | Multi-day | Caution |
| Eneba | Grey market | Marketplace | Multi-day | Caution |
That’s 36 programs—enough to diversify without losing your mind.
Content playbooks that actually work
1) Launch-week dominance
Publish “Which edition to buy?”, “PC performance settings,” and “best starter build” guides 48–72 hours before release. Tie each guide to deep links across online gaming software supplier storefronts you carry. Keep the “Buy” table at the top so deal hunters don’t bounce.
2) Monthly “Best on X” subscription posts
For cloud services and game libraries, a monthly “best games on [service] right now” post recaptures returning readers. Add a change log at the top. Push to your newsletter and Discord. This is recurring revenue discipline.
3) Price ladder tables
For evergreen AAA titles, show “official price vs authorized discount vs grey market” with clear pros/cons and refund policies. Readers appreciate transparency; you’ll win more clicks over time.
4) Server how-tos and modpack guides
Minecraft, Ark, Rust, Valheim—setup guides convert forever. Add troubleshooting sections, downloadable configs, and a clean “Choose host” table that explains latency, locations, and RAM tiers.
5) DLC & season pass evergreen
Create one URL per major franchise that tracks all DLC and season pass content. Each update is a new reason to rank again and re-share. Add an always-visible “What to buy first?” box.
What’s popular now—and what will trend in 2026
Live-service fatigue, but selective loyalty
Players are quitting bad passes and doubling down on the ones that respect time. Expect fewer, stronger live-service brands with more generous early-tier rewards. Affiliate implication: prioritize franchises with sane grinds and positive sentiment; your retention content will actually convert.
PC performance & optimization content surges again
With mid-range GPUs still price sensitive, “best settings” and “FSR/DLSS mode picks” perform. Pair that with cloud alternatives for potato PCs and capture both sides: hardware buyers and cloud subscribers.
Co-op and extraction continue to pull
Fast-session co-op, roguelites, and extraction shooters stay hot because they’re social and replayable. Build category hubs that crosslink builds, meta shifts, and “best starter kits”—those pages monetize across stores and DLC.
Creator economy meets storefronts
Creator codes are normal. Expect more game affiliate program variants that let creators sell official keys or DLC from their own storefronts. If you have a Discord with active daily users, a creator store is practically a must.
Retro and preservation boom
Modern emulation conversations (legal BIOS, dump your own carts, FPGA talk) push interest in legal retro libraries. Retro cloud subscriptions and DRM-free classics will keep ranking. Write evergreen “how to play legally” content and route to authorized stores.
UGC platforms evolve payout logic
UGC (Roblox, Fortnite Creative, Dreams-like ecosystems) will keep experimenting with engagement-based payouts. Not strictly an affiliate, but expect hybrid models where creators earn from time spent plus direct purchases via creator codes.
KPI model you can copy
| KPI | Target | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| CTR to store | 15–25% on deal posts | If CTR is low, your table design or pricing intel is off |
| Click-to-cart add | 25–40% | Deep links to the exact SKU beat generic store links |
| Conversion (store) | 3–8% (authorized) | Launch week >10% is common; off-season is lower |
| Conversion (subs) | 2–5% from tutorial posts | CPA will hinge on onboarding friction |
| Refund/chargeback | <1% (authorized) | If higher, check your pitch accuracy and SKU mapping |
| EPC (blended) | Model per category | EPC > commission % when AOV and cookie windows align |
Common pitfalls (so you don’t learn them the hard way)
- Generic deep links: Always link the exact edition/SKU. “Landing page + hope” kills conversion.
- Out-of-GEO stores: Your UK reader cannot redeem a US key. Build GEO detection into your price tables.
- Creator-code overpromises: Creator payouts are slim by design; pitch the community angle, not “earnings per click.”
- Grey market as default: You win short-term clicks and lose long-term trust. Lead with authorized, offer context on alternatives.
- Stale pricing: Set a monitoring ritual for your top 50 pages. Update price ladders weekly, daily during sales.
A blunt, personal take
I’ve chased headline commissions and regretted it. The stable money in gaming affiliate programs isn’t the one high-percent campaign you brag about on Twitter—it’s the system you build: authorized stores for trust, subs for recurring, servers for evergreen, and creator codes for community. Add discipline around deep links, price monitoring, and SKU hygiene, and you’ll beat louder brands that rewrite everything every month.
Final checklist before you apply
| Area | What “ready” looks like (with emoji next to the aspect) |
|---|---|
| Content 🎮 | At least five evergreen hubs (franchise DLC, optimization, “best on X”) |
| Tables 🧮 | Live price ladders with GEO toggles and exact SKU deep links |
| Disclosures 🧾 | Clear, consistent affiliate disclosures in header/footer and near tables |
| Tracking 🔗 | UTM taxonomy, link shortener, broken-link alerts, cookie-window notes |
| Calendar 📅 | Launch schedule, seasonal sales, monthly subscription updates |
| Community 💬 | Discord or newsletter cadence—weekly works, monthly is the floor |
Here’s the bottom line: pick programs that match your audience’s intent and your editorial muscle, not just the biggest brand names. Diversify across stores, subs, servers, and creator codes so you’re paid in every season, not just on launch Fridays. And if you want a sanity check on your stack—commission mix, content plan, and table design—at NOWG I’ve built free internal worksheets that benchmark your portfolio and highlight the fastest EPC wins.
