How To Make Money With Your Minecraft Server

Minecraft has almost (pun intended) become a household word. Gamers around the globe have tried this popular, pixelated platform of digital delight at least once in the last decade.

The Minecraft madness doesn't stop at non-gamers. It is impossible to open an internet browser, access a streaming service, or go into a store without coming across Minecraft or its merchandise.

 Minecraft was first released to the public in 2009 by the Swedish game developer, Mojang. Over the past decade, Minecraft has grown into one of the most popular gaming platforms in the world, with Microsoft reporting more than 112 million monthly users as of September 2019).

 You need to know how to make a Minecraft server popular with this kind of player base.

Let's see!

 Related: How to create a Minecraft server for Windows, Mac, or Linux

 7 ways to make money with your Minecraft server

 Here's how to start making money on your Minecraft server:

Register your business. Charge for server access. Collect membership fees. Ask for donations. Sell digital merchandise. Secure sponsorships. Stream your gameplay. Regular gameplay includes strategy, story, building and community interactions on a server chosen by the player. You can also manage your own Minecraft server and create the world of your dreams. Invite other players to join.

 Technically, Minecraft gaming is not allowed to make you money, but Mojang, which develops Minecraft, has made an exception for Minecraft server owners.

Before you think about payday, you should review the Minecraft Commercial Use Terms. It will explain how you legally profit from your Minecraft server.

(Read the Mojang's terms and conditions. Some information and rules may have been updated since the date of this posting.

 1. Start your business

Before you can make money you need to spend money.

Related: What exactly is a domain? This is everything you need to learn about domain names.

 Find the perfect domain name

First, you will need to choose a domain for your online branding efforts. Your business is virtual and a domain will allow your visitors to find your site online.

Take a look.

Related: How to purchase a domain name

 Get a logo

Next, you need to brand yourself with a professional Logo. A logo helps gamers recognize your server and establishes your server's visual identity.

Related: How to make a logo in 12 steps

 Create a website

 With a game server business, you need to not only set up the game server, but you will need to create a website.

Your website is where gamers will find out more about you, your server's community and the games your server offers.

Your website can also be used to advertise affiliate programs or create an eCommerce store for sales made outside the game platform.

If you feel comfortable setting up a server, you can likely build your website. We recommend using WordPress for a game server business.

If you don't want to build the website yourself, you can hire a professional to do it while you are setting up your Minecraft world.

Related: How to create a WordPress website the first time

Once you have established your branding and website, it's time to focus on bringing in the Green.

 2. Access to the server requires payment

When you are creating a huge, beautiful Minecraft world, making a profit is a serious business. You need a reliable and fast server to make it work.

Mojang allows players to charge a fee. However, it must be the exact same for all players.  WICKED FRISE All you need to decide is if you will charging Baltic Avenue discount rates or Boardwalk premium access fees.

You should also consider the time it took to set up your server. If you construct a large unique gaming world with beautiful structures, mini-games and expansions, charging access is necessary. Even a small game server owner who wants to make a profit must cover the building costs.

 3. Join now and save on membership fees

Collecting membership fees is no different to collecting server access fees. However, with memberships you can give your player choices about access duration.

 You can charge weekly, monthly, or annual membership fees depending on how long players want to access your Minecraft server. You must charge the same price to all players.

An annual membership is almost always the cheapest option. However, a weekly or monthly fee might be a better option for those who are looking to play the game before signing up for a longer-term subscription, or those who have a tight budget.

However, whatever you charge, it must be at the same prices and terms as all other players.

Related: How can I start a member site

 4. Ask for donations

Why would anyone spend money they don’t have to?

Some people feel obliged to pay for items they use. Other people give to people and platforms they like so that the developer can continue to provide them with amazing gameplay.

Most donors realize that donations fund regular updates and continual expansion. Administrators can also focus on the game server instead of treating it as a side-gig with donations.

Players may feel alienated if they are required to pay a certain amount. On the other hand, generous players might take advantage of this opportunity to contribute higher amounts than the set rate.

It can be frightening to think that people won't give money to play your game. Donations can be a great way to make your world more attractive if you put in the effort and provide fun features and timely updates.

 5. Sell digital merchandise

 While Mojang doesn't allow for profits from the Minecraft game itself, you are allowed to sell in-game items as long as it doesn't affect gameplay.

Mojang has strict rules. It is forbidden to sell capes, for example, because this item is only available through Minecraft and requires that players meet certain conditions.

To sell in-game merchandise you will need a way of accepting payments and creating your digital inventory.

 Minecraft Marketplace

 One popular option is Minecraft Marketplace. Minecraft Marketplace lets you sell skins and textures as well as adventure packs, mashups, mini-games, and track your purchases.

 Tebex

Tebex is another favorite, formerly known under the name Buycraft. Tebex was originally built to monetize Minecraft. In 2019, it was expanded to include other games. It's still a popular Minecraft eCommerce plugin that offers many digital inventory options.

 6. Secure sponsorships

 Sponsors can sponsor your Minecraft server in exchange of something, such as promoting their product to the players.

 Finding the perfect sponsor can take some research.

Google searches reveal that many companies are available to sponsor Minecraft-related activities.

 This is where your website comes in handy. Mojang won't allow you to advertise on the gaming platform, but your website can display promotions and advertisements.

You could create sponsor packages that outline exactly what sponsors receive and at what cost. Alternatively, you could create a custom arrangement for individual sponsors.

 Sponsorship may be the best way for your Minecraft server to turn a profit quickly. Again, check the Mojang commercial terms of use before committing to a sponsor.

 7. Stream your gameplay

You can have fun building your dream house, sailing in your boat, or mining for diamonds. The ability to kill creepers and avoid them can create excitement that others want.

 Per Mojang rules, you are allowed to put footage of the game on YouTube or any other website, but you have to stay within their Essential Requirements - you may create, use and distribute videos of you playing or using the game for any lawful reason, provided that you don't make any money from them.

What can you do then? Your own content must be added to the video, such as audio commentary. The amount of content you add must be sufficient to make you money and worth paying for.

Depending on the platform you choose, there are different options for monetization. To make money with ads, you may need to reach a minimum number of subscribers or viewers. You can also add affiliate links or find sponsors for your channel.

 You'll need to have a consistent schedule, so viewers know when to watch, and your stream will need to offer something interesting/different enough to bring people back.

 If you're stuck for inspiration, take a look at what other Minecraft players are streaming on Twitch.

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Get ready to be paid

 Are you ready to make money with your Minecraft server?

Minecraft's popularity, creativity and ability to adapt and change are the best assets.

Your players will become payors by providing a never-ending, changing user experience.

Related: How to Sell Video Games Online

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