How To Make Money With Your Minecraft Server

Minecraft has become a household name. This popular platform of digital pleasure has been tried by millions of gamers worldwide over the past decade.

The Minecraft madness isn't just for gamers. You can't open an internet browser, browse a streaming site, or walk into any store without seeing mentions of Minecraft or its merchandise.

Mojang, a Swedish game developer, released Minecraft for the first time in 2009. Minecraft has grown to become one of most popular gaming platforms around the globe over the past ten years, with Microsoft reporting that Minecraft has more 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 find the answer!

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:

Set up your business. Access to the server is charged. Collect membership fees. Ask for donations. Sell digital merchandise. Secure sponsorships Stream your gameplay. Regular gameplay can include story, building, and community interactions on a server that the player chooses. You can also manage your own Minecraft server and create the world of your dreams. Invite others 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.

(Always read the terms from the Mojang. Some of the information and rules could have changed since this posting date.

1. Start your business

Before you can make any money, you must first spend money.

Related: What's a domain name? All you need to know about domains.

Find the perfect domain name

First, you need to choose an internet domain name for your online branding efforts. A domain name allows your customers to find you online, and will allow them to visit your website.

Go ahead, take a look.

Related: How can I buy a domain.

Get a logo

Next, brand yourself with a professional logo. A logo is an easy way for gamers to identify your server and serves as the foundation for your server's visual identity.

Related: How do you design a logo? 12 steps

Create a website

You need to set up a server for a game server company.

Your website is how gamers will find and learn more about your server, your server's community, and the gameplay 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 have experience setting up your own server, then you should be able to build your own website. We recommend using WordPress for a game server business.

If you are not interested in building your website, you might consider hiring a professional to help you set up your Minecraft world.

Related: How to make a WordPress website your first time

Once your branding is established, you can start to bring in the green.

2. Charge for server access

When creating an immense, beautiful Minecraft world, it is serious business to make a profit. A reliable and fast server is essential.

Mojang allows you to charge a fee - any fee - but it must be the same for all players. You can decide whether to charge Baltic Avenue discount rates, or Boardwalk Premium Access fees.

It is important to consider the time taken to set up the server. You must charge access to your gaming world if you want to create a unique gaming environment with beautiful structures, mini games, and expansions. Even for small game server owners looking to cash in, building costs must be covered.

3. Collect membership fees

Collecting member fees isn't much different from collecting access fees for servers, except that you can give players access options.

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

The annual fee is almost always the most affordable option for memberships. However, a weekly fee may be the best option for those who want to test the game before they commit to a longer-term membership or those who need the fee to be less costly.

It doesn't matter what you charge; it must be the same price and terms for all players.

Related: How to start a membership site

4. Ask for donations

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

Some people feel an obligation to pay for things they use, while others give to people or platforms they like so the developer can continue providing them with incredible 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.

You may alienate players if they are locked into a specific amount to play that may not be in their budget. On the flip side, generous players may be able to contribute much more than the set rate.

It can be frightening to think that people won't give money to play your game. If you have a beautiful world and are willing to put in the work, make frequent updates and add fun features, donations could be a huge payoff.

5. Sell digital merchandise

Mojang won't allow you to make any profits from the Minecraft game, but you can sell in-game items so long as it doesn’t affect gameplay.

Mojang has some very specific 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 need a way to accept payments and create your digital inventory.

Minecraft Marketplace

Minecraft Marketplace is one popular option. Minecraft Marketplace allows you to sell skins, textures, mash-ups, adventure packs, mini-games, track purchases and foster a community.

Tebex

Tebex, also known as Buycraft, is another favorite. Tebex was originally built to monetize Minecraft. In 2019, it was expanded to include other games. It's still one the most popular Minecraft eCommerce plugins, offering 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.

It can take some effort to find the perfect sponsor.

Google search reveals that there are many companies available to sponsor Minecraft activities.

Your website is your best friend. Mojang does not allow advertising on its gaming platform, but you can post advertisements and promotions on your website.

You could create sponsor packages that outline exactly what sponsors receive and at what cost. You could also create a customized arrangement for each sponsor.

Sponsorship may be the best way for your Minecraft server to turn a profit quickly. Before you agree to sponsor a server, make sure you read the Mojang commercial terms.

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.

Mojang rules say you can put footage of the game online, but you have the Essential Requirements to do so. You can create, share, and distribute videos that show you playing the game or using it for any lawful purpose, provided you don’t make any money.

What can you do? You must add your unique content to the video. You must also add enough content to make it profitable and worth the cost to someone who can afford it.

You'll have different options for monetization, depending on the platform you choose. You might need to reach a certain threshold of viewers or subscribers before you can make money with ads. You can also add affiliate hyperlinks to your profile or find sponsors for you stream.

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.

Wanna Talk About Minecraft

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?

With Minecraft's popularity and the flexibility of creativity, you have the ability to adapt, change and develop your own Minecraft world.

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

Related: How do you sell videogames online?

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