I’ve never been very successful in making money through survey websites and other similar online side hustles. They often require filling out endless repetitive surveys, which quickly drains my enthusiasm. But Mistplay turned out to be a game-changer. Unlike those tedious tasks, Mistplay is a fun app where you play popular games and earn points that can be traded for gift cards from well-known retailers such as Amazon, Google Play, and iTunes.
The moment I started using Mistplay, the thought of it being a side hustle faded away. I found myself genuinely enjoying games like trivia, bubble shooting, and even a Game of Thrones-themed slots game.
Some individuals turn to Mistplay aiming to make money rather than just have fun. But the question remains: is it a viable side hustle or merely an entertaining distraction?
What Is Mistplay?
Mistplay is an app designed to reward you for playing games, boasting a respectable 4.1 rating on the Google Play Store. Unfortunately for Apple enthusiasts, it’s currently only available for Android, although iPhone users can join an iOS waiting list for future updates.
Setting up an account is quick and straightforward, taking about a minute. You’ll need to provide your birthday, gender, and choose an avatar. Afterward, you’ll be prompted to select your favorite games, which helps Mistplay curate the list of games it recommends to you.
The selection includes popular titles like Super Mario Run, Pokemon Go, Fruit Ninja, chess, Solitaire, Candy Crush Saga, Wordscapes, and many others across various genres such as action, arcade, sports, strategy, and word games.
You have the option to select multiple games. I chose Super Mario Run, Bubble Shooter, and Words with Friends 2, and was pleasantly surprised to receive 200 bonus points just for starting.
These points can be used to purchase new avatars or exchanged for gift cards to retailers like Amazon, eBay, Starbucks, and Apple Store. They also offer gift cards for specialized stores like GameStop, PlayStation Store, and Xbox, making it an excellent way to support a video game hobby without spending extra money.
Moreover, Mistplay frequently shares bonus point codes on their Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook pages, which you can use to your advantage. Another trick to maximize your earnings is playing games daily, as this will earn you additional bonuses. Setting a daily reminder to play can help maintain your streak and maximize point accumulation.
Is Mistplay Worth It?
User reviews generally praise Mistplay for its reliability in awarding points and the ease of redeeming gift cards. However, the app is not transparent about the time investment required to earn a meaningful amount. The returns can be disappointingly low when considering the time it takes to earn even a $5 gift card.
If your sole purpose is to make extra money, there are more lucrative side hustles available. However, for those who have limited options—perhaps due to lack of access to a laptop or desktop—Mistplay can be a decent way to earn some extra cash. For instance, if you have a job that lets you use your phone or if you often find yourself commuting by bus, Mistplay might be one of the few viable options to make money during those periods.
For avid mobile gamers, Mistplay stands out as one of the rare side hustles that doesn’t feel like work. It’s free to sign up, and unlike other gigs, it doesn’t require spending money on gas or subjecting your car to wear and tear.
How Does Mistplay Work?
To start using Mistplay, you need to download the app, create a profile, choose your preferred games, and begin playing. Each game must be downloaded separately, which can take a few minutes.
As you dive into the games, you’ll start earning points, which can eventually be redeemed for retailer gift cards. Playing the same games daily can help you level up and potentially earn more points over time.
A review of Mistplay’s game library reveals an extensive selection, ensuring variety and helping to stave off boredom.
While Mistplay is arguably one of the most entertaining side hustles available, it falls short in terms of financial reward. My sessions of about 10 minutes per game typically earned me between 2 and 20 points. Given that you need 400 points for a 50-cent Amazon gift card, it would take roughly six hours to earn a 50-cent card, which equates to about 12 hours for $1.
Though it’s possible that experienced players who have leveled up might earn points faster, the app does not clearly outline how much this would accelerate earnings.
Battery Life Consideration
To run the app smoothly, I had to adjust my phone’s battery settings from power-saving to optimized, which might drain the battery more quickly. Thankfully, I can easily recharge my phone at home.
For those who play games on the go, it’s advisable to carry a charger or battery pack. Additionally, remember to revert your battery settings once you’re done playing to conserve energy.
Mistplay is an interesting mix of fun and reward, providing a unique way to earn a bit of extra cash while indulging in gaming. Whether it’s worth it depends largely on your circumstances and expectations.
