Do online games really pay money?

I've always heard rumors about online games paying money, but I'm really skeptical. Is it true that you can actually earn cash by playing video games online? It seems like such a far-fetched idea to me. After all, gaming is typically seen as a hobby or a form of entertainment, not a source of income. But then I started seeing advertisements for these "pay-to-play" games, promising players the opportunity to make some extra cash while having fun. It got me thinking, maybe there's something to it? Maybe there are people who are actually making money from playing online games? But I have so many questions. How does it work? Are these games legitimate? Are there any hidden costs or catches that I should be aware of? And most importantly, is it realistic for me to expect to earn a significant amount of money from playing online games? I'm not looking to quit my day job or become a professional gamer overnight, but it would be nice to have a little extra income on the side if it's possible. So, can you help me understand if online games really pay money, and if so, how does the whole process work?