What is the best method for monetizing indie games? what is work for your game?

[lingo1357]

Hello,
I haven't made a game in over 15 years and wanted to try my luck in this industry. If possible, guide me and answer my questions.
Are you satisfied with the income of making the game and can you manage your life with it? Or do you do things like web design and design for a living?
How did you manage to monetize your game and what method would you suggest?
Steam, web games, mobile games, Facebook??

regards,
Saeed

[100goats]

The industry has changed significantly since that time.

I can guide you to further resources.

I do not make money from game development, but there are game developers who do this for a living.
I will post the video on here about that as soon as I find it.

What has changed in the industry:

The barrier to entry to the market has been reduced.

Game engines are now available to anyone and are helpful for quick development of games and porting games to consoles.
Kickstarter used for funding a game idea by independent developers now.
Steam allows you to beta-test your game and get feedback from gamers on how to improve the game before selling the final product.

[100goats]

According to ChatGPT-3.5 , this is how an independent game developer can earn a living.

Making a living as an indie game developer can be challenging but is certainly achievable with dedication, creativity, and a strategic approach. Here are steps to help you pursue a career in indie game development:

1. Develop Your Skills:
- Start by mastering game development tools and programming languages such as Unity, Unreal Engine, or Godot.
- Learn to code in languages like C#, C++, or Python.
- Improve your game design, art, and sound/music skills.

2. Create a Strong Portfolio:
- Build a portfolio of small games or game prototypes that showcase your abilities.
- Show diversity in your work to demonstrate your versatility.

3. Choose a Marketable Idea:
- Develop a unique and compelling game concept that has the potential to attract players.
- Consider market trends and audience preferences when brainstorming ideas.

4. Plan Your Game:
- Create a detailed game design document outlining gameplay mechanics, story, and features.
- Estimate your budget and set a realistic development timeline.

5. Secure Funding:
- Explore funding options, including personal savings, crowdfunding (e.g., Kickstarter), grants, or partnerships.
- Consider part-time work or freelance opportunities to support your development.

6. Develop Your Game:
- Focus on creating a minimum viable product (MVP) first to test your concept.
- Continuously playtest and iterate on your game to improve gameplay and user experience.

7. Build an Online Presence:
- Create a website and social media profiles to promote your game and connect with your audience.
- Share development updates, devlogs, and behind-the-scenes content to build anticipation.

8. Marketing and Promotion:
- Develop a marketing strategy to reach your target audience.
- Utilize platforms like Steam, itch.io, or app stores for distribution.
- Consider partnerships with influencers or gaming communities for promotion.

9. Monetization Strategies:
- Decide on a monetization model, such as selling your game, using microtransactions, or offering a free-to-play model with ads or in-game purchases.
- Be transparent about your monetization strategy to build trust with players.

10. Support and Updates:
- Continue supporting your game post-launch with updates and bug fixes.
- Listen to player feedback and make improvements based on their suggestions.

11. Diversify Income Streams:
- Consider other revenue sources like merchandising, game development courses, or consulting.
- Develop multiple games to create a sustainable income flow.

12. Network and Collaborate:
- Attend game development conferences, meetups, and online communities to connect with fellow developers and potential collaborators.
- Collaborate with others to share resources and knowledge.

13. Stay Informed:
- Stay up-to-date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and new tools.
- Adapt to changes in the gaming industry to remain competitive.

14. Be Persistent:
- Understand that success in indie game development often takes time.
- Be prepared for setbacks and keep pushing forward.

Remember that making a living as an indie game developer can be challenging, and not every game will be a hit. However, with dedication, perseverance, and a focus on creating quality games, you can build a sustainable career in this field.

[100goats]

Are you asking about making games as an indie game developer or a game developer for a corporation?