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 is 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?

[100goats]

I found a thread here that has some useful videos on surviving as a game developer.

viewtopic.php?t=112

Edit:
This video in particular gives a good idea on making money as an average indie game developer with some moderate success over the long-term.

[Mish12]

I'm not a game developer, but I can certainly provide you with some general insights and guidance on getting started in the game development industry.
Income in Game Development: Income in the game development industry varies widely. Some game developers earn a comfortable living, while others may need additional income sources.

Monetization Methods: Choose a monetization method based on your game type and platform. Options include selling games for a one-time fee, free-to-play with in-app purchases, advertising revenue (for web and mobile games), or subscription models. Platforms like Steam, app stores, and social media can all be viable choices for distribution.
Moreover, you can start by developing casino games as those are trending, and taking some ideas from Panda Master will help you.

[Mish12]

Monetizing indie games like 3patti World Pakistan can be approached in various ways, depending on the type of game, the target audience, and the developer's goals. Here are some common methods:

Sell the Game: This is the most straightforward method. You set a price for your game and sell it through digital distribution platforms like Steam, itch.io, or the App Store. Make sure to price it competitively based on factors such as its quality, length, and genre.

In-App Purchases (IAP): If your game is on mobile platforms, you can offer in-app purchases for additional content, features, or virtual goods. This model works well for free-to-play games where users can download the game for free but pay for extras within the game.

Ads: Implementing ads within your game can provide revenue, especially if your game has a large number of players. However, it's essential to balance ad placement so as not to disrupt the gameplay experience.

DLCs and Expansions: Offer downloadable content (DLC) or expansions for your game, providing additional levels, characters, storylines, or features for players who want more from the game.

Crowdfunding: Utilize platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo to crowdfund your game's development. In exchange for financial support, backers might receive exclusive rewards or early access to the game.

Subscription Model: Offer a subscription service where players pay a recurring fee to access your game and receive regular updates, exclusive content, or perks.

Merchandise and Licensing: If your game becomes popular, you can monetize it through merchandise sales such as t-shirts, posters, or figurines. You can also explore licensing deals for merchandise or adaptations like comics, novels, or even film rights.

Cross-Promotion: Partner with other developers or companies to promote each other's games. This can help increase visibility and potentially drive more sales or downloads.

Game Jams and Competitions: Participate in game jams or competitions where you can win cash prizes or funding for your game's development.

Community Support: Build a strong community around your game through forums, social media, and Discord channels. Engage with your players, listen to their feedback, and offer them opportunities to support your game through donations, Patreon, or similar platforms.

The best method for monetizing your indie game depends on various factors, including the type of game, your target audience, your budget, and your long-term goals. Experimentation, market research, and understanding your audience's preferences are key to finding the most effective monetization strategy for your game.

[Suzii]

I'm not very experienced, but I can give you some tips on getting started in the game development industry.

Income in Game Development:
Earnings in game development vary a lot. Some developers make good money, while others might need extra income.

Monetization Methods:
Choose how to make money based on your game and platform. You can:

Sell the game for a one-time fee
Offer it for free with in-app purchases
Earn from ads (for web and mobile games)
Use a subscription model
Platforms like Steam, app stores, and social media are good options for distributing your game.
However, ideas can't just come to mind you must visit some trending apps like Juwa Download APK and start to develop such apps.

[Sharloo]

The best method for monetizing indie games depends on various factors, including the type of game, target audience, and platform. Here are some common methods:

One-Time Purchase:

Sell your game for a fixed price.
Works well for story-driven, single-player games with a clear start and finish.
Examples: Steam, GOG.
Free-to-Play with In-App Purchases:

Offer the game for free and charge for in-game items, cosmetics, or features.
Suitable for mobile games and games with ongoing content.
Examples: Candy Crush, Fortnite.
Advertising:

Earn revenue from ads displayed in your game.
Effective for free mobile games with high user engagement.
Examples: Casual games, puzzle games.
Subscription Model:

Charge players a recurring fee for access to your game or additional content.
Good for games with regular updates or exclusive content.
Examples: Xbox Game Pass, Apple Arcade.
Crowdfunding:

Raise funds through platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo before the game is completed.
Helps gauge interest and secure early funding.
Examples: Shovel Knight, Hollow Knight.
Early Access:

Offer a playable version of your game before its official release.
Useful for getting feedback and funding during development.
Examples: Minecraft, Hades.
Merchandising:

Sell related merchandise like T-shirts, posters, and collectibles.
Enhances brand loyalty and provides additional revenue.
Examples: Undertale, Stardew Valley.
To determine the best method for your game, consider your game's genre, audience, and how players typically engage with similar games. Experiment with different strategies and gather feedback to see what works best.

For my game (hypothetically), if it were a story-driven, single-player indie game, I might opt for a one-time purchase model on platforms like Steam. This model is straightforward, aligns with player expectations for such games, and provides immediate revenue.