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How exactly do they make money their money? Do they go by a paid-per-copy system, or some other form of compensation?

Edit: To clarify, I just saw "Indie Game - The Movie" and was wondering how developers like Team Meat get compensated for every copy of the game they sell. Do they get say, a dollar for every $10 copy?

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closed as not constructive by bobobobo, bummzack, Anko, ClassicThunder, Josh♦ Apr 25 '13 at 16:06

As it currently stands, this question is not a good fit for our Q&A format. We expect answers to be supported by facts, references, or expertise, but this question will likely solicit debate, arguments, polling, or extended discussion. If you feel that this question can be improved and possibly reopened, visit the help center for guidance. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.

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    \$\begingroup\$ This question is too broad and basic, but there are a number of ways monotize your game (see but does ROTMG make $$$? section) \$\endgroup\$ – bobobobo Apr 24 '13 at 16:44
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    \$\begingroup\$ If Team Meat is selling the game directly, they get $10 for every $10 sale sans processing fees. Where would you imagine that $9 would be going? \$\endgroup\$ – MichaelHouse♦ Apr 24 '13 at 16:54
  • \$\begingroup\$ Yea, I was just curious as to exactly how much they got from the $10. Not seeing anything specific on the subject on Google. \$\endgroup\$ – Ray Lee Apr 24 '13 at 17:01
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    \$\begingroup\$ Steam takes 30% of each copy sale, (Team Meat is on Steam). The Apple App store also takes 30% of each sale. \$\endgroup\$ – bobobobo Apr 24 '13 at 17:04
  • \$\begingroup\$ It's not. Steam and the Apple App store give you visibility and accessibility you'll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere .. as well as basic protection with a key system. Do you want sales or the 90% piracy rate? \$\endgroup\$ – bobobobo Apr 25 '13 at 3:29
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  • Sales: Selling their game, per copy. Or selling the rights to their game.

  • Ads: Advertisements placed in game, on their website, etc. Admob, Adsense, etc.

  • In-App purchases: Mainly mobile apps, in app purchases can be character upgrades, xp bonuses, etc.

  • Dontations: Releasing their game for free, and asking for donations. Dwarf fortress does this.

  • Subscriptions: Recurring fees to play their game, typically in an online setting.

  • Their day job: Many indie developers don't make money from their games. They have to work a real job to get paid.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ :) I like everyone of these except for ads. Ads are usually a way to force purchase, but I detest ad popover placement within serious games (like games that people actually developed for people's enjoyment rather than to pop money out of people). Now product placement is a type of "ad" I have no problem with. \$\endgroup\$ – bobobobo Apr 24 '13 at 16:48
  • \$\begingroup\$ But is that a seriously viable option? There has to be a certain lack of self-respect for a developer to allow popover ads in this "game experience" they are creating. \$\endgroup\$ – bobobobo Apr 24 '13 at 16:52
  • \$\begingroup\$ Viable, I think so. In the free versions of mobile games this is fairly common. Ads in the transition screens, main menu, etc. They don't have to be popover ads. \$\endgroup\$ – MichaelHouse♦ Apr 24 '13 at 16:53
  • \$\begingroup\$ I know it's common. But I think it should be evaluated -- how much money do people make on ads really? I consider it as more nagscreening -- "a way to annoy users and make them purchase" \$\endgroup\$ – bobobobo Apr 24 '13 at 17:07
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    \$\begingroup\$ I would rather have some ads in games than pay for the game up front. And I would rather a developer gets some money for their work than release a game for free. \$\endgroup\$ – MichaelHouse♦ Apr 24 '13 at 22:56
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This question is too broad and basic, but there are a number of ways monotize your game (see but does ROTMG make $$$? section).

1) Sell it on your website / via Steam or in an appstore like the Apple App Store or Google Play

2) In-app purchases (managed by Apple App or Google Play)

The world of in-app purchases is huge. And what you can sell depends on what kind of game it is .. is it a persistant MMO type world? Then have permadeath and sell scrolls of resurrection in the store. Is it a shooter? Then sell the ability to "unlock" the better weapons. The list goes on, what you can sell as in-app really depends on what your game about.

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