How Indie Game Developers Actually Make Money
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If you’re building your own game—or dreaming about it—this guide will show you exactly how indie game developers make real income in today’s market. No complicated jargon, no boring theory. Just clear, practical advice that even a total beginner can understand.
Most people think indie game developers earn only from game sales, but that’s not true anymore. Modern indie devs use multiple income streams. That’s why even small creators with tiny teams can make a living.
Below are the three money-making paths that almost every successful indie developer uses.
1. Earning From Your Game (The Classic Way)
This is the part everyone already knows: you make money when people buy or play your game.
How indie devs earn from their games
• Paid games:
Sell your game on Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, Epic Games Store, itch.io.
• Free games + ads:
Most mobile games earn through ads because only 1–2% of players actually buy anything.
• In-game purchases (IAPs):
Skins, items, upgrades, character packs, cosmetic rewards—these work extremely well on mobile.
Platform revenue cuts (important!)
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Steam / PlayStation / Xbox / Nintendo / Apple / Google → 30% cut
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Epic Games Store → 12% cut
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itch.io → 0–10% cut (you choose)
Most indie games earn under $4,000 total, and only a tiny 1% make big profits.
This is why relying only on game sales is risky. You need multiple ways to earn.
2. Working With Publishers or Investors
A publisher can fund your game and help it reach a bigger audience, especially if you’re working alone.
What publishers offer
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Upfront funding
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Marketing support
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Promotional campaigns
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Help with art, development, QA, and porting
Common deal numbers
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Typical advance: $318,000 – $460,000
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Smallest deals: around $100,000
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Biggest deals: $2,000,000+
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Revenue split: 60% to developer / 40% to publisher
Most publishers also take 100% of earnings until the advance is paid back.
This is normal and not a scam—it’s how the business works.
3. Making Money Through Content Creation (The Modern Indie Developer Power Move)
This is where today’s indie devs make the most consistent income. Even if your game isn’t finished, you can start earning.
Social Media Income (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, X)
You can post:
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Devlogs
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Behind-the-scenes videos
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Game progress clips
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Trailers
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Tips for new developers
You earn from:
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Ads
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Sponsorships
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Brand deals
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Platform bonuses
Some developers earn more from content than from their actual game.
Merch and Physical Products
If players love your world or characters, sell:
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Stickers
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T-shirts
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Posters
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Plush toys
Services like Teespring let you launch merch without spending money upfront.
Selling Digital Products and Tools
Create and sell:
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Courses
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E-books
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Art packs
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Music packs
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Code tools
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Game templates
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Unity/Unreal assets
These can bring stable income for years.
Useful Resources
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Brilliant – Learn coding, math, and game dev basics
https://brilliant.org/sbofMichel -
Itch.io – Sell indie games with flexible revenue share
https://itch.io -
Epic Games Store – Lower 12% revenue cut
https://store.epicgames.com -
Steamworks – Official Steam publishing info
https://partner.steamgames.com -
Teespring – Create and sell merch easily
https://teespring.com
Final Thoughts
Indie game development is challenging, but anyone can succeed by diversifying income. Don’t depend on sales alone. Build a following, create content, sell useful tools, and let your game grow step by step.
You don’t need luck. You need strategy.
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