Do you want to make money as a game developer but don’t have the budget to invest in expensive tools? Good news! You can start with just your skills and a laptop—no money needed. Here’s a step-by-step guide to turning your passion into profit without spending a dime.

What You Need

• A laptop (any decent PC or Mac will do)
• Game development skills (or a willingness to learn!)

Step 1: Download & Install a Free Game Engine

There are several powerful game engines available for free, such as:

• Unity (Free for personal use)
• Godot (Completely open-source)
• Unreal Engine (Royalties apply only after earning $1M)

Pick one that suits your style and start experimenting!

Step 2: Build a Game Using Free Assets

You don’t need to create everything from scratch. There are many free assets available online for sprites, sounds, and UI elements. Some great sources I've included in this post: https://itch.io/blog/909536/where-to-get-free-game-assets-for-your-game-developm...

Step 3: Sell the Game on itch.io

Once your game is complete, you can sell it on itch.io—a platform that allows developers to set their own prices and even accept donations. You don’t need to worry about upfront costs, as itch.io operates on a revenue-sharing model where you choose how much they take.

Step 4: Market the Game on Social Media

Marketing is key to getting people to notice your game. Use platforms like:

• X (Twitter) – Share devlogs, updates, and gameplay clips.
• YouTube – Post gameplay trailers and tutorials.
• Instagram – Showcase visuals and behind-the-scenes work.
• Reddit/Discord – Engage with game dev communities and gamers.

Step 5: Get Customers/Players

By actively promoting your game and engaging with potential players, you can start attracting downloads and purchases. As more players discover your game, word-of-mouth marketing will help increase your reach and sales.

Conclusion

You don’t need money to start making money as a game developer. With free tools, assets, and platforms, you can create, publish, and sell your games using just your skills and dedication. So, start now and turn your passion into a profitable career!