In the era of digital art, it’s no secret that making money from art can be quite hard. With so many platforms to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. If you’re looking for ways to make money from art, check out these platforms which allow you to do this.
Candy Crush Saga
Candy Crush Saga is one of the most popular games on mobile devices. Despite its popularity, the game isn’t necessarily easy to make money from. While the game itself is free, generating revenue through microtransactions is one of the ways in which Candy Crush Saga makes its money.
This is mainly because the game’s leaderboard encourages users to spend money on improving their scores. If you beat your friends’ scores on the board, you’ll likely earn credits which you can spend on new characters, power-ups, or stickers that make your game look like it belongs in the candy world.
Minecraft
Minecraft is a widely-popular game where users can build their own worlds and game-modes. While the game is free, Mojang the company which created it releases new content for users on a regular basis. This content often includes new buildings, vehicles, outfits, and game modes which can all be crafted for free in the game.
Because of this frequent content update cycle, Mojang has become one of the most lucrative gaming companies in recent years. Many game developers have followed suit, creating their own versions of Minecraft with lucrative updates and skins which can be purchased with real money.
Roblox
Roblox is another hugely popular game where users can build their own worlds and games. Much like Minecraft, users can play music, videos, and/or games while enjoying the experience. Since its creation in the early 2010s, Roblox has grown considerably in popularity and revenue.
The company recently surpassed the 500 million lifetime user milestone and is now worth around $20 billion. Much like Minecraft, Roblox offers a variety of ways for players to earn money. These can include selling virtual items, watching ads, or paying to ‘level-up’ and become more experienced in the game.
Steam
Valve the company which created Steam introduced the concept of games as a service to gamers. This model allows game developers to release their games on a regular basis and continue to earn money from new users even after the game’s initial release. This ongoing revenue stream makes Steam the ultimate ‘try before you buy’ platform. When a user downloads and plays a game which costs $5, that user is essentially paying for the service of being able to play the game in the first place.
Valve has maintained a consistent revenue stream through this model and now boasts a market cap of around $20 billion.
Even relatively unknown indie game developers have successfully navigated this landscape and can now be found showcasing their games on these powerful online platforms.
Unity
Unity is a cross-platform game engine which provides developers with the tools to create standalone games or apps or embedded games within larger apps. Much like Steam, Unity introduced the concept of games as a service and allows users to download games and try them out for free. Additionally, through their Creator Rewards Program, Unity offers an opportunity for gamers to earn money through playing games.
The company’s success is largely due to their ease of use and the numerous compatible devices on which they can be used. If you’re looking to make money from art, Unity’s developer console is a free option which can be accessed through this link. Since launching in 2018, the program has over 200 games available for players to try out. Many big-name developers use Unity to power their games and have become a valuable source of money for gamers who decide to continue playing their games after their trial period.
What is a ‘skin’?
When referring to skins in video games, it is usually referring to a virtual item which users can purchase in game to customize their characters. These skins can range from simple paint brushes which let you change the color of your in-game character to more elaborate techniques which add textures, animations, or designs to your character. Aside from skins, other popular methods for users to earn money in games include spending real money on coins which then can be redeemed for special offers or buying special items through ‘caches’ located around the game world.
Is this a viable model for art and artists?
In the age of COVID-19, many industries and jobs have been disrupted, including the gaming industry and the creative industries which are reliant on it. Game developers no longer meet face-to-face, playing their games on consoles and handheld devices which connects them virtually through video calls. This has had a large impact on the creative side of the industry, as demonstrated by the steep decline in sales of physical art books and canvasses.
Games as a service have also taken their toll on users, demanding substantial time and attention from players which then has to be compensated for through in-game purchases. If you’re an artist who makes their living through selling art, how does this affect you?
These changes have had a significant impact on the artists and creatives who depend on these games for their income. Many have had to take a step back, as the demand for their work has declined. In these times, it can be difficult to know where to focus your efforts in order to generate the most revenue. If you’re looking to find a way to make money from art during these challenging times, consider these alternatives.