Summary
A controversial issue arose in gaming circles recently: the idea of tipping game developers.
While its an interesting concept, I dont think its the way forward.
Whos Suggesting We Tip Game Developers?
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How Much Do Game Developers Already Earn?
The quick and unsatisfying answer is: it depends.
Like many professions, game development can be very lucrative or pitifully rewarding.
Game devs working on their own, meanwhile, will struggle unless they strike gold.
Perhaps the best example is Eric Barone, the creator of the smash-hit farming sim Stardew Valley.
Sites like Patreon and Ko-fiapproach the issue of funding in different ways.
Crowdfunding is also a popular revenue source, at the opposite end of a games lifecycle.
Hollow Knight raised around $40,000 from just over 2,000 backers via Kickstarter.
Buying a second copyor double-dippingis another tactic fans can use to reward game creators.
On the counter side, consumers run a risk from ever-encroaching payment models.
What I’d appreciate most would be for you to gift my game to a friend.
I’m a big friend of clear transactions: you pay for something, you get something.
It follows a pay what you want model also used by Humble Bundle.
I think this is a reasonable compromise.
I dont want to see developers taken advantage of by a tipping culture that treats them as disposable.
