Do Publishers Get Money from Pre-Owned Games?
The straightforward answer to this question is no, publishers do not receive any revenue from the resale of pre-owned games, as the entire amount goes to the retailer. This means that when a game is sold as pre-owned, the publisher does not benefit financially from the transaction, and the revenue is solely retained by the retailer who sold the game.
Understanding the Revenue Model of Game Sales
To delve deeper into the issue, it’s essential to understand how the revenue model works for game sales. When a game is initially sold, the publisher receives a significant portion of the revenue, which is then used to cover development costs, marketing expenses, and other overheads. However, when the same game is resold as pre-owned, the publisher does not receive any additional revenue.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
- Do publishers make money off used games? No, publishers do not make any money from the sales of used games, as the revenue goes directly to the retailer.
- How much does a publisher take from a game? The publisher’s share of the revenue can vary, but it’s typically between 10% and 20% of the total revenue generated by the game.
- Do publishers fund video games? Yes, publishers often provide funding for video game development, marketing, and distribution, in exchange for a share of the profits.
Royalties and Revenue
- What percentage of money do publishers take? The royalty rates can vary, but publishers typically take around 15% to 20% of the revenue generated by hardcover sales, and around 7.5% to 10% for trade paperback sales.
- How do game publishers make money? Game publishers make money through royalties, which are a percentage of the revenue generated by game sales, as well as through digital distribution fees.
- Do authors get royalties from games? Yes, some authors and developers may receive royalties from game sales, especially if they own a share of the intellectual property.
Game Development and Publishing
- How do I sell my game to a publisher? To sell your game to a publisher, you should prepare a pitch, including a demo and a clear elevator pitch, and attend conventions and industry events to network with publishers.
- Do you need a publisher to sell a game? No, you don’t necessarily need a publisher to sell a game, as you can self-publish and handle marketing and distribution yourself.
- What is the point of a publisher for games? The publisher’s role is to provide funding, marketing, and distribution support to game developers, in exchange for a share of the profits.
Self-Publishing and Royalties
- Is it better to self-publish or get a publisher? The decision to self-publish or work with a publisher depends on your goals, resources, and preferences, as both options have their advantages and disadvantages.
- How much do you make if you sell 100,000 books? The amount of money you can make from selling 100,000 books depends on the royalty rate and the cover price, but as a rough estimate, you could earn around $80,000 to $250,000.
- What is the average royalty paid to authors? The average royalty rate for authors can vary, but it’s typically around 10% to 15% for traditional publishing, and up to 70% for self-publishing.
Additional Questions
- Can you sell a game you made? Yes, you can sell a game you’ve created, either through self-publishing or by working with a publisher.
- How hard is it to make a successful board game? Creating a successful board game requires a combination of design skills, market research, and luck, but with the right approach, it’s possible to create a hit game.
- Can I sell my game to a game company? Yes, you can sell your game to a game company, but it’s essential to protect your intellectual property and negotiate a fair deal.