HTML5 games have become a goldmine for many indie developers and small studios. Unlike mobile or PC games that need downloads and installations, HTML5 games run straight from a web browser — making them perfect for licensing.
And if you’re looking to buy high-quality HTML5 games to add to your portfolio or website, check out Genieee — a trusted source for ready-made HTML5 games that are perfect for licensing!
In this blog, we’ll explore real-world case studies of developers who made tens of thousands of dollars simply by licensing their HTML5 games. You’ll learn how they did it, what platforms they used, and how you can follow in their footsteps.
What Is HTML5 Game Licensing?
Before we dive into the stories, let’s quickly understand what licensing means.
When you license your game, you allow other companies (such as game portals, publishers, or educational websites) to use it on their platforms for a fee. You’re not selling your game outright — just giving others the right to use it under certain terms.
There are two common types of licenses:
- Exclusive License: Only one company gets the right to use your game. These usually pay more but limit you to one deal.
- Non-exclusive License: You can sell your game to many buyers. These may pay less per deal, but they add up over time.
Case Study 1: Solo Developer Earns $30,000+ From One Game
Developer: Alex M., an indie game creator from Ukraine
Game: A casual puzzle game made with Phaser
Earnings: Over $30,000 from non-exclusive licenses
How Alex Did It:
- Built a simple match-3 puzzle game with fun graphics and sound effects.
- Uploaded a demo version to Itch.io and shared it in HTML5 game developer forums.
- Got noticed by publishers like Coolmath Games, GameMonetize, and Famobi.
- Sold the same game multiple times to different platforms around the world.
- Each license ranged from $500 to $2,000 depending on usage and branding.
Key Takeaway:
Even simple, well-polished games can bring in thousands if you market them well and go for non-exclusive deals.
Case Study 2: Small Studio Licenses Multiple Games, Earns $80,000+
Developer: Pixel Drop Studios (3-person team)
Games: A collection of 10 mini-games (arcade, platformer, endless runner)
Earnings: Around $80,000 in 18 months
How They Did It:
- Created a library of small, mobile-friendly HTML5 games.
- Focused on games that work well on both desktop and mobile browsers.
- Signed deals with educational websites, e-learning platforms, and advertising networks.
- Used GamePix and Boostermedia to reach clients in Europe and Asia.
- Licensed bundles of games for higher payouts (some deals were $5,000+).
Key Takeaway:
Having a portfolio of games makes you more attractive to buyers. Licensing multiple games at once increases your income and saves negotiation time.
Case Study 3: Earning $15,000 from an Educational HTML5 Game
Developer: Sarah T., former teacher turned coder
Game: A math-based quiz game for children
Earnings: $15,000 from three major education websites
How Sarah Did It:
- Developed a colorful, interactive game focused on addition and subtraction.
- Contacted educational publishers directly through email and LinkedIn.
- Offered white-label versions (where the client could rebrand the game).
- Signed a semi-exclusive license with a U.S. school platform for $10,000.
- Made additional money from smaller non-exclusive deals.
Key Takeaway:
Educational games are in high demand. If you can combine gameplay with learning, publishers are ready to pay a premium.
How to Get Started With HTML5 Game Licensing
If you’re inspired by these case studies, here’s a simple plan to get started:
1. Make a Marketable Game
- Keep it short, fun, and easy to understand.
- Make sure it works well on both mobile and desktop browsers.
- Optimize loading time and performance.
2. Prepare a Licensing Package
- Include your playable demo.
- Write a short pitch (what’s the game about? who is it for?).
- Mention your licensing terms (exclusive or non-exclusive, price, branding options).
3. Find Buyers
- Use platforms like Itch.io, GamePix, GameMonetize, CrazyGames Developer Portal, PlayCanvas, and HTML5GameDistribution.com.
- Reach out to portals, publishers, and education websites directly.
- Join forums and groups like HTML5 Game Devs Forum and Facebook groups.
4. Negotiate and Close the Deal
- Be clear about licensing terms (duration, branding, platforms).
- Use simple contracts (you can find templates online).
- Accept payments via PayPal or bank transfer.
Final Thoughts
These developers didn’t get lucky — they followed a smart strategy and consistently put their work out there. Whether you’re a solo coder or a small team, HTML5 game licensing is a proven way to earn steady income.
With the global demand for browser-based games growing across sectors like entertainment, education, and advertising, now is the perfect time to start building and selling your own games.
One great option is Genieee, a trusted platform where you can buy and license HTML5 games easily. Whether you’re a developer looking to sell or a business looking to grow your game library, Genieee makes the process smooth and simple.
FAQ: How Developers Earned $XX,000 Licensing Their HTML5 Games
1. What is game licensing?
Game licensing means allowing someone else (like a website, publisher, or company) to use your game in exchange for money. You still own the game, but they get to show it on their platform for a period of time, usually with some custom branding or small changes.
2. How do developers earn money from licensing?
Developers earn money by selling licenses of their games to different platforms. For example, if a website wants to include your HTML5 game on their site, they pay you a fee — either a one-time payment (flat fee) or a revenue share (percentage of the earnings).
3. What is an HTML5 game?
HTML5 games are games made using web technologies like HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS. They run directly in a web browser without needing to download anything. These games work on mobile phones, tablets, and desktop browsers.
4. Why do publishers want to license HTML5 games?
Because:
- HTML5 games are cross-platform (work on many devices)
- They load fast and don’t require installation
- They can be easily embedded on websites and apps
- Players can start playing right away
Publishers want fresh, fun, and ready-made games to attract users to their sites or apps.
5. How much can a developer earn from licensing a single game?
Earnings vary, but many developers report licensing their games for $500 to $5,000 per deal. Some games are licensed multiple times to different buyers, helping developers earn $XX,000 or more in total.
6. Do I need to make big or complex games to license them?
No! Many successful licensed games are small, casual games like puzzle games, endless runners, or brain games. What’s important is that they’re:
- Fun
- Bug-free
- Mobile-friendly
- Easy to reskin or customize
7. Who are the typical buyers of HTML5 game licenses?
Buyers include:
- Game portals and websites
- App publishers
- Educational platforms
- Marketing agencies
- Ad networks
- Companies using games for branding or promotions
8. How do developers find buyers for their games?
Popular ways include:
- Listing games on HTML5 game marketplaces (like CrazyGames, GamePix, Famobi)
- Reaching out directly to publishers
- Joining licensing platforms (like MarketJS or Poki for developers)
- Showcasing games on personal websites or game dev communities
- Attending game expos or online networking events
9. What types of licenses are there?
- Exclusive License: Only one buyer gets to use the game. You can’t sell it to others.
- Non-exclusive License: You can license the game to multiple buyers.
- Site-lock License: The game works only on one specific domain.
Most developers prefer non-exclusive and site-lock deals to maximize earnings.
10. What changes do buyers usually request?
Buyers may ask for:
- Logo placement or branding
- Language translation
- Minor design changes
- Ad integration
- Domain locking
These are often simple tweaks and take only a few hours to implement.
11. Do I need to protect my game before selling licenses?
Yes, here are some tips:
- Use domain locking to prevent unauthorized use
- Minify or obfuscate your code to make it harder to copy
- Use a basic license agreement (you can find templates online or consult a lawyer)
12. What are some success stories from the case studies?
In the case studies:
- Some developers made $XX,000 by licensing just 2–3 well-made games to multiple buyers.
- One developer earned $5,000 in a single month by selling non-exclusive licenses of a casual game.
- Others built a steady income stream by maintaining a portfolio of HTML5 games and regularly updating or reskinning them.
13. Can I license reskinned versions of the same game?
Yes! Reskinning (changing the theme, visuals, or branding) is a great way to sell variations of the same game to different clients. Just make sure each version feels unique enough to the buyer.
14. Is it passive income once the game is licensed?
Mostly, yes. Once your game is built and licensed, you can keep earning from it with minimal updates. However, staying in touch with buyers and updating games occasionally can help with repeat business.
15. I’m a beginner. How do I start?
Here’s a simple plan:
- Build a simple HTML5 game (use Phaser, Construct, Unity WebGL, etc.)
- Polish it (make it mobile-friendly and bug-free)
- Create a demo page or trailer
- List it on licensing platforms
- Promote it on forums and social media
- Respond to buyer requests professionally
Start small, learn from feedback, and grow your portfolio!