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Creative ways to spend your first $100 from a game

Game Developers Toast to $100 | Creative Plans Emerge

By

Mark Johnson

Jan 7, 2026, 05:57 AM

Edited By

Amina Hassan

Updated

Jan 7, 2026, 10:36 PM

2 minutes needed to read

A group of friends smiling and brainstorming ideas with game-themed props like T-shirts and game controllers, surrounded by fun decorations.
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A group of friends who recently launched their game on Steam just celebrated earning their first $100. Instead of dividing the cash, theyโ€™re sharing quirky ideas on how to spend it, sparking an engaging conversation within their community.

The Celebration Brainstorm

Eager to avoid conflicts, the developers brainstormed creative ways to use their earnings. Suggestions ranged from hosting a game jam with a cash prize to ordering pizza and beer for a relaxed celebration. As one commenter pointed out, "If they go out for a meal with a server, theyโ€™re gonna need a lot more than $100 if they want to also tip the server well." This highlights the rising costs many face today.

Diverse Opinions Emerge

While some advocated for celebratory meals, others pushed for practical investments:

  • Invest in inspiration: One commenter suggested buying other successful games to analyze their strategies.

  • Marketing push: Some want to use part of the funds for advertising their next project.

  • Fun purchases: Ideas floated included T-shirts, physical soundtrack discs, and even auctions to keep the spirit lively.

Interestingly, participants also discussed the necessity of clearer arrangements for future revenue sharing. One participant wisely advised, "For your next project, you should make a 'contract' for the repartition of the money."

Key Takeaways

  • โœ… Celebratory ideas range from dining out to potential investments in future projects.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Increasing living costs raise questions on spending availability, with folks noting, "Yeah, probably right cost of living affecting everything now."

  • ๐Ÿ“‘ Clear agreements may foster better teamwork and collaboration moving forward.

With a blend of playful and practical approaches, this story captures the spirit of indie game development. Only time will tell where this $100 adventure leads them next.

Forecasting Their Next Steps

It's likely these developers will invest some of their earnings back into marketing and development. Insights from community forums will guide decisions as they aim for measurable gains, potentially increasing game visibility by 200% or more. Moreover, forming clear agreements may enhance collaboration and lead to success in securing future funding within the competitive game market.

A Lesson from Local Food Trucks

Much like indie game developers, food trucks start small, celebrating initial earnings while balancing fun and strategic growth. Some trucks invest in better equipment, while others engage local communities through events. This balancing act of budgeting and celebration resonates with the indie game teamโ€™s journey, serving as a solid lesson in navigating early challenges.