How to Make a Profitable Online Game for Free: A Case Study of GoldRushClick

Creating an online game that makes money sounds like something only developers with big budgets and advanced coding skills can do—but what if we told you that you can build a fun, monetizable game completely for free?

Let’s break down how the creators of GoldRushClick, a simple clicker game hosted on Netlify, built their game with zero upfront costs—and how you can follow the same steps to create your own profitable online game.

Why Online Games Are Still a Great Side Hustle

The online gaming industry continues to boom, with mobile and browser-based games generating billions in ad revenue annually. The beauty of a simple web game is:

• Low barrier to entry (no app store needed)

• Viral potential via social sharing

• Monetization through ads, affiliate links, or premium features

• Passive income once it’s live

And with free tools available for coding, hosting, and marketing, there’s almost no cost to entry.

Step 1: Build a Simple Game Concept

The most important step is keeping it simple. GoldRushClick follows the popular “idle clicker” formula:

• Players click a button to earn virtual gold.

• Gold can be used to upgrade clicking power or automate clicks.

• The game rewards consistent interaction and progression.

You don’t need 3D graphics or complex storylines. Focus on:

• A reward loop that feels satisfying

• Progression mechanics to keep users coming back

• A clean interface that works on mobile and desktop

Free tools to build your game:

• HTML, CSS, JavaScript (the game code)

• Use frameworks like React, Vue, or just vanilla JS

• Platforms like p5.js, Phaser, or Construct 3 for visual games

Step 2: Host It Online for Free

GoldRushClick is hosted on Netlify, a free service that lets you host static sites with:

• Free SSL

• Continuous deployment from GitHub

• Fast global CDN

Other free options include:

• GitHub Pages

• Vercel

• Glitch

How to publish:

1. Push your game code to GitHub.

2. Connect GitHub to Netlify or Vercel.

3. Choose your site name (e.g., yourgame.netlify.app).

4. Boom—your game is live.

Step 3: Monetize the Right Way

Once you have traffic, here’s how to start earning:

1. Display Ads

Integrate Google AdSense or Ezoic to show banner or interstitial ads. Idle/clicker games keep users engaged for minutes—perfect for ad impressions.

2. Affiliate Marketing

Add links for gear, merch, or other games. You can:

• Promote gaming accessories or digital downloads

• Use Amazon Associates, Impact, or niche gaming affiliate networks

3. Donations or Tip Jars

Integrate a free donation button via:

• Ko-fi

• Buy Me a Coffee

• PayPal

Gamers often support indie creators—especially if you’re transparent and personal.

4. Premium Features

Offer:

• Cosmetic upgrades (like themes or skins)

• Boosters for faster progress

• An ad-free version

Use free tools like Gumroad or Stripe integrations to accept payments.

Step 4: Market Your Game (Without Spending Money)

Marketing is just as important as building.

Free marketing ideas:

• Reddit: Share your game in subreddits like r/IncrementalGames or r/WebGames

• Discord: Create a server or join game dev communities

• Social media: Post clips on TikTok, Twitter, or YouTube Shorts

• Submit to gaming directories: like itch.io or CrazyGames

If your game is fun and addictive, players will share it for you.

Lessons from GoldRushClick

GoldRushClick proves that with a creative idea, a few coding skills, and smart use of free tools, anyone can launch a game online without spending a dime.

Here’s why it works: ✅ Fast and simple gameplay
✅ Hosted for free on Netlify
✅ Built using open web technologies
✅ Monetizable through ads or upgrades

Final Thoughts: Your Game Can Be Your Digital Asset

Your online game is more than just a hobby—it’s a digital asset. Whether you monetize through ads, in-game purchases, or affiliate links, a well-made browser game can bring in passive income month after month.

And with tools like GitHub, Netlify, and JavaScript—all available for free—you have everything you need to get started today.

Ready to Build Your Game?

Start small. Pick a mechanic (like clicking or timing), design the gameplay loop, and publish it on a free platform. Then add monetization once you’ve got traffic.

Who knows? Your side project could be the next viral hit.

💡 Pro Tip: Want to fast-track your game dev journey? We’re working on a free game builder toolkit here at Money Maker Times—sign up here to be the first to know when it drops!