THE TOP-EARNING GAMES FOR CHILDREN: Where Fun and Profit Meet
Understanding the billion-dollar industry shaping how kids play—and why it matters
Video games are no longer just a rainy-day activity or a reward for finishing homework. For today’s children, gaming is a central part of how they play, learn, and connect. But behind the screen, the children’s gaming market is also one of the most profitable—and influential—segments of the entertainment industry.
From colorful worlds and lovable characters to in-game currencies and digital cosmetics, many games aimed at children are generating billions of dollars in revenue. And they’re doing so by turning fun into a highly successful business model.
So, which games are leading the way—and what can we learn from them?
1. Roblox
Estimated revenue: Over $2 billion annually
Roblox isn’t just a game—it’s a platform. Kids don’t just play on Roblox, they build. The game’s open-ended structure lets users create their own mini-games and virtual experiences, many of which can be monetized. Players spend Robux (the platform’s virtual currency) on outfits, game passes, and private servers. What’s unique here is how Roblox merges play, social connection, and user-generated content into a business model that encourages spending—and creativity.
2. Minecraft
Estimated revenue: $400–$500 million annually (game sales + marketplace content)
Minecraft’s blocky aesthetic might look simple, but its earning power is anything but. Children love Minecraft for its endless possibilities—building, exploring, roleplaying, and even learning through educational modes. The game monetizes through downloadable content (DLC), marketplace items, and merchandising, all while maintaining a one-time purchase model on many platforms. It’s also used in classrooms, giving it added credibility among parents and educators.
3. Fortnite
Estimated revenue: Over $5 billion in some peak years
While Fortnite is often associated with teens, a significant portion of its user base includes kids under 13—especially for its non-violent "Creative" and "Party Royale" modes. Fortnite is a masterclass in monetization without pay-to-win mechanics. The game is free, but players spend real money on skins, emotes, and battle passes. Its seasonal content and cultural relevance (think concerts, collabs, and real-world brands) keep children coming back—and spending.
4. Pokémon Franchise (including Pokémon GO)
Estimated annual revenue: $1–$2 billion (from games alone)
Pokémon is not just a game—it’s a global brand that spans generations. Games like Pokémon GO, Pokémon Unite, and the mainline Nintendo Switch titles remain incredibly popular with younger audiences. Add in merchandising, trading cards, movies, and apps, and it’s clear that Pokémon’s success lies in its multi-platform approach. It monetizes not just gameplay, but the identity of being a Pokémon fan.
5. LEGO Video Games and LEGO Apps
Estimated revenue: Hundreds of millions annually (from games + branded content)
The LEGO brand continues to expand into digital gaming through titles like LEGO Star Wars, LEGO City Adventures, and mobile apps. These games often combine humor, storytelling, and collaboration in ways that appeal to kids and parents alike. LEGO monetizes through game sales, app features, and its broader brand ecosystem—including toys and subscriptions that integrate with digital play.
Where Fun Meets Business—and Responsibility
These games are wildly successful not just because they’re entertaining, but because they’re designed to keep children engaged. Whether it’s through daily challenges, virtual currencies, or social interaction, they blend play with business in ways that are carefully optimized for profit.
This raises important questions for parents, educators, and policymakers:
How can we ensure kids understand the value of digital purchases?
Are in-game purchases ethical when targeted at young players?
What role should companies play in supporting healthy screen time and online behavior?
A Call for Balanced Engagement
Games can be powerful tools for creativity, learning, and emotional development—but only when approached mindfully. As these top-earning games continue to evolve, there’s an opportunity to build healthier, safer gaming experiences that still deliver fun—without compromising well-being.
If you're a parent, educator, or game developer, understanding the business behind these games helps you support kids not only as players—but as growing digital citizens.
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Dr. Ewa J. Antczak
Psychologist | Founder of Felixa | Advocate for Safe and Healthy Digital Play
Curious about the emotional tone of the games your child plays? Try our Community Health Check Tool at www.felixagaming.com and see how supportive—or harmful—their online gaming space really is.