How exactly do game engines monetize, can anyone shed any light? Is it via additional support in using the engine for large companies? A freemium model like Unity's? But didn't even Unity succumb eventually to supplementing monetization via ads?
For legal reasons Godot itself can't include open source console compatibility. Third parties are already offering console porting for Godot games as a service, but this is an obvious way for W4 to generate cash without abandoning the principles of the project.
Afaik, it depends on the engine. Each one does differently.
There are hardly any major game engines left who don't offer free versions. But commercial ones make money either through:
1. Having some features(aka Pro or Enterprise version) or export options paid.
2. Royalties from the games made(a cut in your profits).
3. Ads.
4. Contracts with bigger companies, government, orgs, etc.
5. Projects with movie industry and other fields(research, simulation, labs, universities).
6. There might be more ways.
Free and Open-Source game engines mostly monetize from sponsors, donations and contributions or just don't earn.
