How do these online gaming companies earn money? -

How does it works, exactly? You can see from some of the ads online which is promoting a new released online game, and it s FREE TO PLAY. So, my main question is that, how does those companies which develop or publish the video games earn their money, when it s FREE???________if the game gets very popular, than advertisements from other companies will want to go and advertise there. Than the website will raise the price of the advertisement fees and they make money. If not, than many will have an exclusive membership fee for few people. Others just run small unpopular games for fun. EX: Sparknotes.com gives you detailed overviews of book. Many people use this and it is free. Apple computers sell their laptops and desktops mainly to students so they advertise there because it is popular and will raise their company s profits.________These online game have cash shop or special member account. Cash Shop - Place where you buy in-game items with real money. Member account- month fee. Have access to more things like high level weapon, special skills, special map etc. Hope I could help :)________They re either 1) loaded with advertisements to buy other games they made or 2) partial games to give you a taste but want you to pay a fee for the full versions________Most of them do something like sell in game items, or special privelages that only paying members can get. Some even offer a free AND a paying membership, which differ accordingly.________advertisement on the game website maybe ?