I've created many games for a total dollar cost of $0. It can be done. Yes it requires using your time, but the opportunity cost is not necessarily in foregoing

I've created many games for a total dollar cost of $0. It can be done. Yes it requires using your time, but the opportunity cost is not necessarily in foregoing paid work hours, but rather less time spent watching TV, going to sporting events, going to movies, etc. all of which have their own cost and thus you in a sense save money by not doing them. Not all games have to be huge. Not all games require graphics, or fancy graphics. Or sound. Not all games have to be 3D. It only has to be a game. If you have the right skill set the whole thing can be made by a single passionate, driven person. Minecraft is the recent "mainstream fame" example but was not the first and likely not the last.