Why old games are not free?
Because someone still owns the rights to those games and in many many many cases, the license to distribute those games (even for no charge) has expired and the rights holder has little to no incentive to pay for those licenses if they are getting nothing in return.
How do I get old games for free?
On My abandonware you can download all the old video games from 1965 to 2012 for free! You can play Pacman, Arkanoid, Tetris, Galaxian, Alter Ego, or Blackthorne, Civilization, Sim City, Prince of Persia, Xenon 2, King's quest, Ultima, Kyrandia, The Incredible Machine, Another World, Test Drive, Flashback, Lemmings!
Do old games still make money?
But games with physical aspects (cartridges) are eventually no longer manufactured and eventually their first-party sales revenue will dry up. However, it may still be possible to make money on the licensing of the IP or sale of related property, and a company may account that as revenue from from products.
Why do games become free?
— Most games are becoming free to play because it helps generate revenue and the popular free games bring in the most income.