On the free Daz stuff:
Take a few minutes and browse these links (there are others as well):
You must be registered to see the links
You must be registered to see the links
You must be registered to see the links
You must be registered to see the links
(basic backgrounds which also acts as lighting).
There are other freebie sites as well. Also keep in mind that you can work with a good number of Poser files in Daz, and you can also import .obj files. Worst case the file doesn't open or is a jumbled mess, but I've had real good luck with these so far. (say around an 85% success rate).
Also keep in mind that Daz Studio comes with a bunch of freebies when you first install it. You'll get base characters for Genesis, Genesis 2, Genesis 3, and Genesis 8, along with some basic clothing and a handful of other things.
In short, as long as you don't mind registering, Daz is free, and there is plenty of stuff to get you started. And as long as you are willing to keep things simple (say, using HDRI backgrounds in Daz from HDRI Haven, or using royalty free background images), you can do a LOT of storytelling with the free assets.
AND, once or twice a month, Daz makes additional freebies available. Sure, this is a bit of a grab bag, but over time you end up with a LOT of freebies...
And, once you get up to speed with Daz, maybe at that point you may want to invest in paid assets. If you do this, DEFINITELY get a Platinum Club membership (when it goes on sale, looks like the magic number is 30% off these days), as you get two discount coupons each month ($6 off coupon on certain items, and a $6 off of any purchase of $18 or more coupon on certain items), bigger discounts on some items, and more weekly freebies. Not to mention the 'reduced pricing' on the Platinum Club items.
Thanks to the plethora of freebies around the web for Daz, you CAN stay on the 'free' route with Daz, and generate some pretty decent stuff to be honest. But of course then you'll be tempted to invest more in the hobby, which is totally up to you...
If you are thinking of doing the Patreon thing, etc. with your game, if people show interest in your game, and start giving you pledges of support, that can be a way to help pay for your 'Daz hobby'...
But seriously, download Daz and take it for a spin. Daz isn't for everyone, but if you like it and don't mind working with it, it can be a lot of fun.
