Sign Up Now and Get FREE CTO-level Consultation.
Request a FREE Business Plan.
Ever wondered how much it costs to design an app for a mobile game? Of course, you can have a rough figure in mind, but would it be sufficient to start down the development path? Certainly no!
The cost of creating a gaming app can vary from absolutely nothing to a colossal $174m – the present record for the most expensive game ever developed.
Before developing a mobile game app, it is imperative to fully understand development costs. It will assist you in developing a robust budget and ensure smart resource allocation and effective risk mitigation.
In today’s guide, we’ll thoroughly discuss the mobile game app development costs, crucial considerations, mobile game development low-cost strategies, and much more.
Let’s get started, but first, let’s take a look at the mobile gaming app statistics!
Following, we've provided an overview of mobile gaming app statistics. Let's take a look:
Following, we’ve listed the stages of developing the mobile game app. Let’s get into details:
1.
Market ResearchConducting market research is the first step of mobile game app development. It includes:
Time Duration: 1 Week
2.
Game Design Document (GDD)Develop a detailed GDD outlining the game concept, mechanics, target audience, game platform, storyline, game levels, monetization model, etc. GDD helps the entire team understand the overall process before they begin the development process.
Time Duration: 1 Week
3.
Technical SpecificationsThis stage defines the technical requirements of the game. This includes a choice of platform (Android or iOS), game engine (Unity, Unreal Engine, etc.), programming languages, and so on.
Time Duration: 2 Week
4.
PrototypingAn essential stage in the development process is creating a game prototype. Making a prototype facilitates testing essential gameplay elements and gathering user feedback. Also, it helps to improve and enhance the game concept before delving into the development process.
Time Duration: 1 Week
5.
Game DesignHere the development of game visuals comes into play. It includes 2D/3D assets, animations, special effects, game environments, character design, levels, puzzles, challenges, etc.
Time Duration: 3 Week
6.
Game ProgrammingThis stage includes writing programming codes and setting up databases, APIs, and servers. It also involves implementing game mechanics with technical specifications, VFX, 2D/3D assets, and animations.
Time Duration: 2+ months
7.
Sound DesignThis step is important to enhance the user experience by integrating sound effects, background music, audio elements, etc. Make sure the sounds in the game align with the game events and interactions.
Time Duration: 1 Week
8.
TestingMake sure you test the system properly to identify errors, flaws, bugs, and other issues. Our game app developers evaluate the game’s stability and compatibility with various hardware configurations, operating systems, and screen sizes.
Time Duration: 1 Week
9.
LaunchingThe mobile game app is ready to be launched once everything is set up. Also, your gaming app must follow the guidelines and requirements of app stores such as the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. Once your app is deployed, make sure to monitor analytics and user feedback to get insights and make the required adjustments.
Time Duration: 1 Day
Various factors impact the cost of game development. So, it is crucial to learn all aspects before diving into the development process. Let’s check:
1.
Game Type and ComplexityFrom basic mobile game apps to complex or advanced game apps, the type and complexity of the game highly impact the development costs.
Different Game Types
Mini 2D games: Build with simple mechanics, which are easier to learn and play.
Casual 2D games: As compared to mini 2D games, casual 2D games are more complex with a tendency to include strategic or simulation elements.
Mid-level 3D games: 3D Mid-level games provide greater depth to their gameplay than 2D games.
High-End 3D games: Advanced 3D games have complex mechanics, compelling graphics, and fascinating gameplay.
AAA games: Advanced, top-tier high-budget games that are developed by major studies with extensive resources.
Game Complexity
2.
Game PlatformMobile game development costs also depend on the complexity of the platform (Android, iOS, or cross-platform).
3.
Technology & ToolsGame technology & tools influence the cost of game development. Make sure to evaluate the tech stack and tools that you’ll implement for your game application. Following, we’ve listed a few factors that you must consider –
4.
Game Design & GraphicsGame design and graphics impact the overall development cost of gaming apps. Games with advanced design and graphics assets, such as, offer amazing visual appeal and user experience. However, they also consume extensive time and resources, significantly increasing development costs.
The cost of 3D graphics will be higher than that of 2D graphics. Check the table below –
5.
Game TestingNext comes game testing and quality assurance, which are essential components of mobile game development. They ensure the game's smooth functioning and remove bugs or errors.
Implementation of specific strategies assists to ensure the seamless functioning of the game, which include –
6.
MarketingCreating and deploying a mobile gaming app is one of its many aspects. Next is the other and most important factor: marketing.
Of course, you want to reach the right audience for your app to boost engagement and generate revenue. Undoubtedly, promoting your app will also require considerable money.
Note: There’s no fixed cost for mobile game app marketing—it may cost thousands to millions of dollars, depending on budget and studios.
7.
Location of Development TeamThe location of the development team affects the cost of game development because of variations in labor costs and overhead expenses.
Hiring a US-based development team will cost you more than hiring one in India. Check below –
8.
Localization and InternationalizationEven though localizing your game for different languages and cultures costs more, doing so can attract more players worldwide. It is crucial to offer players a personalized experience.
9.
Mobile PlatformsThe mobile platforms impact the mobile game app development cost. Check the following table –
Mobile game app development incurs a significant amount of investment. If you’re looking for cost-effective tips for mobile app development without compromising the quality. Then you must consider the following strategies:
1.
Define Project RequirementsStart the process by clearly defining your mobile app project requirements, scope, and goals. You must develop a comprehensive PRD (Product Requirement Document) to minimize the complexities involved in the development. It includes:
Ultimately, it will help to ensure a clear roadmap for development and help avoid costly changes later in the process.
2.
Build in StagesThe market fluctuates every day so what works today might not work tomorrow. So, it is important to break up the development process into stages. Start with the basics and work up to more complex concepts later.
But first, make sure to include features crucial to your game's value proposition. This enables more rapid time-to-market and early consumer feedback gathering, which allows affordable adjustments and improvements.
3.
Prioritize MVPsCreate a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and add required features to meet your target market's needs.
Focusing on your app's primary features will allow you to test it in the market before proceeding with more intricate full-app development.
Additionally, MVP is a cost-effective approach that facilitates user feedback collection and app modification based on collected data.
4.
Hire Mobile App Development TeamInvest in hiring a competent and experienced team mobile game app development company like Apptunix. Partnering with a company that professional designers, developers, and testers throughout the development process guarantees top-notch quality and the project’s success.
5.
Embrace Cross-Platform ReachIf you want to develop your game app for multiple platforms at once, use cross-platform development frameworks like Unity or Unreal Engine.
This strategy reduces development time and expenses related to platform-specific customization while enabling you to reach a wider audience across many platforms and operating systems.
6.
Implement Automated DeploymentDeployment process automation can optimize updates and releases while minimizing the risk of mistakes and human labor. Setting up continuous integration for creating and testing, ensuring security and monitoring, and configuring the application are all parts of it. This speeds the software release process, reduces errors, and keeps the program competitive and up to date.
Choosing the right pricing model is essential to reduce the overall development cost of mobile game apps.
Here, we’ve discussed the top 3 pricing models that influence the cost of mobile game app development. Let’s learn and choose the best model for your app:
Pricing Model 1:
Fixed Cost ModelThe project scope, budget, and schedule are all fixed under a single fixed price covering the development process in the fixed cost approach. This model provides certain benefits that include:
Note: The fixed cost model works best for clients with a fixed or set budget, providing cost stability and efficient workflow.
Pricing Model 2:
Resource Hiring TeamIn this model, the client hires a dedicated team of experts that includes designers, developers, and other resources. It depends on the clients if they want to their team on a full-time or part-time basis.
This model is based on the hourly or monthly rates of the resource and gives clients more freedom to scale the team up or down as needed. Some advantages of this model include faster time-to-market, cost-effectiveness, and helps to save time.
Note: This model is preferable for clients with long-term projects and evolving requirements.
Pricing Model 3:
Material Model and Hourly TimeIn this model, the client pays for the hourly time and materials spent during development based on hourly rates for each resource employed. This approach offers maximum flexibility and transparency because the client only pays for the services.
Advantages of this model include – focus on core business, short development time, minimum risk, pay as per resources consumed, and adherence to guidelines.
Note: This model is preferable for clients with long to mid-length engagement, projects with evolving changes, or frequent changes where cost estimation upfront may be challenging.
By the end of 2030, the mobile game market is expected to reach USD 284.4 billion. It’s massive, isn’t it?
If you too want to skyrocket your mobile gaming app business and unlock immense revenue potential -- now is the time. Partner with Apptunix, a leading mobile game development company to create something beyond the ordinary.
Our team of developers, designers, animators, and testing engineers will ensure your game app’s success in today’s competitive market.
Q 1.Which type of game costs the most?
AAA games are expensive due to high-end graphics, gameplay mechanics, advanced game engines, motion capture technology, and development resources.
Q 2.Which game genre is the most popular?
The most popular genres globally includes RPG, shooter, and action-adventure games.
Q 3.Is mobile game development profitable?
Mobile game development is highly profitable due to a broader audience base and various monetization options.
Q 4.How long does it take to develop a mobile game app?
It depends on the complexity of the game. Basic or simple games take around 2 to 3 months, mid-level games take around 4 to 6 months and advanced-level games take around 7 to 12+ months.
Q 5.Which platform is the best for mobile game development?
Some popular mobile game development platforms include Unreal Engine, Unity, Buildbox, Godot Engine, and Solar2D.
(3 ratings, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Get the weekly updates on the newest brand stories, business models and technology right in your inbox.
Introducing Nalini, our tech-savvy content expert with 7+ years of experience in technical content writing. With a knack for making complex ideas simple, she turns intricate tech concepts into engaging reads. Whether you’re delving into mobile app development, AI, or blockchain, she is your go-to technical expert. Beyond the tech world, you’ll find her immersed in Anime, exploring mobile trends, or enjoying badminton and Foosball.
Discover how the latest advancements like Artificial Intelligence in telemedicine are reshaping patient care. This comprehensive resource offers insights into the key trends and innovations driving this shift, providing valuable knowledge for healthcare professionals looking to stay ahead.
Download Now!And we will send you a FREE eBook on Mastering Business Intelligence.
3rd Floor, C-127, Phase-8, Industrial Area, Sector 73, Punjab 160071
Suite #304, 11200 Manchaca, Austin, Texas, US, 78748
The Binary by OMNIYAT, # 709, Level 7, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE.