{"id":9919,"date":"2021-09-17T10:22:24","date_gmt":"2021-09-17T10:22:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.appstudio.ca\/blog\/?p=9919"},"modified":"2025-03-18T07:49:34","modified_gmt":"2025-03-18T07:49:34","slug":"cost-of-game-development","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.appstudio.ca\/blog\/cost-of-game-development\/","title":{"rendered":"The Factors That Influence the Cost of Game Development"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The mobile game development niche is continuously growing and thriving. There are already upwards of 2.5 billion mobile game players worldwide, with this number projected to increase to 2.7 billion by the end of 2021. And Google Trends also suggests a consistent number of searches for \u2018game development cost\u2019 over the past 12 months, thanks to the popularity of mobile games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Perhaps the ease of accessibility is the reason for the popularity of mobile games . Unlike other video games, there is no need for a special console or a complicated installation procedure. Instead, users need to click on the install button and start playing the game in mere minutes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The widespread prevalence of mobile games will only increase with the use of the latest technologies like virtual reality<\/a> (VR)<\/strong> and augmented reality (AR). Now more than ever, there is a great demand for new and innovative games. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the mobile game fully engages the user whilst offering something unique, it can generate large revenues. For instance, PUBG mobile<\/strong> has garnered an astonishing 2.6 billion dollars since its launch.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Everyone who wishes to break into this lucrative sector is curious about game development cost estimation. In general, the cost can range between $3,000 to $1 million. Several elements are responsible for determining the game development cost, like the game’s kind, design, story, testing, etc.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this blog, we will delve deeper into the game development process to establish rational and clear expectations regarding the cost of game app development<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Create Gaming Apps: A Developer\u2019s Perspective <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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To better understand game development costs and make the required investment, you have to recognize what exactly you\u2019re paying for. One can do it by examining the fundamentals, such as the detailed procedure for mobile app game development<\/strong>. The steps are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Establish a Game Idea <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    The game’s concept is, in essence, the beginning of the development process. The concept could be completely original or based on a successful game. Before embarking on the development process, the developmental team will understand your game idea and its market. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Your game idea should be able to answer key questions. For example, will the game be able to meet the needs of the players? What the aspects to engage the players? Is the game enjoyable? What are the features that pleasantly surprise the players? When creating a game concept, these are just a few of the concerns that the game creators must address.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. Refinement of Game Concept <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Idea refinement is commonly defined as storyline development, which entails establishing the game’s principal character, narrative plot, and general theme. The game’s goal and control are established at this point. The notion of game creation contains a brief explanation and representation of the game’s building pieces. The game’s overview offers comprehensive information about game mechanics, settings, technology, and interactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      1. Writing a Game Design<\/a> Document <\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        After drafting the complete game concept, it is time to proceed with the production stage. It involves creating a team of game designers, programmers, and QA testing experts<\/strong> to develop the concept. Creating a game design document(GDD), a highly descriptive and extensive account of a game’s design, is critical for game development. Since a GDD is a living document, it is subject to feedback and should be updated whenever the requirements change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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        1. Creating  the Prototype <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          After the validation of mechanics through testing, it is necessary to construct a playable prototype for the intended platform, whether Android or iOS<\/strong> application<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>development. This prototype must incorporate the key mechanics as well as mimic key elements of the game. Although constructing a prototype requires a significant amount of time, it is necessary to identify the flaws within the game design. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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          1. Designing the Architecture <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            In most cases, game functions evolve during development.  The game’s appearance and functionality are vastly different from the initial designs. Several ideas emerge with technical variations during the development process. Due to the general ever-changing nature of mobile game development, extremely adaptable architecture solutions based on the modular approach are required. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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            1. Developing the Front-End <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

              The objective is to design the game based on the proposed subject. Gameplay, levels, menus, and promotional artwork are all part of the art design.  For the iteration, the programmers create a game logic that is entirely dependent on the designed art. Based on the iteration, the fundamental gameplay or UI\/UX<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>is implemented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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              1. Game Testing and Deployment <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                A team of highly qualified experts performs QA testing<\/a><\/strong>. These testers verify that the game’s quality is maintained before it is released on various platforms. The incomplete game is shown to a select group of potential players before it is released. One can test the game’s efficiency by collecting feedback from the participants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                A simple game takes 2-4 months to build on average, but a sophisticated product can take more than four months. The game development cost breakdown will also vary based on the developer\/development company you select and the country they\u2019re based in. Typically, programmers and experienced freelancers set an hourly charge based on the scope and complexity of the project. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                Also Read : How AR & VR are Becoming The Future of The Gaming Industry?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

                Obtain an Accurate Estimate of Mobile Game Development Cost<\/strong>s <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                Estimating the workload at each step and thus calculating the cost of developing a mobile application is challenging. To do so, you must have a strong idea of the end outcome and be technologically competent to estimate the labour expenses for each function. As a result, in most cases, only the most experienced specialists are engaged.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Experienced development companies who have been in the market for years and completed numerous mobile entertainment projects are generally accurate game development cost calculators and can provide you with a general estimate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Typically, there are two stages of the cost estimate:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n