As a game developer, you know that creating a mobile app game can be a complex and time-consuming process. But what about the cost? How much does it really take to make a successful mobile app game? In this article, we will explore the different factors that can influence the cost of developing a mobile app game and provide you with an estimate of how much you can expect to spend.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Developing a Mobile App Game
1. Platform: The platform on which you want to develop your mobile app game can have a significant impact on the cost of development. For example, developing for iOS may be more expensive than developing for Android because of Apple’s strict app review process and higher licensing fees.
2. Complexity: The complexity of the game can also affect the cost of development. A simple 2D platformer game may cost less to develop than a complex, 3D open-world game with multiple levels and characters.
3. Team size: The size of the team working on the game can also affect the cost of development. A small team of experienced developers may be less expensive than a large team of inexperienced developers.
4. Technology used: The technology used in the development process, such as Unity or Unreal Engine, can also affect the cost of development. Some engines may require more advanced hardware and software to run smoothly, which can increase the cost of development.
5. Marketing and distribution: Finally, marketing and distribution costs can also influence the overall cost of developing a mobile app game. Promoting your game on social media platforms or through app stores can be expensive and time-consuming.
Comparing Costs Across Different Platforms
Let’s take a look at some real-life examples to compare the cost of developing a mobile app game across different platforms:
Example 1: A 2D platformer game for iOS and Android
* Development time: 3 months
* Team size: 4 developers (2 programmers, 1 artist, and 1 sound designer)
* Technology used: Unity
* Marketing and distribution: $500 per month
Total cost: $18,000
Example 2: A 3D open-world game for iOS and Android
* Development time: 6 months
* Team size: 8 developers (4 programmers, 2 artists, and 2 sound designers)
* Technology used: Unreal Engine
* Marketing and distribution: $1000 per month
Total cost: $50,000
As you can see from the examples above, the cost of developing a mobile app game can vary greatly depending on the platform, complexity, team size, technology used, and marketing and distribution.
Breaking Down the Costs
Now let’s take a closer look at some of the main costs involved in developing a mobile app game:
- Development time: The amount of time it takes to develop a mobile app game can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the game and the team size working on the project. Development time can range from a few months to several years, depending on the scope of the project.
- Team size: The cost of hiring a team of developers to work on your mobile app game can vary greatly depending on the platform, technology used, and complexity of the game.
- Technology used: Some engines like Unity or Unreal Engine require more advanced hardware and software to run smoothly which can increase the cost of development.
- Marketing and distribution: Promoting your game on social media platforms or through app stores can be expensive and time-consuming. This includes costs associated with advertising, promotional materials, and distribution through app stores.
- Licensing fees: Depending on the platform, you may need to pay licensing fees to use certain software or technologies in the development process.