The Ultimate Guide: Cost Breakdown for Creating Your Own Mobile Game
Published: 2024-01-25 09:41:14

With over 50% of the gaming market now dominated by mobile devices, it's no surprise that the mobile game industry is now thriving. Since smartphone apps are so easy to install, mobile gaming has become a worldwide trend. Also, the industry is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon!

Now, if you want to take advantage of this flourishing industry and want to launch your own mobile game that makes billions of dollars in revenue, you are at the right place.

To build and launch a robust mobile game, you need the assistance of an expert [mobile game app development company](https://www.apptunix.com/solutions/mobile-game-development-company/) having skilled game app developers who can help you capitalize on this ever-expanding market.

However, you may now wonder how much it will cost to create a mobile game like COD, PUBG, or Clash of Clans that users love. In this blog, we will explore the various factors that determine the cost of making a mobile game app. So, let’s get started.

**The Average Cost of Developing a Mobile Game**

There is no doubt that the cost of developing an application can vary significantly, ranging from $12k to $80k. The cost is primarily determined by the functionality and features of the application. 

According to industry experts, an app with richer features is typically more expensive. The majority of an app's cost, roughly 60% to 70%, can be attributed to its functionality and user experience. However, collaborating with experienced game app developers can help streamline the process and reduce cost.

**Factors Affecting Mobile Game Development Costs**
You can estimate the cost of developing a mobile game app by considering the following factors.

Game Scope

When it comes to game development, the size and complexity of the game determine its cost. A game with limited features that is small in size can be developed at a lower cost than a larger game with advanced features, additional content, and multiplayer capabilities. The scope of the project, including the number of screens, gameplay mechanics, and artwork required, all contributes to the overall development cost.

**Platform and Target Devices**
Developing games for multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, and Windows, requires additional resources and time. Also, targeting a wide range of devices with varying screen sizes and hardware capabilities increases the development process's complexity and the project's cost.

**Game Engine and Tools**

The game engines offer pre-built features and functionalities, significantly reducing the time and effort required for game development. However, premium game engines may be costly, whereas open-source alternatives may be available at no charge. Also, the choice of tools, such as animation software, programming languages, and audio libraries, has an important effect on the overall cost of the development process.

**Visual effects and graphics**
The visual appeal of a game determines whether it is enjoyable or not. The development costs associated with animated graphics and intricate designs are directly linked to the skill, creativity, and effort exerted by game designers and artists. This contributes to increased game development costs. Also, the type of graphic design in the game determines development costs. Games with simple graphics are generally cheaper to develop than those with more complex graphics.

**Audio effects and music**
It is important to keep in mind that recording and composing high-quality audio can lead to significant costs, which can negatively affect a project's overall budget. Further, license fees associated with downloading or using copyrighted music or sound effects can add further to the development budget.

**Quality Assurance and Testing**
Before launching a mobile game, it is crucial to ensure its quality. That’s where quality assurance processes come into play.
Quality assurance of a mobile app encompasses various stages of meticulous testing, from functionality checks to bug identification and fixing.
Skilled QA testers ensure the game operates smoothly across multiple devices and platforms, impacting the overall development time and expenses. The complexity of the game mechanics and the depth of testing required often correlate with increased development costs in this domain.

Monetization Strategy

An effective monetization strategy can have a significant impact on game development costs. When a game allows in-game purchases or requires players to pay to continue playing, it can require significant development effort. In the game development industry, this decision directly impacts the final cost of the game.

**Developing Teams and Outsourcing**

A mobile game development project will likely cost more to engage experienced professionals with specific skills and knowledge than to outsource to a third party. When deciding whether to hire an internal or external team, you must consider the project requirements and the resources available.

What is the average time it takes to create an app?

There are many factors that determine how long it takes to develop a mobile game app, including its complexity, features, and the size of the team. On average, it is estimated that the development of a fully functional and professionally designed mobile game app can take between several months and a year.

Moreover, the expenses incurred during the app development process depend on the length of time it takes to complete each step. Due to this, the resource cost increases. So, it is crucial to define a comprehensive project scope to minimize risks and expenses associated with app development.

Most development companies use this formula to calculate the cost of a project.

Cost of app development = Number of development hours x Hourly rates of developers
As each project is different, developers need different modules and functionalities to figure out the cost. The platform on which an app is built also affects the development time, so comparing costs is challenging.

The following table provides a better understanding of the game app development cost.

How much does it cost to build a mobile game app?
Mobile App Complexity
Development Time
Cost
Simple app
2 months
Less than $40k
Average app
2-3 months
$40k-$60k
Complex app
3 months+
$60k+

Get an app development cost estimate from Apptunix
Creating a mobile game can be a rewarding experience, but it is crucial to understand the expenses involved in the process. No matter if you're a beginner or an expert, knowing these costs will help you plan and budget correctly. However, remember there's more to game development than just money.

For over a decade, Apptunix has delivered cutting-edge software solutions to various industries. We build high-quality applications that solve traditional business challenges and streamline complex business processes. You can achieve your business goals with our [mobile game development services](https://www.apptunix.com/solutions/mobile-game-development-company/).
Contact us for a quote if you want to build an innovative and scalable application. We can come up with a customized solution based on your project requirements.