Platform Count
iOS, Android, PC, Steam, WebGL and VR each add platform-specific requirements.
Cost guide
Game Development Cost Guide
Game development cost depends on scope, genre, platforms, art complexity, backend systems, QA coverage and post-launch support.
PrototypeCore loop and one platform are scoped separately
MVPGameplay, UI, analytics, QA and store-ready build
Full-cycleDesign, art, development, backend, QA and launch
Dedicated teamMonthly production capacity for a roadmap
What Drives Game Development Cost
This cost guide explains cost factors instead of promising a single fixed number for every project.
Art Complexity
2D, 3D, animation, UI, technical art and visual fidelity change production effort.
Backend and Multiplayer
Accounts, profiles, leaderboards, matchmaking, cloud saves and admin panels add scope.
QA and Launch
Device coverage, regression, compatibility, store requirements and LiveOps affect budget.
Starting points
Choose the Right Production Stage
These packages are practical starting points for scoping. Final timing and budget depend on platform, content volume, art fidelity, backend and technical risk.
01Validate the idea
Prototype
4–6 weeks
$6,500–$15,000indicative budget
For testing the core loop and the highest-risk mechanic before committing to production.
- One core gameplay loop
- Basic UI and limited art pass
- One target platform
- Playable review build
02Prove production quality
Vertical Slice
8–16 weeks
$25,000–$50,000indicative budget
For demonstrating representative gameplay, visuals and production quality to stakeholders or publishers.
- Production-quality gameplay slice
- Representative art, UI and audio
- Core technical systems
- Performance pass and focused QA
03Build for release
Full Production
6–12+ months
From $50,000scope-based budget
For a complete production roadmap from approved concept or slice through launch and support.
- Game design, engineering and full art pipeline
- Backend or multiplayer where required
- Content production and platform integration
- QA, release and post-launch support
Budget ranges are planning estimates, not fixed quotes. A scoped estimate follows review of your brief, GDD, prototype or existing build.
How We Prepare an Estimate
A realistic estimate comes from documented scope, not a generic calculator.
Inputs
We review GDD, prototype, feature list, roadmap or build.
Scope
Features, platforms, content volume and dependencies are clarified.
Team
Roles and timeline are mapped to the production model.
Estimate
We prepare budget range, milestones and assumptions.
Published cost references
Three public cases show why one average price is misleading
These are portfolio records, not package prices: a compact Android arcade project, a cross-platform mobile game and a systems-heavy PC RTS have visibly different production profiles.
Bubble Man
This compact Android arcade case included gameplay, game art, frontend and backend programming, and release-oriented production.
- Budget
- $6,666
- Timeline
- 4 months
- Platform
- Android
- Stack
- Unity 3D and PHP
Clouds & Sheep 2
The public portfolio record covers mobile game development, gameplay design and optimization for a cross-platform release.
- Budget
- $63,900
- Timeline
- 8 months
- Platforms
- iOS, Android and Steam
- Stack
- Unity, C# and Photoshop
Cossacks 4: The Battle
The case scope includes RTS systems, economy logic, multiplayer battles, rating, UI, 3D assets, QA and optimization.
- Budget
- $169,230
- Timeline
- 12 months
- Platform
- PC / Steam
- Genre
- Historical RTS
Game Development Cost FAQ
Can you estimate from an idea only?
We can give a rough direction, but a useful estimate requires platform, features, art scope and production goals.
Why are package budgets shown as ranges?
The ranges are planning starting points. The final estimate changes with genre, platforms, content volume, art fidelity, backend and technical risk.
Can discovery reduce budget risk?
Yes. Discovery turns unclear requirements into a roadmap, feature list and production assumptions.
Need a Project Estimate?
Send the current scope, platform targets and materials, and we will identify the next estimating step.