Mobile Game Development Cost: Complete Guidance on the Cost of Creating Your Game
Mobile gaming, these days, has become a mainstream form of entertainment. As simple as mobile puzzles or elaborate role-playing games, mobile applications appeal to this diverse audience for entertainment.
Are you a game lover, game developer, or the head of a large gaming organization? Understanding the mobile game development cost is important to help you budget your project and set realistic expectations.
We’ll oversee the breakdown stages of cost. Let’s see what lies between the conception stage and when a game is released. Read more to know.
Mobile Game Development: The Craft of Creating Virtual Worlds on The Move
Mobile game development is the art of making video games specifically for handheld platforms like smartphones and tablets. It involves a combination of different fields like design, programming, art, and audio, as well as thoughtful consideration of user experience, to build enjoyable, entertaining, and interactive gaming experiences.
From casual titles to intricate multiplayer worlds, mobile game developers are dedicated to developing games that are easy to play, but rich in entertainment. Game Development Company play a major role in making amazing virtual games. If you want more details, we have documentation about India’s best game development companies.
Mobile Gaming Market Overview
According to one of the latest Statista surveys, Mobile gaming is now a leading trend in the entertainment sector, providing on-the-go entertainment for all types of players. In 2022, mobile gaming overtook console and PC gaming to become the most lucrative segment. With 1.75 billion mobile gamers in 2022, the number is expected to reach more than 2.2 billion by 2026.
As the number of players keeps growing, the revenue generated from mobile gaming is also growing, with revenues set to increase from $152.5 billion to $211.9 billion in the same period.
The market is very diverse, with something for every type of player. From puzzle games to strategy, sports, and enormous multiplayer online experiences, the range of genres guarantees that there’s something for everyone. Mobile games are also extremely accessible, with entertainment in your hands at any time and anywhere.
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At RG Infotech, we provide cost-effective and high-quality mobile game development solutions with your requirements in mind. Get your customized quote today and begin developing your game.
What is The Average Cost of Mobile Game Development?
To begin, the mobile game app development cost can vary significantly based on several factors depending on the sort of game being developed, and how complex it is, as well as the resources in demand for this game’s construction. The very simple answer to the question is: that it depends on many factors. However, in general, the cost of mobile game development can range from $20,000 for simple games to $1 million for AAA games.
Simple Games (2D games): Such games may range from $20,000 to $50,000. A simple puzzle or quiz game comes under this category.
Moderately Complex Games: Such games involve more complex features (custom mechanics, highly detailed graphics). They typically run between $50,000 to $150,000.
High-Complexity Games: 3D or multiplayer games. If the game is quite complex to 3D graphics, multiplayer modes, or advanced AI, the price can easily shoot up to more than $500,000 or even higher.
Game Type
Examples
Estimated Cost
Mini Games
Flappy Bird, Pac-Man
$3,000 – $5,000
Simple 2D Games
Flappy Slendrina, Red Ball
$5,000 – $14,000
Social Games
Farmville, Facebook Games
$16,000 – $22,000
Mid-Level Games
Angry Birds, Candy Crush
$20,000 – $32,000
3D Games
Join Clash 3D, Free 3D Shooting
$18,000 – $40,000
Large-Scale Games
Clash of Clans, Last Day on Earth
$50,000 – $100,000
AAA Games
PUBG, GTA
$100,000 – $1,000,000
Real Money Games
Ludo Empire, MPL
$20,000 – $40,000
Moderate Games
Doom & Destiny
$40,000 – $90,000
Business Mobile Games
Virtonomics, Tropico 4
$15,000 – $80,000
As you can see in the table, the cost of a game app depends on what your game entails.
Understanding Mobile Game Development Costs for Every Game Type
Mobile games come in a wide range of genres, each demanding varying amounts of investment and development time. Below, we segment popular mobile game types and include real-world examples to give you a clear picture of what each genre is and how much it costs.
1. Casual Games
Casual games are made to be picked up and played briefly. Casual games have a large audience, with non-gamers being part of that audience as well.
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- Examples: Candy Crush Saga, Angry Birds
- Cost to Make A Mobile Game: Approximately $10,000 to $100,000.
- Revenue Model: In-app purchases (e.g., additional lives, boosts), advertising.
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Casual games consist of straightforward mechanics, and so they are also available to nearly anyone. They usually deal with puzzles or short gameplay sessions. It is less expensive because it has less complicated graphics and simpler game mechanisms.
2. Hyper-Casual Games
Hyper-casual games are made to be very simple but very addictive. They provide simple-to-learn mechanics with an emphasis on quick, repetitive play.
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- Examples: Flappy Bird, Stack
- Cost to Build a Mobile Game: Typically $5,000 to $50,000.
- Revenue Model: Ad-supported (e.g., banner ads, interstitials).
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These games tend to have simple designs and have very little tutorial required to learn. As they are very simple, their development costs are very low. In-app advertisements generate most of the revenues.
3. Puzzle and Strategy Games
They require problem-solving and strategic thinking in the players. They can encompass both single-player and multiplayer functionality.
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- Examples: Monument Valley, Clash of Clans
- Mobile Game App Development Cost: $50,000 to $300,000.
- Revenue Model: In-app purchases (character upgrades, coins), advertising.
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Strategy and puzzle games are usually more involved in terms of design and programming. They tend to have complicated levels, plots, or multi-player options that make them more complex.
4. Role-playing games (RPGs)
RPGs provide gamers with deep experiences with well-told stories, character builds, and open worlds. They are very immersive but need considerable development investment.
- Examples: Genshin Impact, Final Fantasy XV: Pocket Edition
- Development Cost: $100,000 to $500,000.
- Revenue Model: In-app purchases (characters, gacha systems), loot boxes.
RPGs tend to be more complicated, having intricate game mechanics, rich narratives, and high-fidelity graphics. They usually demand specialist teams of designers, writers, and programmers, resulting in more expensive development.
5. Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas (MOBAs)
MOBAs are competitive, action-packed games where players compete against other players in real time. They demand sophisticated multiplayer systems and balance.
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- Examples: Mobile Legends, Arena of Valor
- Development Cost: $200,000 to $1 million.
- Revenue Model: Advertisements, in-app purchases (such as character skins, and items).
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MOBAs are among the costliest forms of mobile games because of their focus on multiplayer systems, server infrastructure, and balancing. They tend to have constant updates, new characters, and sophisticated in-game economies.
6. Augmented Reality (AR) Games
AR games merge the real world with virtual components through the use of the mobile phone’s camera. AR games offer an interactive and immersive experience, transforming the way players engage with their environment.
- Examples: Pokémon GO, Harry Potter: Wizards Unite
- Development Cost: $200,000 to $1 million+.
- Revenue Model: Ads, in-app purchases (special items, upgrades).
Games are intricate as they demand the incorporation of real-time data and location-based functionality. They also require more comprehensive testing to confirm that the augmented reality functionalities function harmoniously.
Game Type
Examples
Development Cost
Casual Games
Candy Crush Saga, Angry Birds
$10,000 to $100,000
Hyper-Casual Games
Flappy Bird, Stack
$5,000 to $50,000
Puzzle and Strategy Games
Monument Valley, Clash of Clans
$50,000 to $300,000
Role-playing games (RPGs)
Genshin Impact, Final Fantasy XV
$100,000 to $500,000
Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas (MOBAs)
Mobile Legends, Arena of Valor
$200,000 to $1 million
Augmented Reality (AR) Games
Pokémon GO, Harry Potter: Wizards Unite
$200,000 to $1 million+
Check the table for the summary of different types of mobile games with examples and their respective development costs.
Factors Affecting Mobile Game App Development Cost
Creating a mobile game app is a diverse process, and the price can differ based on several factors that play a part in the complexity and scale of the game. Here, we will explain the major factors affecting the expense of mobile game development in detail, with an approximate range of prices to provide you with a better understanding of how much investment is needed.
1. Mobile Game Complexity
The game complexity contributes greatly to the cost. Simple games, such as puzzles or casual games, are less costly to make, and more complex games with sophisticated features, such as RPG or MOBA games, take more budget.
Simple Games: Basic mechanics, low design, zero or low multiplayer, and advanced features.
Complex Games: Those involving many levels, sophisticated AI, multiplayer mode, or good graphics.
Game Complexity
Development Cost Range
Simple Games
$10,000 – $50,000
Complex Games
$100,000 – $1,000,000
2. Mobile Game Type
Various genres call for different amounts of resources and effort. Some genres, like hyper-casual games or puzzle games, call for fewer resources and are less costly to create. Others, like multiplayer battle arenas, PubG, or RPGs with rich content, multiplayer features, and engaging graphics, call for many more resources.
Game Genre
Development Cost Range
Casual Games (e.g., Candy Crush)
$10,000 – $100,000
RPGs (e.g., Genshin Impact)
$100,000 – $500,000+
Multiplayer Online Games (e.g., Mobile Legends)
$200,000 – $1,000,000+
To learn more about particular game development cost structures, check out our guide for different games:
This detailed breakdown of the cost gives you a clear picture of which game to develop.
3. Mobile Game Design and Artwork
Quality art and animation can drive the cost quite high. 3D graphics games, intricate characters, and intricate environments will cost more in art and animation compared to 2D games or minimalistic designs.
Art and Design Type
Development Cost Range
2D Artwork/Minimal Design
$10,000 – $50,000
3D Artwork/High Quality
$50,000 – $200,000+
4. Mobile Game Platform (iOS, Android, or Both)
It will be cheaper to make a game for one platform (say iOS or Android) than to make a game for both. If you choose hybrid game app development it will cost more than the one platform app, it will cost twice as much or much more because of the extra resources and time needed.
Platform(s)
Development Cost Range
Single Platform (iOS or Android)
$20,000 – $200,000+
Multi-Platform (iOS and Android)
$40,000 – $400,000+
5. Mobile Game Features and Functionality
The amount and nature of features a game has can affect the price. Features like multiplayer functionality, social media connectivity, leaderboards, or sophisticated AI can add time and cost to development.
Feature Type
Development Cost Range
Basic Features (single-player, simple UI)
$10,000 – $50,000
Advanced Features (multiplayer, AI, leaderboards)
$50,000 – $500,000+
6. Mobile Game Development Team
The mobile game development team size and experience will impact the cost. A more experienced and larger team with experts (e.g., sound engineers, 3D artists, game designers) will require higher salaries and thereby increase the cost in total.
Team Location
Development Cost Range
Local (North America/Europe)
$50 – $200 per hour
Offshore (India/Southeast Asia)
$20 – $60 per hour
7. Mobile Game Technology and Tools Utilized
The tools you use for developing and the technology will also make a difference concerning expenditures. For example, employing a sophisticated game engine such as Unity or Unreal Engine may contribute additional expenses, provided that custom development or third-party tools are deployed.
Technology/Tools
Development Cost Range
Unity or Unreal Engine (basic)
$10,000 – $50,000
Custom-built game engines
$100,000 – $500,000+
8. Mobile Game Testing and Quality Assurance
The longer the time allocated to testing and quality assurance (QA), the more it will cost. An advanced mechanic, multiplayer, or high-quality graphics game will need intense testing to keep it stable and provide a seamless user experience.
Testing Level
Development Cost Range
Basic Testing (bugs, functionality)
$5,000 – $20,000
Extensive QA (multiple platforms, deep testing)
$20,000 – $100,000+
9. Game Development Team Location
Mobile Game Development costs may differ based on where the team is located. The game developers in countries such as North America or Europe will charge higher fees than the teams in India or Southeast Asia, where charges are relatively cheaper.
Region
Hourly Rate Range
Development Cost Estimate
Key Benefits
North America
$50 – $200+ per hour
$200,000 – $1,000,000+
Highly skilled teams, faster turnaround time, access to the latest technology
Europe (Western)
$50 – $150 per hour
$150,000 – $500,000+
Strong game development expertise, quality assurance
Eastern Europe
$30 – $80 per hour
$100,000 – $400,000
Lower costs with skilled developers, often fluent in English
India
$20 – $60 per hour
$50,000 – $300,000
The highly cost-effective, large pool of developers with strong technical skills
Southeast Asia
$20 – $50 per hour
$40,000 – $250,000
Cost-effective labor, a growing pool of skilled developers, increasing experience in game development
How Much Does It Cost to Develop A Mobile Game in India?
India has emerged as one of the leading places to develop mobile games because of its highly skilled yet affordable labor. India boasts an abundance of developers who are experienced in using the most popular game development tools and programming languages. If you’re eager to learn more, check out our blog on Programming Languages for Game Development.
Compared to the Western world, game development is relatively inexpensive in India, which makes it the preferred choice for companies seeking to save on budget without compromising quality.
Game Type
Development Time
Cost Range (INR)
Cost Range (USD)
Simple 2D Game (Casual, Puzzle)
1 – 3 months
₹5,00,000 – ₹15,00,000
$6,000 – $18,000
Mid-Level 2D Game (Arcade, Racing)
3 – 6 months
₹15,00,000 – ₹30,00,000
$18,000 – $36,000
Complex 2D Game (Platformer, Strategy)
6 – 9 months
₹30,00,000 – ₹60,00,000
$36,000 – $72,000
Basic 3D Game (Simple RPG, Action)
4 – 6 months
₹15,00,000 – ₹40,00,000
$18,000 – $48,000
Advanced 3D Game (Multiplayer, RPG)
9 – 12 months
₹50,00,000 – ₹1,50,00,000
$60,000 – $180,000
Complex Multiplayer Games (MOBAs, MMORPGs)
12 – 18 months
₹1,50,00,000 – ₹5,00,00,000
$180,000 – $600,000
Estimated Cost Breakdown for Mobile Game Development in India
10. Marketing and Post-Launch Support
Marketing is crucial for the success of any game. The marketing campaign can include advertisements, influencer collaborations, app store optimization, and social media marketing. Post-launch support in the form of updates and bug fixes also accounts for ongoing expenses.
Marketing and Support
Development Cost Range
Marketing (ads, promotions)
$10,000 – $500,000+
Post-Launch Support
$5,000 – $50,000 per update
Your Dream Game, Our Expertise!
We make it affordable to develop mobile games without compromising on quality at RG Infotech. Let’s turn your concept into a thrilling game. Reach out to us for a personalized quote and begin your project today.
Mobile Game Development Cost Breakdown In Detail
Mobile game development cost breakdown in detail will provide helpful, reliable information that’s primarily created to benefit people’s decisions regarding which game to develop and plan their budget according to the detailed analysis.
Game Concept and Design
Game concept creation is all about coming up with the main idea and determining how the game will work. You will have to determine game mechanics, audience, and the look of your game. This process can include brainstorming, wireframing, and storyboarding. You may require a game designer for this process, and their rates typically fall between $5,000 and $15,000.
Development and Programming
This stage includes coding and actual development. You’ll have to develop the backend, the core engine of the game, features, and any online capabilities. If you’re developing for both iOS and Android, you’ll have to have different development processes for each platform, adding expenses.
Depending on how complex your game is, you might require expert developers for work that includes:
- Backend Developers (to set up servers)
- Frontend Developers (for the game interface)
- Mobile Developers (for iOS/Android-specific development)
For a basic game, the developers may charge between $20,000 and $50,000, but for advanced games, the price may go up to $150,000 or even more.
Game Testing and QA
Extensive testing is important to make your game smooth and bug-free. Testing will be performed in different stages to make the game run smoothly and as it should on all devices and operating systems. The more complicated the game, the more testing will be needed, and the more expensive the QA will be.
Those simple games may cost testing between $5,000 and $10,000. More complex games might take $20,000 or more for thorough testing.
Launch and Marketing
Once your game is complete, marketing becomes important in getting it noticed. From app store optimization (ASO) to paid advertising, this stage is important for getting your game into the hands of players. For small games with organic marketing, your marketing budget might be as little as $5,000. For more aggressive approaches with paid advertising, influencer promotions, and press outreach, the marketing budget might easily reach $100,000 or more.
Post-Launch Support
Once your game goes live, it is also necessary to have ongoing support and updates. This involves bug fixes, new features or levels, and having the game function properly on all supported platforms. The price of post-launch support can vary but often will be between $5,000 to $50,000 per year.
How Location and Team Size Influence the Mobile Game App Development Cost?
When budgeting for your mobile game app development price, the geographical location of the development team also needs to be taken into consideration. Hiring developers from locations that have a lower hourly rate (e.g., Eastern Europe, and South Asia) can contribute to cost savings overall. Working with leading developers from high-cost locations like the United States or Western Europe, however, will understandably increase the price.
On average, this is what you can anticipate paying:
- United States/Western Europe: $100 to $250 per hour
- Eastern Europe: $40 to $100 per hour
- Asia/South America: $25 to $70 per hour
The bigger your development team is, the more expensive it will be. Teams with various skills (e.g., developers, designers, testers, marketers) will be more expensive than a smaller team that performs a less complex project.
Cost-Effective Mobile Game Development Tips
It is not necessary to spend a fortune developing a mobile game. Consider the following budget-friendly methods for saving money without compromising on quality:
- Utilize Game Engines: Take advantage of free or low-cost engines such as Unity or Godot to shun costly custom-built alternatives.
- Outsource Wisely: Employ freelance developers or artists for a particular task rather than full-time employees.
- MVP Focus: Begin with an MVP to test, and include features as they respond to feedback from users.
- Asset Stores: Purchase pre-designed assets from stores such as Unity Asset Store to gain time and save money on graphics and sound.
- Cross-Platform Development: Create one for both Android and iOS with a single codebase to reduce work and expenses.
By smart planning and utilizing the tools at hand, you can develop a profitable and enjoyable game without breaking the bank!
Why Choose RG Infotech to Create Your Mobile Game App
Seeking a reliable partner to develop your game concept? Here’s why RG Infotech is your best bet:
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- Established Expertise: With 10+ years of experience in mobile game development, RG Infotech provides stimulating and innovative games.
- Best IT Solutions: We work closely with you to develop a game that suits your vision and objectives to the letter.
- Cost-Effective Excellence: Experience great games at affordable prices – we provide quality within your means.
- Cross-Platform Skills: We code for iOS, Android, and more, reaching the most possible players.
- Post-Launch Support: We’re with you after launch too, providing updates, maintenance, and community involvement.
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Choose us to create a game that stands out in the market!
Conclusion: Budget Planning for Your Mobile Game Development
In conclusion, the mobile game development cost depends on many factors such as the kind of game you wish to develop, the location of the development team, and the features you wish to include.
From the design and concept of the game to post-launch patches, every step in between contributes to the overall cost. Whether you’re creating a basic 2D game or an intricate multiplayer title, knowing these cost indicators will better enable you to budget.
Now that you know more about the cost breakdown of mobile game app development, it’s time to begin creating your game. By keeping your budget, expectations, and development timeline in check, you’ll be closer to launching a successful mobile game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The time taken to create a mobile game can vary from a few months to more than a year, depending on the complexity and features needed. Simple games may take 2-3 months, whereas complex games may take 6 months to a year or more.
Yes, you can update your game post-launch. Updates can be regular and may involve bug fixes, new features, and performance enhancements. We provide post-launch support to make sure your game keeps growing and remains fresh for players.
After the idea is defined, the game design process starts. This involves creating game mechanics, levels, characters, UI/UX, and overall visual style. Game designers make wireframes and prototypes to see the flow of the game and how the user will interact with it before they proceed to development.
Testing is important to make sure the game is free of bugs and functional on different devices. This process involves playtesting, bug fixes, performance tuning, and tweaks based on feedback. Testing may be internal or through external beta testers.
The mobile game development cycle usually comprises these main steps:
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- Concept & Planning: Identify the game concept, genre, target market, and platform (iOS/Android).
- Game Design: Design wireframes, character designs, level designs, and overall gameplay systems.
- Development: Program the game, and implement features such as animations, AI, and third-party APIs.
- Testing: Test the game for issues, optimize performance, and get feedback.
- Launch: Publish the game on app stores and market it.
- Post-Launch Support: Maintain player feedback observation, issue patches, and have the game remain optimized.
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