Want to know the mobile game development cost in India? If yes, this blog is for you! Cost plays an important role in the success of your mobile game platform. That’s why, knowing the development cost before shaping your game idea is a must. For your help, we have made a list of top factors that affect the development cost of a mobile gaming platform so you can clear all your doubts and make an informed decision.
Have you ever come across an immersive gaming concept and want to implement the same? However, different things affect the development of a mobile game application. Amongst all, the mobile game development cost is the foremost element that decides the whole foundation of your gaming platform.
Mobile games are categorized into multiple segments based on their formats, types, genres, and complexities. For instance, the development cost of a 2D game is comparatively less than the development cost of a 3D game. From simple games and Android games to complex video games and iOS games; the overall game development cost in India will depend on the type of project you want to launch and on which platform.
Let’s dive in-depth to know the development cost of a mobile game with cost-affecting factors so you can make your budget accordingly.
Table of Contents
Factors Affecting The Mobile Game Development Cost
If you are fascinated by the concept of mobile games and want to introduce your gaming platform, the first thing you need to consider is the cost. Here, we have curated a list of top factors that affect the overall development cost of a mobile game. Let’s start to know them.
1. Game Size and Complexity
When it comes to the size, type, and complexity, the games are broadly classified into three categories:
Small Games
Small games require a lot of effort and energy from game app developers. They can be developed within a few days and weeks. The development cost of small mobile games will be much less as developers don’t need to integrate advanced or complex features within the gaming structure of small games. With the integration of a 2D or 3D interface and minimal features, the hyper-casual small mobile game app development cost ranges from $10k to $15k.
Medium Games
As the game’s complexity grows, the platform offers several in-game levels to players which come with their own share of challenges, characters, visual effects, and interface. On average, the medium game app development cost ranges from $20k to $35k.
Large Games
These games are developed using a unique storyline, features, and rich content. Also known as AAA Games or Open World Games depending on the genre you put them into. They can be accessed for free, however, additional features can be availed by paying some amount of money. Large Video Game Development can cost from $100,000 to $200,000 with basic features but can exceed if you opt for exceptional features and quality enhancements.
2. 2D/ 3D Mobile Games
Apart from the size and complexity, another factor that impacts the overall cost of a mobile game application is whether it is 2D or 3D. 2D mobile game development cost ranges from $10k to $20k with basic features and functionalities. However, the cost may shoot up depending on the type and complexity of the project. The cost of a 3D game ranges from $30k to $50k.
3. Single And Multiplayer Game
Single-player games are much more cost-effective than multiplayer games. Unlike single-player games, multiplayer games allow players to invite others to participate in the game and compete against each other. So if you don’t have budget issues, go for multiplayer game development.
4. The Type of Gaming Platform
There are plenty of platforms available out there on which you can launch your own mobile game application. Windows, iOS, and Android are the three most popular gaming platforms having different development costs. If you want to launch your game on either of the platforms, the development cost will range from $15k to $20k. While, if you want to integrate cross-platform compatibility, the mobile games development cost ranges from $30k to $40k.
5. The Complexity of Features
Another factor that impacts the overall mobile game development cost is the complexity of the features. If you want to integrate basic features, it will cost you less. However, if you want to integrate complex and advanced features into your mobile game application, it will cost you more.
6. UI/UX Design
UI/UX design includes everything from graphics, and environment, to characters, quality, game levels, etc. If you want to integrate an advanced, aesthetically pleasing, and easily navigable interface, it will cost you more as compared to the basic and simple one. Moreover, designers charge on an hourly basis according to the type and complexity of the design you want.
7. Mobile Game Engine
Unity and Unreal are the two most common game engines. Basically, these two game engines don’t impact the overall mobile game development costs. However, if you want to integrate more resources, tools, or game engines into your gaming platform, the cost automatically will shoot up.
8. Testing & QA
Testing boosts the confidence of your developers and promises you the smooth functioning of the mobile game. The approximate cost you need to spend on testing your game can be between $10,000 to $20,000. It is an important step, and you need to follow it to make sure you have a great game.
9. The Location of The Developers
Different regions feature different mobile game development studios having different prices for mobile game development services. For instance, Indian Game developers charge less as compared to USA and UK-based developers. If you have a budget issue and don’t want to cross a prior set limit, it is advisable to choose an Indian Gaming Studio for cheap and cost-effective solutions.
Here is the cost guide for different regions:
Mobile game app developers in India charge $30 to $40 per hour
UK Game Development Studio charges around $50 to $80 per hour
Mobile game app developers in the USA charge around $100 to $120 per hour
How to Reduce Mobile Game App Development Cost?
Earlier, we discussed the features impacting the overall mobile game app development cost. In this section, we will talk about such steps, following which you can reduce the video game development costs:
Decide the app specifications: The first step in the cost-saving process is deciding the app specifications and proper research. If you decide precisely about the app’s overview, it becomes easy to calculate the costs of mobile game development. By simplifying the complex features or complicated design elements.
Consider cross-platform mobile game app development: It is a hybrid mobile app development platform that lets developers create apps for Android, Windows, and iOS systems.
Start with functional MVP: The complete form of MVP is Minimum Viable Product, which means developers build that product with only the minimum but essential set of features. It will help you validate the most critical purpose of the app, which ultimately saves a lot of development costs incurred in actual real-money game development.
How Much Does Mobile Gaming App Development Cost?: Overview
It is extremely difficult to define the exact cost of a 3D game or 2D game, until and unless we don’t know the complete specifications, details, or features of the project. As we saw earlier, there are plentiful factors affecting the same, so it is advisable to create a gist of all the resources, prerequisites, and tools needed for game app development. On average, the mobile game development cost ranges from $20k to $25k for a single platform and basic features and functionalities. However, the cost may shoot up to $40k and even more, as it completely depends on the type and complexity of your game.
Here is the table showcasing the average cost of mobile game app development:
Game Development Phase
Estimated Cost
UI/UX Design
$3,000 to $6,000
Back-end Development
$5,000 to $8,000
Server Cost
$3,000 to $6,000
Testing Support
$5,000 to $7,000
Animation
$5,000 to $7,000
Management Cost
$4,000 to $6,000
Total Development Cost
$25,000 to $40,000
Final Words
The mobile game app development cost changes depending on the quality and quantity of your game’s features. To reduce the mobile game development cost, you need to make intelligent decisions and dedicated steps. It all depends on what type of game you want to build and on which platform. If you are concerned about how to get started with game development, we have got you all covered at BR Softech! Hire our mobile game app developers to take your business to the next level.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Q.1 How Much Does It Cost To Develop A Mobile Game App?
Ans. Mobile game app development is a lengthy and expensive process. Various factors affect the development cost of a mobile game like the location of the development team, complexity of the features, cross-platform compatibility, etc. On average, a single platform app with basic functionalities can cost around $20,000 to $25,000.
Q.2 Is Mobile Game Development Profitable?
Ans. Yes, the mobile game market is flourishing and has high revenue potential. Mobile game development is a very profitable venture in the current market scenario.
Q.3 What Do You Need For Mobile Game Development?
Ans. These are some of the most important things needed for mobile game development- 1. An Original Mobile Game Idea 2. Development Team 3. Technology Stack 4. Efficient Marketing Strategies
Q.4 How To Make A Mobile Game App For Android & iOS?
Ans. The process of making a mobile game app for Android & iOS starts with coming up with an original idea. Next, you should conduct thorough market research and hire a game development team to start creating your Android & iOS game. Deploy proper marketing strategies to promote your app.
I am Nitin Garg, founder of BR Softech PVT LTD - an award-winning mobile game development company known for its excellence in the gaming domain. We have a team of 180+ exceptional professionals & we have a satisfied clientele of 2.7k+ globally. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, I aim to elevate BR Softech to a billion-dollar company.