How Much Does Mobile Game Development Cost in 2023?

Statistics and Facts About Mobile Game Development 

The growth and demand for mobile game development have been consistently on the rise over the years, fueled by various factors and trends. Several technological advancements have enabled developers to create more visually appealing games.

Mobile gaming has become a mainstream form of entertainment, attracting players of all ages and demographics. The ease of access and convenience of playing on mobile devices has contributed to its popularity. 

(i) The mobile gaming industry will generate revenue of $116.4 billion by 2024.

(ii) Mobile gaming app users are projected to reach 2323.9 million. 

(iii) The global mobile gaming market is expected to achieve a value of approximately USD 165.88 billion in 2027, with a CAGR of 9.40%.

Factors Affecting Mobile Game Development Cost

Here we have listed the factors that determine the cost of developing mobile games. Let’s take a look at how they do it. 

Mobile Game Development Platform 

There are several platforms available for developing your mobile game. Before determining the platform, it is better to identify your target audience and conduct research. The most well-known mobile game platforms include Android, iOS, and Windows.

You can also consider cross-platform game development that caters to a diverse audience by making mobile games adaptable to multiple platforms. It is worth noting that you provide a superior gaming experience while choosing a budget-friendly platform. 

Mobile Game Design Layout 

The game's design layout encompasses various elements, including in-game assets, characters, settings, graphics, and more. To come up with a comprehensive design layout, hire a skilled team of designers who can transform your imaginative graphics into tangible reality.

The more appealing and attractive your designs are, the more they impact the overall cost by incurring higher expenses. Based on the experience of designers and payment models, the cost may vary. 

Mobile Game Complexity 

There is no doubt that the greater the complexity of the mobile game, the higher its development cost will be. If you aim to create a complex game with cutting-edge technologies and a plethora of features like voice-enabled capabilities, enhanced graphics, multiplayer functionality, and payment integrations, then the cost of development will be significantly higher.

Otherwise, if you want to go with a simple game style, the mobile game development expenses will be lower compared to developing complex mobile games. 

Development Time 

Time matters the most, especially when it comes to Mobile game development. It greatly impacts the development costs of mobile games. Time plays a significant role in determining the cost of game development. The longer it takes to develop the game, the more expensive it becomes.

Particularly in the case of hiring developers, designers, animators, and others on an hourly basis, the longer they take to develop the game, the more expensive it becomes. 

Testing Time 

Mobile Game Development is a time-consuming process that typically takes two or more months. It depends on the development team you hire for your mobile game.

Some take longer than expected to thoroughly test and fix all issues, whereas others complete testing the game filled with bugs, glitches, and data breaches in a short period. The more time needed to thoroughly test and fix all issues, the higher the overall cost will be. 

Mobile Game Development Cost Breakdown Based on Game Type 

Mini Game 

Mini-games are characterized by simple and basic visuals with no specific requirements. It provides engaging gameplay with basic audio effects and graphics through a straightforward development process.

Some of the popular mini-mobile games that include Flowfree, Sudoku, and Crossy Road may entail a development cost of approximately $20,000 to $40,000. 

Mid-Level Game 

Mid-level Games offer a rich gaming experience and features while maintaining a balance between complexity and budget.

Developing mid-level mobile games like Subway Surfer, Clash of Clans, and many others with engaging storylines, multiple levels, and diverse characters may cost between $60,000 and $120,000.

Large Games 

Large games are ambitious projects that include extensive content and gameplay mechanics. It requires a sizeable team of specialized developers who can create high-quality graphics with professional audio effects and detailed assets.

The cost of developing large games may range from $130,000 to $250,000. If you opt for more advanced features and support, the expense can exceed $250,000.

Simple 2D Game 

Simple 2D Games provide a fantastic user experience with straightforward and basic 2D graphics, storylines, gameplay, and audio effects. It involves a simple development process with essential testing for functionality.

Developing a 2D game may incur expenses ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, and they can vary depending on the features and storyline. 

Social Game 

Social Games like Fortnite and Minecraft highlight multiplayer interactions and social features developed using Software Development Kits.

Developing games like Fortnite, Minecraft, and Farmville requires captivating graphics, engaging audio effects, and social collaborations, for which the cost may range between $100,000 and $250,000. But these kinds of games are restricted to being played solely within the app itself.

High-end 3D Game 

High-end 3D games offer extensive and immersive gaming experiences with high-quality 3D graphics. Building 3D games like PUBG, Rules of Survival entails development costs ranging from $25,000 to $250,000.

It requires an experienced team with sound knowledge of 3D game design, development, and advanced visual effects to develop a high-end 3D game. 

AAA Game 

AAA games like Roblox and Grand Theft Auto are top-tier productions with a focus on cutting-edge technology and gameplay. The development cost for such games begins at $1 million and can rise to $3 million depending on the intricacies of functionalities, features, and storylines.

AAA mobile game development includes utilizing state-of-the-art 3D graphics and high-fidelity audio effects and conducting multiple rigorous tests. 

How Much Does Mobile Game Development Cost in Different Countries?

The expense of creating mobile games is influenced by the geographical location where you are working on your mobile game.

The expenses associated with recruiting mobile game developers can differ across various regions due to variations in their hourly rates.

Consequently, the expenses involved in producing a mobile game will fluctuate depending on the specific location.

In the United States, where the cost of living is highest, mobile game development comes at a rate of approximately $150 per hour. This elevated cost is attributed to the fact that crafting a mobile game usually spans a duration of two to four months.

Comparatively, in Western Europe, the expense is somewhat reduced, with developers charging around $80 per hour.

Opting for an East Asian country significantly lowers the cost, as developers there typically charge approximately $35 per hour for their services.

Wrapping Up 

If you are looking to develop custom mobile games at a fair price without compromising quality, then look no further than Maticz. Maticz is one of the top Mobile game development companies in India that has years of experience offering high-end mobile games. Our highly skilled and dedicated talents provide you with the best solutions using a comprehensive tech stack and best-in-class technologies. Unleash gaming creativity by collaborating with us on developing exceptional mobile games. 

Know more about our Game Development Services.