Denys Kliuch is the CEO of Whimsy Games Development company.
“How much does this cost?”
It’s one of the first questions business leaders hear. Whether you’re a game development executive, investor or project manager, producing AAA blockbusters or scouting your next indie game, understanding what drives game development costs is essential. But before jumping into numbers, let’s break down what’s actually involved.
The Game Development Process
Game development isn’t just about coding. It’s a layered process. It typically includes concept design, prototyping, art and animation, frontend/backend development, UI/UX, sound design and testing. Some of these elements, like UI and code infrastructure, are core to every project. Others, like high-end 3D modeling or multiplayer backend, depend on the game’s scale and genre.
Cost also scales based on timeline and team size. A tight deadline might demand a larger, more senior team. And geography matters—teams in North America and Europe often cost more than equally talented developers in Asia or Eastern Europe.
When planning a project, it’s important to think in terms of scope and complexity first. This means you should think about what exactly the game will include and how difficult or resource-intensive each feature will be. These elements are what determines the tech stack, required disciplines and team makeup.
Once that’s clear, then the budget conversation can truly begin.
Key Cost Factors
Ok, so the key cost factors include:
• Platform: PC, console, mobile or VR
• Engine: Free (Unity, Unreal Engine) versus custom-built
• Graphics: 2D, stylized or high-end 3D
• Online Features: Multiplayer typically costs more
The Cost Breakdown
What about specific cost calculations? Let’s consider some examples.
1. Match-Three Games
Creating a high-quality match-three game similar to Royal Match or Candy Crush Saga requires a substantial investment, often ranging from $500,000 to over $3 million, depending on the features, art style, monetization mechanics and ongoing support.
In my experience, the development process usually involves a team of 10 to 50 professionals, including game designers, Unity developers, backend engineers, 2D artists, animators, UI/UX specialists, QA testers and project managers. Depending on the scope and complexity of the game, production can take anywhere from eight to 18 months, followed by ongoing updates and content releases to retain player engagement.
A significant portion of the budget is allocated to designing engaging gameplay and mechanics. This includes creating hundreds of levels, developing unique boosters and fine-tuning game balance—an effort that can cost between $100,000 and $500,000. High-quality graphics and animations, such as characters, environments, transitions and user interface elements, often require an additional investment of $200,000 to $800,000.
Frontend development, typically done using game engines like Unity, is one of the more expensive aspects, with costs ranging from $100,000 to $300,000. At the same time, the backend—responsible for multiplayer features, event systems, in-app purchases, advertising integration, analytics and scalability—can cost anywhere from $300,000 to $1 million.
While some early-stage prototypes or simpler clones might be built with smaller budgets, creating a competitive and polished match-three game at the level of Royal Match or Candy Crush Saga requires a substantial investment and long-term commitment. The final cost can vary significantly depending on the geographic location of the development team, the experience of the specialists involved, and the specific features and content planned for the game.
2. Racing Game
Developing a racing game in the style of Mario Kart can require a budget ranging from $500,000 to over $50 million, with a development team of 10 to more than 200 people working for approximately two to five years. In my experience, one of the primary expenses is crafting engaging racing dynamics: implementing realistic vehicle physics, designing power-ups and balancing track layouts. This aspect alone can cost between $2 million and $15 million.
Another major expense is 3D modeling and animation. The cost for this work can range from $5 million to $20 million, depending on the level of detail and variety in assets. Smooth online functionality can require an investment of $3 million to $10 million. Audio and soundtrack production, such as high-quality sound effects, engine roars and possibly licensed music tracks, can range from $1 million to $5 million, especially if well-known artists or composers are involved.
3. Simulation Game
Simulation games similar to The Sims 4 or Farming Simulator can require costs ranging from $1 million to well over $100 million. The development team can range from 20 to over 500 people, with a timeline of approximately three to six years.
Creating 3D assets and animations is another significant cost, as these games often require highly detailed characters, expansive environments and smooth animations. I’ve found the expenses for this aspect can range from $10 million to $50 million. The user interface and experience design can cost between $2 million and $10 million, depending on the complexity of the UI and the narrative elements.
Building the backend and live services infrastructure and maintaining these systems can cost $5 million to $20 million. Finally, audio and music play a vital role: Incorporating high-quality soundscapes, voice acting and original music can cost from $2 million to $10 million.
4. Trivia Game
Developing a trivia game in the style of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? can cost between $5,000 and $500,000 or more. The team can range from a single developer to a team of up to 10 people, with a timeline of approximately three months to one year.
One of the primary expenses is content development, which involves creating and curating a question database. This includes costs for licensing, localization and ongoing updates. Particularly content development can cost $2,000 to $100,000, depending on the number of questions and the level of localization required.
UI/UX design is another major cost. Designing an effective one can range from $5,000 to $50,000, depending on the complexity and polish.
Creating A Quality Game
For anyone overseeing or funding game development—whether a studio founder, executive or investor—my advice is to balance creativity with realism. Focus on building strong MVPs (minimum viable products) before scaling up, validate ideas through early testing, and avoid the trap of endless feature creep.
Ultimately, a quality game isn’t just about graphics or mechanics—it’s about understanding the audience, delivering consistent value and staying agile enough to pivot when the data (or players) say so.
The information provided here is not investment, tax or financial advice. You should consult with a licensed professional for advice concerning your specific situation.
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