How Much Does It Cost to Make a Game Like PUBG

There was a huge gap in the mobile gaming market after PUBG Mobile was banned. This increased the demand for games of a similar essence. Users began searching, increasing the number of downloads and daily active users for games like Battlelands Royale, Garena Free Fire, and Call of Duty Mobile. A shift began towards locally produced battle royale games, which signaled Indian game developers towards a vast opportunity to produce domestic alternatives.

However, witnessing India’s gigantic player base and revenue potential, Krafton played the trump card by officially announcing the game’s relaunch as Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) on May 6, 2021. This strategic move allowed PUBG to re-enter the Indian market legally while also adhering to the government’s rule. Regardless of the ban and comeback tour, PUBG’s legacy remained rock solid, and its impact on the gaming industry continued to shape player preferences and industry trends. For developers looking to tap into this success, understanding how to make games like PUBG has become a key focus in the evolving gaming landscape.

Interesting Facts about PUBG

• Launch and Popularity: PUBG with its launch in December 2017, became one of the most-played battle royale games globally. It garnered over $9 billion in revenue and 1.3 billion downloads by December 2022.
• Gameplay: PUBG is known for its unique type: the last-man-standing game. In these types of games, each player is the protagonist and the controller of the game. Around 100 players are dumped on an island and must scrounge for guns and gear while planning to be the only one alive.
• Global Reach: With more than 50 million monthly active users, India was one of PUBG’s biggest markets prior to its prohibition.
• Revenue Model: Krafton implemented an excellent free-to-play business model, allowing players to download and play the game for free while paying for in-app purchases like cosmetics and passes—an approach that significantly contributed to the PUBG game making cost and revenue generation.

Several factors played a role in making PUBG a global sensation:

• Innovative Gameplay: PUBG innovated the shooter game format. It mixed survival with huge player battles. This created a new way to play. Players fought each other to be the last one standing. Players found the game immersive. Realistic ballistics and huge maps made the game hard but fun. Strategic depth gave a rewarding experience.
• Accessibility: PUBG Mobile’s release put battle royale games on phones. This let more people easily play the action game. Now, a bigger group could join the fun. The game became available to many new players. The free access system made it easy for anyone to start playing. This drew in many players from all over the world. Millions joined because they didn’t have to pay to begin.
• Community Engagement: PUBG fostered a robust esports ecosystem, with tournaments and live streams attracting millions of viewers. A focus on community building made a loyal group of players. This also made the game more culturally important.
• Frequent Updates: Regular content updates, including new maps, weapons, and seasonal events, kept the gameplay fresh and maintained player interest over time.
• Social Connectivity: The game’s squad-based modes and in-game voice chat facilitated social interactions, allowing friends to team up and strategize, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
  Given its massive success, many developers are keen to explore how to make games like PUBG, seeking to replicate its innovative mechanics and community-driven model.

• Multiplayer and Social Connectivity: Indian gamers found PUBG’s voice chat and teamwork appealing. The game became a place to connect and work together. It changed into a social spot for many players in India.
• Immersive Gameplay: The realistic environments, dynamic weather systems, and intricate mechanics like looting and survival strategies provided an adrenaline-pumping experience that captivated players.
• Mobile Accessibility: The game reached many people due to its mobile design and free access. This strategy worked well with India’s growing number of smartphone users. The game’s features met the needs of a large audience.
• Esports and Tournaments: The rise of esports in India owes much to PUBG tournaments. These events offered big prize money and motivated many players. As a result, more people in India wanted to become pro gamers.
• Influence of Content Creators: Indian YouTubers and streamers played a pivotal role in popularizing PUBG. They created content that is engaging which attracted more players towards the game.
• Cultural Phenomenon: PUBG surpassed its limitations of just being a game and became a part of popular culture in India. It influenced music, memes, and everyday conversations among the players.
• Frequent Updates: PUBG introduced content specific to the regions. The introduction of localized content, such as region-specific events and collaborations, kept Indian players engaged. This fostered a sense of belonging within the global PUBG community.

Given PUBG’s massive success, many developers are curious about PUBG making cost, as creating a similar high-quality battle royale game requires significant investment in development, infrastructure, and marketing.

Determining the precise PUBG-making cost is challenging, as several factors influence development expenses, including development time, technology, and team expertise. However, the table below provides an estimated breakdown of the costs involved in creating a game like PUBG.

PUBG’s making cost likely exceeded these estimates due to its extensive feature set, global reach, and continuous updates.

Developing a mobile game like PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) is a complicated and resource-intensive process requiring major financial investment, a professional development team, and rigorous preparation. The entire PUBG game making cost can vary significantly based on several factors, such as the game’s scope, required quality, and the location of the production team. Below is a comprehensive overview of the potential expenses involved in developing a game like PUBG.

1. Development Costs

• Game Engine Licensing: Selecting a robust gaming engine is critical. Licensing fees for engines like Unreal Engine or Unity run from $100,000 and $500,000, depending on the project’s conditions and scale.
• Graphics and Animation: High-quality 3D models, textures, and animations are key to an immersive experience. These can cost between $1 million and $5 million, influenced by the complexity and detail required.
• Server and Backend Infrastructure:A scalable and dependable server architecture is essential for smooth multiplayer performance. Setting up and maintaining such infrastructure might cost anything from $2 million to $10 million.
• Cross-Platform Development: Ensuring that the game runs well across all platforms—PC, consoles, and mobile devices—increases complexity and price, perhaps by $2 million to $8 million.

2. Marketing Expenses

• Global Launch Campaigns: Marketing is a key investment to stand out from rivals. Budgets for things like online ads and events may reach millions. Partnering with influencers also adds to the costs. Expect to spend from $1 million to $5 million.
• Community Engagement: Building and maintaining a dynamic player community through social media advertising, forums, and interactive content might cost $500,000 to $2 million.
• Esports Sponsorships: Establishing an esports presence through tournaments and leagues can cost between $2 million and $7 million, enhancing the game’s visibility and longevity.

3. Game Testing and Quality Assurance

• Beta Testing: Conducting extensive beta testing to identify and fix issues is crucial for a smooth launch. This phase can cost from $500,000 to $2 million.
• Security Testing: Implementing effective cybersecurity measures to protect against hacking and cheating might cost around $1 million.

4. Post-Launch Maintenance

• Regular Updates and Patches: Continuous development for new content, balancing, and bug fixes is vital for player retention, costing $1 million to $5 million annually.
• Customer Support: Dedicated support for player complaints and comments demands an annual budget of $500,000 to $2 million.

Total Estimated Cost

Considering the factors above, the PUBG game making cost can range from $10 million to $50 million. This estimate depends on the project’s scale, desired quality, and additional features required for a high-quality battle royale experience.

Juego Studios develops immersive, high-quality battle royale games with cutting-edge technologies. Our skilled developers, designers, and artists create interesting, graphically attractive, and technically robust games based on your specifications. Whether you’re searching for a mobile battle royale game or a cross-platform shooter, our comprehensive game development services include idea design, 3D asset creation, multiplayer server integration, and real-time updates.

If you’re wondering how much it cost to make PUBG or looking to develop a similar game, our team can guide you through the process. Let us work together to create the next huge battle royale game—contact us today to get started!