Game Development
Mar 5th, 2024If you are planning to develop mobile games, it is imminent that you understand the processes, trends, and risks associated with it. Most importantly, the burning question that comes to everyone’s mind is, “how much does it cost to develop a mobile game?”
The cost of developing a mobile game in Dubai can be around AED 70,000 to AED 1,800,000. There are multiple factors; based on that, the cost differs for each game.
To have an accurate estimate for the game you are developing, you need to break down each step of the development process and add up the expenses. Ensure you do not leave any development process behind. That might add up as additional cost and mess with your budget at the final stage.
An easier route is to contact a mobile game studio and ask for a cost estimation for your game. They will provide an actual cost estimate considering your project requirements and its complexity.
There are two methods for estimating mobile game costs:
In this method, you break down the game development process into smaller tasks and estimate the cost for each step. Then, sum up these costs to get a total estimate. This will also help you to look into tasks that might be unnecessary and cut down on development costs.
Here, we have given an estimation of the cost breakdown for developing mobile games in Dubai.
Content Creation Cost – AED 50,000 to AED 150,000
Software Development Cost – AED 100,000 to AED 300,000
Hardware and Infrastructure Development Cost – AED 20,000 to AED 50,000
Staffing Cost – AED 85,500 to AED 1,539,000
Server and Hosting Cost – AED 12,000 to AED 120,000 (per year)
Legal and Compliance Cost – AED 20,000 to AED 60,000
Game Insurance Cost – AED 5,000 to AED 15,000
In a comparative analysis, you look at similar games developed in Dubai and their development costs as a benchmark. With that data, you can calculate the development cost according to the current trends in the market and local economy.
For example, Let’s take Angry Birds. The game was made in 2009 by Rovio Entertainment, and they spent AED 513,800 ($14,000) in game development expenses, which includes the development cost and updates over the years.
Now, If you want to create a game like Angry Birds in 2024, the expenses will be doubled from before based on the market value.
Usually, game studios follow either of the two basic game estimation methods to calculate the expenses.
Bringing your mobile game to life in Dubai is exciting, but budgeting is key. Let’s dive into the factors that can impact the cost of your project, so you can plan and create the game of your dreams!
Employee wages are usually the most significant expense. A small team for a simple mobile game, with just a designer, artist, programmer, and tester, might cost around AED 85,000 (approximately.) a month, assuming they work 8 hours a day. If your game is more complicated, it will take longer and need more people, which means even higher staffing costs.
Game Size: The size and complexity of the game world directly correlate to the amount of content required. For example, open-world RPGs, like GTA 5, Elden Ring, etc., require extensive artwork and assets for characters, environments, backgrounds, NPCs, props, and more.
Graphic Type: The type of graphics employed significantly affects development costs. Let’s take hardcore AAA games. They mostly use 3D graphics, offering a realistic visual experience. To create 3D models, you should apply sophisticated techniques like ray tracing and photogrammetry, which require advanced tools and technology. In contrast, 2D graphics generally cost less to develop, offering a more cost-effective approach.
This translates to increased development time and resources, pushing up the overall cost.
If you critically notice, you will see that audio and sound effects give the needed realistic feel to the game. From gunshot sounds to background music, artists are required to produce sounds portraying real-life as well as fantasy situations.
In certain instances, the sound artists get creative and experience real-life situations to capture its essence. So they can produce accurate sound effects. Many casual mobile games purchase already recorded music for their games, while AAA games have their own studios to produce sound effects.
Mobile game developers use coding languages and scripts like C++, C#, and Javascript to write many lines of code, bringing the game to life. They also ensure that the game elements interact and engage with one another as per the design.
Despite that, programmers also code the game engines upon which the game runs.
Mobile game testing stands as a critical final step in the development process. This process ensures the game functions flawlessly by identifying and removing bugs and glitches.
To achieve this, mobile game testing utilizes a multifaceted approach, employing various tests, including functional testing, performance testing, compliance testing, compatibility testing, and security testing.
To employ these tests, you require professional software testers and strong tools. Hence, you are required to spend 10 to 15% of your total expenses on this.
Marketing is crucial for the success of any game, regardless of its complexity or budget. Experts often recommend allocating 25-30% of the development budget to marketing. Crucially, marketing should be a long-term commitment, especially if you aim for sustained revenue.
Post-game launch, continuous support, and regular updates are necessary to ensure the game’s successful running for years. These ongoing maintenance costs can range from 15% to 20% of the annual development cost.
Localization plays a crucial role in the game development process that encompasses translation, cultural adaptation, and various technical modifications to align with local preferences and trends. These tasks demand the expertise of seasoned professionals, as any oversight can significantly impact the player’s experience.
Gaming platforms take a cut of your game’s profits, ranging from 10% to 30%, depending on the platform. Popular gaming platforms like PlayStation and Xbox typically charge 30%.
Some platforms, like Google Play Store, Apple Store, and Steam, also require a one-time registration fee to access their distribution services. These fees are typically minimal compared to the platform’s profit share.
The development of mobile games requires securing a comprehensive array of licenses, covering aspects such as copyright, intellectual property rights, console platform access, game engine usage, and music. To steer clear of legal complications, developers are obligated to obtain all requisite licenses before the game’s launch, ensuring compliance and safeguarding against potential infringements.
So far, we have seen making costs and the factors that impact the mobile game budget.
When you plan to make a mobile game, there are numerous essential aspects you need to look into other than the development cost.
Firstly, you need to choose a reliable mobile game development partner. While choosing them, you must consider their experience, expertise in a particular genre, portfolio, reviews, and client testimonials. Their technical skills and communication are other aspects that you need to consider.
Apart from this, there are other factors that will help you build successful mobile games. It includes:
If you are planning to create mobile games, partner with us.
We are a leading mobile game development company with 11+ years of experience working on multiple mobile game projects for our clients. Our developers are skilled in handling the latest tools and technologies, creating games for both Android and iOS platforms.
To conclude, the average mobile game development cost in Dubai is AED 70,000 to AED 1,800,000. We have multiple factors influencing the game development expenses, including the market trends, local economy, and inflation at the present time.
Simple Mobile Game – AED 73,400 to AED 220,200
Mid-Scale Mobile Game – AED 220,200 to AED 550,500
Complex Mobile Game – AED 550,500 to AED 1,835,000
Developing a mobile game in Dubai costs around AED 70,000 to AED 1,800,000.
From 3 months to 1 year, the mobile game development time will differ according to the type of game you make and its complex features.
The cost of developing an AAA mobile game will be around AED 550,500 to AED 1,835,000 or more.
When you approach a gaming company and request them to provide a cost estimation, they will first provide a preliminary cost estimate and then a detailed cost estimate.
As innovation and creativity are paramount in game development, you may find yourself wondering if outsourcing to an external team can be helpful. Many studio heads and project managers often find themselves at the crossroads – efficiently integrating external development teams without sacrificing quality or vision.
Indie games are short for Independent Games. These games are developed and published by independent developers who are not part of a game development studio.
Racing game mechanics are the backbone of every thrilling high-speed adventure. These mechanics, from realistic physics to dynamic controls, create an immersive experience that keeps players engaged.
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