Playable scope
Core loop, level count, progression, AI, UI, monetization, and content volume.
Buyer planning guide
What changes a game’s cost and timeline?
A useful estimate starts with production variables—not a single price copied across unrelated games. Use this guide to prepare the details that reduce uncertainty.
The main cost drivers
Seven decisions shape most estimates.
Platform count
Android, iOS, desktop, web, and store requirements add distinct QA and integration work.
Online systems
Accounts, multiplayer, matchmaking, cloud saves, leaderboards, analytics, and live operations.
Art direction
2D vs 3D, realism, character count, environments, animation, VFX, and UI production.
Performance target
Device range, frame-rate target, download size, memory, scene complexity, and network conditions.
Starting point
A clear brief and usable code/assets reduce discovery; rescue work may require an audit first.
Launch and ownership
Store preparation, privacy, analytics, backend operation, documentation, and source handover.
Planning bands
Think in production stages, not false fixed prices.
| Stage | What it proves | Typical duration band | Estimate basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focused prototype | Core controls, camera, gameplay loop, and technical direction. | Usually measured in weeks. | One playable slice with a defined acceptance list. |
| Vertical slice | A representative level with target art, UI, systems, and performance direction. | Several weeks to a few months. | Content quality, systems depth, platforms, and review cycles. |
| Production build | Complete content, platform work, QA, optimization, launch, and handover. | Usually measured in months. | Full content matrix, online scope, team dependencies, and release obligations. |
Important: these are planning bands, not promises. A reliable schedule is issued only after the scope, current assets, dependencies, acceptance criteria, and review speed are known.
How to lower risk
Buy evidence before buying scale.
Start with the unknowns
If controls, camera, multiplayer, art pipeline, or device performance are risky, prove them in a focused build first.
Freeze acceptance criteria per milestone
Name the build, assets, supported devices, source files, reviews, and revision boundary before each phase begins.
Reuse only what is legally and technically usable
Existing assets can reduce cost when licenses, quality, pipeline fit, and engine compatibility are clear.