When it comes to game development, budget is a big deal. “How much will it cost?” is a straightforward question that every client asks before beginning a mobile game production. The honest answer is: it depends on many factors.
The cost of developing a mobile game varies greatly depending on the complexity, features, design style, and long-term goals. In this post, we’ll examine the factors that impact your budget, offer reasonable price estimates, and describe how partnering with a seasoned outsourced company like Melior Games may help you keep expenses under control without compromising quality.
What determines the cost of a mobile game?
1. Game type and complexity
A simple casual game and a feature-rich multiplayer game are two very different investments.
- Hypercasual: Minimal mechanics, short sessions
- Casual: Levels, progression, simple monetization
- Mid-core: Deeper systems, metagameplay, live operations
The time and expense of development grow with each level of complexity.
2. Art style and resources
Art is one of the biggest factors affecting the budget.
- Flat or minimal 2D art is faster and cheaper
- It takes longer to create intricate or hand-drawn 2D graphics.
- Animation, UI polish, and visual effects add additional layers of value
Early style selection helps prevent costly redesigns later on.
3. Features and capabilities
Your game will cost more if it requires more systems.
- Monetization (IAP, advertising, subscriptions)
- Analytics and live events
- Multiplayer or social features
- Backend and admin panel
- Localization and accessibility
4. Platforms and devices
The cost will be lower if the game is planned for a single platform (iOS or Android). The cross-platform nature is the reason for the higher price, but it provides a wider reach.
Optimizing for different screen sizes and devices adds even more work.
5. Testing, polishing, and launch support
Quality assurance is often underestimated.
Important tasks such as bug fixing, performance optimization, store compliance, and soft launch support are time-consuming and expensive.
Mobile Game Development Cost Comparison
Here’s a simplified cost overview based on typical projects:
| Game Type | Estimated Budget | Development Time | Best For |
| Hyper-Casual Game | $15,000 – $30,000 | 1–2 months | Quick market tests, ad-based games |
| Casual Mobile Game | $30,000 – $80,000 | 3–6 months | Match-3, puzzle, simulation games |
| Mid-Core Mobile Game | $80,000 – $200,000+ | 6–12 months | RPGs, strategy, live-service games |
💡 These are realistic ranges, not marketing numbers. The final cost depends on the scope, level of polish, and post-launch plans.
Why work with Melior Games?
At Melior Games, we don’t just “make games.” We help clients make smart product decisions. We optimize our scope of work to avoid unnecessary costs, and we also:
- Clear milestones and transparent pricing
- Full development cycle: design, artwork, code, QA, live operations
- Experience working with casual, mobile, and scalable projects
Our objective is to develop a game that satisfies your time constraints, financial constraints, and business objectives.
Request a game cost estimate
Have an idea and want real numbers, not guesswork?
Request a game cost estimate from Melior Games and get a clear breakdown based on your concept, platform, and goals.
