How much does it cost to create a unity-based mobile game that can compete with the likes of Pokémon Go and Clash of Clans?

The mobile gaming industry is exploding! With over 3 billion active game users worldwide, it’s no surprise that aspiring developers are eager to step into this booming sector. But before you dive headfirst into the creation of your dream mobile game, it’s critically important to understand the cost of Unity mobile game development.

This detailed guide will help you with the knowledge you need to step into the exciting world of Unity game development and make informed decisions.

 

Why Choose Unity for Mobile Game Development?

Unity is one of the creators’ favorite game engines, and there’s a reason for this. The wide functionality combined with the user-friendly interface and cross-platform compatibility makes Unity the leading choice to develop 2D and 3D games.

 

Here are some of the reasons that place Unity at the top of mobile game development engines.

 

• Cross-platform Powerhouse: Unity allows creators to publish their games on a variety of different platforms, be it iOS or Android for mobile, Windows for PC, or macOS.

 

• Ease of Use: Unity’s user-friendly interface and extensive resources make it easier for developers to learn and master.

 

• High-Performance Graphics: Unity is second to none in terms of the development of graphically magnificent games.

 

• Large Community: Unity has an active community of developers who will never hesitate to share their knowledge and help you out in difficult times.

 

Unity Mobile Game Development Cost

So, how much does it cost to develop a Unity-based mobile game?

The answer is, it depends. The cost of development can vary greatly, depending on the complexity of the game, the number of features, and the expertise of the development team.

 

Game Complexity

 

• Simple 2D Game: Envision classic arcade games or simple puzzle concepts. The development cost for this tends to be at the lower end, more in the range of $5,000 to $50,000.

 

• Mid-level 3D Game: This range includes casual match-3 or action runners with more complex mechanics. The development cost will be in the range of $50,000 to $100,000.

 

• High-End 3D Game: Think of beautiful RPGs or complex strategy games. The development can cost over $100,000 depending on the level of detail and functionality.

 

Game Design and Conceptualization

 

• The average cost ranges from $5,000 to $10,000.

 

• This includes man-hours used to conceptualize the game idea, game mechanics, and the user interface. Good game design is the foundation for any successful game since it sets the tone for the entire development process.

The cost may vary from one game design or concept to another, depending on the complexity and experience of the game. A simple 2D game with a quite straightforward design will cost around $5,000, and a more complex 3D game with a detailed storyline and intricate gameplay mechanics might cost more than $20,000.

 

Testing and Quality Assurance

 

• Average cost: $5,000-$10,000

 

• This will include testing the game for bugs, compatibility, and performance issues. Testing and quality assurance are important in making a game successful because it enables the game to run smoothly on different devices.

Testing and quality assurance costs will differ based on game complexity and devices required for testing. While a basic game with minimal devices would be around $5,000, the game with higher complexity, along with many devices, may exceed $20,000.

 

Deployment and Maintenance

 

• The average cost ranges between $5,000 and $10,000.

 

• This includes the cost of deploying your game to app stores and its continuous maintenance and updates. Deployment and maintenance are critical to any game’s success, as it makes sure that the game is available to players and current with all the latest features and bug fixes.

The cost of deployment and maintenance will vary accordingly with the complexity of the game and the frequency of updates. Thus, this can start at $5,000 for a simple game with updates not coming very often, while very complex games that require frequent updates might be upwards of $20,000.

 

Development Team Structure

 

• Single Developer: Unless you’re that rare coding wizard with an artistic streak who is willing and able to take on all development tasks, you could keep costs low. On the other hand, it involves a huge time commitment and expertise.

 

• Small-in-house Team: Having a team of programmers, artists, and designers helps in keeping maximum control and collaboration inside the process of development. The costs are naturally higher compared to a single developer.

 

• Outsourcing development: You can make the development process easier by partnering with a credible Unity mobile game development company like DigiMantra. This can prove to be more cost-effective, especially in long-term and complex projects.

 

Additional Considerations

 

• Art Style: While the simple 2D drawing style can be more economical, detailed realistic 3D graphics will demand more resources and greater costs.

 

• Game features: Development time will increase, and hence the cost will also, including complex functionalities such as multiplayer modes or advanced AI.

 

• Monetization Strategy: This could further include in-app purchases, subscriptions, or rewarded ads that would impact development decisions and sway ultimate costs.

 

Examples of Unity Based Mobile Games

Unity isn’t just about making games; it’s about making commercially viable games. Here are some real-world examples to inspire you:

 

Pokémon Go

One such Unity-based game is Pokémon Go, which is an instance of real success, and its overall augmented reality gameplay has won the hearts of many players. Developed by Niantic it has generated over $10 billion (about $31 per person in the US) (about $31 per person in the US) in revenue since its release in 2016.

 

Cuphead

Developed by Studio MDHR, it has made over $100 million since it was launched onto the market in 2017. Cuphead is a run-and-gun action game featuring very challenging gameplay and beautiful hand-drawn graphics.

 

Subnautica

Unknown Worlds Entertainment has rolled more than $20 million since the title’s release in 2018. Subnautica is a game about underwater survival with impressive graphics and a far-spanning open world.

These are just a few examples highlighting the massive potential of Unity-developed mobile games. With the right game concept, strategic development, and engaging gameplay, you will also be part of the ranks of these mobile gaming giants.

 

DigiMantra: Your Trusted Game Development Partner

Here at DigiMantra, we believe in empowering all aspiring game developers to realize their ideas. We understand the intricacies of Unity development and how to guide an idea all the way from its inception to a successful launch.

Our team of expert Unity developers possesses the skills and experience to bring your game to life, no matter the complexity. We offer a variety of services to cater to your specific needs, including:

 

• Game Design and Prototyping: We’ll collaborate with you on the development of your concept into a testable playable prototype.

 

• Custom Unity development: Our certified experts bring experience in developing your game from scratch, ensuring it abides by your vision and technical requirements.

 

• Art and Animation Creation: Our talented artists will create amazing visuals and character animations that lure players right into the world of your game.

 

• Game Testing and Optimization: We will test your game to locate bugs and eradicate them to provide the best possible user experience.

 

• Post Launch Support: We’ll support it constantly with bug fixes, updates, and maintenance.

 

Why Choose Us?

 

• Experienced Unity Developers: We have a proven track record of successful Unity mobile game development projects.

 

• Cost-Effective Solutions: Our affordable pricing models to fit your budget.

 

• Transparent Communication: Keeping you informed at every step of the way is what we believe in, as it fosters a collaborative and effective development experience.

 

• Cross-platform development: Our team has experience in developing games that can be deployed on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS.

 

Conclusion

Developing a successful mobile game in Unity requires some careful planning, strategic investments, and the right Development Partner. Knowing price factors, tapping into the power of Unity, and selecting an experienced team to partner with—like DigiMantra—will help you navigate this exciting world of mobile game development and potentially create the next million-dollar hit. After all, every big journey starts with a single step.

What are you waiting for?