The concept of multiplayer games is not new in today’s gaming world. The mobile gaming industry has seen a massive paradigm shift in recent years. With the introduction of groundbreaking innovations and smartphone penetration, mobile gaming now accounts for over 50% of the video game market and it is expected to grow even further. Amidst this scenario, multiplayer mobile game development has seen a tremendous boom.
Every investor and sports entrepreneur wants to launch their own multiplayer gaming platform to tap a large global audience and generate high ROI. However, their main concern regarding the same is- how much does it cost to make a multiplayer game. There are different factors affecting the same, including the features, graphics, sound effects and interface that complete the procedure of multiplayer game development.
In this blog, we will define the crucial aspects of multiplayer game costs, including factors, average cost, and so on.
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It is evident from the above statistics that the mobile gaming industry is a very profitable business venture. Coming up with a unique idea and transforming it into a fully functioning game will be very beneficial for your business and help you capitalize on the growing demands of online gamers. However, the recurring question still remains, What is the cost of building multiplayer games? Fret not, we have the answer.
Before we discuss the average cost to make a multiplayer game, let’s first discuss the factors affecting it. Here is the list of factors affecting the cost of creating a multiplayer game.
There are a number of platforms when it comes to multiplayer game development. Android, iOS, and Windows are among the most popular online gaming platforms. When compared to Android game development, iOS game development is more costly but the gaming experience is far superior in Apple devices.
Moreover, you can also opt for HTML5 multiplayer game development if you want to opt for cross-platform games. If you want to integrate a single platform, then the cost to make a multiplayer game would be lesser than that with cross-platform integration.
Another factor defining the overall multiplayer game development cost is deciding how complex your game is. The more complex the game is, the more the development cost will be. Graphics, features, integration of advanced technologies, etc. can greatly influence the development cost.
If you are working on a simple 2D platformer, you can complete the development process for a few thousand dollars. However, if you want to create a complex multiplier mobile game like PUBG or Genshin Impact, the multiplayer game cost can be in the millions.
The game genre is another important factor that influences the cost of building multiplayer games. If you are creating a simple board game or card game, then the size of the game will be small and therefore the cost will be less. But if you want to launch a complex game title like a video game or AAA game, then the cost will automatically shoot up.
Designing encompasses everything from the graphics to the environment, characters, quality, game levels, etc. In order to complete the designing phase, you will have to hire competent designers. If you aim to make an aesthetic and easily navigable design layout, the development cost will rise. Moreover, designers also charge on an hourly basis and experienced developers also have hiked costs.
The location of the developers is one of the most essential factors that majorly influence the multiplayer mobile game development cost. Different regions have varied costs. For example-Indian developers seem to charge significantly less than USA-based developers. If you are tight on budget, it would be a smart choice if you hire Asian developers as they will help you cut down your budget. Here is a cost guide for crucial regions of the world.
The above-mentioned factors greatly impact the cost to create a multiplayer game. There are also other factors like the game engine, duration of the development process, promotional strategies, etc.
Read Blog: Multiplayer Games for Android and iOS
One of the biggest factors when figuring out the multiplayer game development cost is the type of game you want to create. From simple Indie games to huge AAA titles; there are different types of multiplayer games having different costs.
Let’s break down the different types of games according to the capital needed to develop them.
Indie games are created by individual developers and have no backing whatsoever from a big publisher. Oftentimes, indie games feature simplistic gameplay and 2D graphics. Although not as complex as an RPG game, Indie games still have a massive market among hyper casual-game lovers. Multiplayer Indie game development costs can range somewhere from $20,000-$30,000 depending on the features and functionalities. Some popular examples include Among Us, Flappy Bird, and Limbo.
AAA games are considered the big guns of the gaming industry. These games are premium titles developed by renowned publishers with a massive budget. Some popular AAA mobile games include PUBG, Genshin Impact, Call of Duty, GTA: San Andreas, etc. These games feature complex gameplay and require months and even years to develop. The development cost of an AAA mobile game can range somewhere from $5 million to $20 million depending on the feature and functionalities.
These multiplayer games feature 2D graphics and environment but are often packed with exciting features and an excellent narrative and storyline. The gameplay is limited but has a lot to offer when it comes to user engagement. Limbo is a 2D game created by an Indie developer that features an excellent storyline and aesthetic visuals and sound effects. 2D game development costs can range somewhere from $20,000 to $30,000 depending on the features and platforms. Some popular examples include Cuphead and Rayman Legends.
3D mobile games provide the best-in-class graphics and an immersive three-dimensional gaming experience. Popular 3D games like Garena: Free Fire, 3D Tennis, and City Racing 3D feature stunning graphics and interactive gameplay. The development cost of creating a 3D multiplayer game can range somewhere from $40,000 to $50,000.
High-end multiplayer games are quite advanced when it comes to gameplay and are usually big in size. These games feature complex gameplay and immersive visuals to hook the gamer. Popular High-end games include Clash of Clans, Asphalt 9, and FIFA. The development cost of a multiplayer high-end game can range somewhere from $1 million to $5 million.
Real-money games are based on the play-to-earn model. These games allow users to win real money in exchange for completing game missions or achievements. Oftentimes, real money games include a betting or wagering element. The cost to develop multiplayer real-money games can range somewhere from $30,000 to $50,000. Popular games include MPL, Bet365, and Dream11.
Read Blog: Online Multiplayer Games for Android & iOS Play with Friends
In order to provide you with a complete estimate of multiplayer game costs, here is a list of cost estimations of popular multiplayer games which might give you an idea about your overall budget.
| Name | Year | Total Cost ($) |
| Warzone Multiplayer Cost | 2020 | $200 Million |
| Call Of Duty Modern Warfare Multiplayer Cost | 2007 | $200 To $250 Million |
| Call Of Duty Multiplayer: Modern Warfare 2 Cost | 2009 | $300 Million |
| Star Wars Battlefront Multiplayer Cost | 2015 | $200 – $250 Million |
| Playstation 4 Multiplayer Cost | 2013 | $300 To $350 Million |
| Ps5 Multiplayer Cost | 2020 | $350 To $450 Million |
| Mario Party 9 Cost | 2012 | $200 To $250 Million |
| Minecraft Multiplayer Cost | 2011 | $30,000 To $40,000 Million |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 2020 | $250 To $300 Million |
| Final Fantasy 5 | 1997 | $100 To $140 Million |
| Shadow Of The Tomb Raider Multiplayer Game | 2018 | $100 To $130 Million |
| Genshin Impact | 2020 | $100+ Million |
| Watch Dogs | 2014 | $70+ Million |
By now you might have got an idea about multiplayer game costs. And hence it completely depends on the type and complexity of your game project. Here is the table showcasing the overall multiplayer mobile game development cost according to the development phases.
| Game Development Phase | Estimated Cost |
| UI/UX Design | $5,000 to $10,000 |
| Back-end Development | $5,000 to $8,000 |
| Server Cost | $10,000 to $15,000 |
| Testing Support | $10,000 to $15,000 |
| Animation | $8,000 to $10,000 |
| Sound Design | $5,000 to $10,000 |
| Management Cost | $12,000 to $12,000 |
| Total Development Cost | $55,000 to $80,000 |
Multiplayer game development is not everyone’s cup of tea and It requires a lot of resources and capital. However, if you want a cost-effective game development process, you can hire a reliable multiplayer game development company to guide you through the development process.
The primary factor that influences the mobile game app development cost is the type of game you want to develop. It goes without saying that creating an AAA game will be more costly than creating a simple 2D indie game. In the end, it all comes down to your requirements. However, it is important to ensure that you’re getting what you paid for. If you are looking for a reliable and cost-effective multiplayer mobile game development company, you can contact BR Softech.
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Ans. It all depends on your requirements and budget. If you want to create a complex AAA game, you will need plenty of resources and capital.
Ans. Yes, we provide customized multiplayer development services that are tailored according to the client’s requirements.
Ans. There are plenty of monetization strategies for mobile games like in-app advertisements, brand promotion, loyalty program, freemium model, etc.
