How Much Does It Cost To Make A Multiplayer Game?

2024 is on the way, and the growing trend of multiplayer games remains enticing with the passing year.

Online multiplayer gaming is still a prominent and favorite activity for many. There are an estimated 1.1 billion online gamers globally, with South Korea, China, and Japan having the largest online gaming reach among the population.

Do you know how much multiplayer game development costs? Which factors affect the cost? Businesses seeking game development must know how game development companies charge for different games. 

In this blog, learn about the major factors influencing multiplayer game development cost and cost breakdown based on game type.

Key Statistics-

Before diving into the pool of different factors affecting the development cost of multiplayer games, learn about statistics that might leave you stunned.

• A forecast reveals that multiplayer games are among the most-played, with thousands of daily users.
  
• Nearly 227 million Americans play video games, with the highest concentration of gamers between 18 to 34 years old.
• Virtual Reality (VR) in Gaming Market to reach USD 53.44 Billion by 2028.
• Global Game Development Service market size is predicted to expand at a CAGR of 14.59% during the forecast period, reaching USD 757.52 million by 2027.
• Match games were the top gaming genre for ad spending, which accounted for almost 20% of total gaming spend.

Factors Affecting Multiplayer Game Development Cost

Game Complexity and Concept

The more complex the game, the more the development cost. Simple games include basic mechanics and precise graphics. Further, mid-level games introduce interactive elements and intricate graphics that add profoundness to the gameplay.

However, the complexity increases with AAA games like Grand Theft Auto and Roblox. They demand advanced graphics, meticulous detailing, complex gameplay, and a wealth of content. In short, the complexity of your game concept affects how much it costs to bring it to life.

Game Types and Requirements

Based on complexity, game types include-

Mini-Games: Such games are casual, simple, solitary, and don't need particular skills. For instance, simple games like Ping Pong cost around $20,000. However, you should budget around $50,000 if you need more elements.

Casual 2D Games: Examples of these small-budget games that include a soundtrack and 2D graphics are Stack Fall and Red Ball. They cost you between $50,000 and $700,000 to develop similar games.

Social Games: Several users play these games online, especially on Facebook. They are usually SDK-driven and cost between $100,000 and $250,000, for instance, Farmville.

Mid-level Games: One popular game under this type is Angry Birds. Such games include different characters, stories, levels, and graphics. The minimum cost of developing mid-level games is $250,000, and $500,000 to the maximum.

Business Game Applications: Online games for companies and small to medium-sized businesses purposely aim to brand the company uniquely, generate leads, and bring more sales. You need an expert game development company to get such a game type. It costs from $250,000 to $550,000.

High-level Games: If you want your users to engage and earn great rewards, developing high-level games is helpful despite requiring a huge budget. They need a vigilant strategy, design, and a comprehensive plan. The cost of developing this game ranges between $400,000 and $1,00,000, for which you need professional developers.

Game Development Technologies and Enhancements

With the inception of blockchain and metaverse comes the umpteen gaming possibilities. Below are different gaming development technologies helpful to enhance users' experiences.

Mobile Gaming: Smartphone computing abilities support higher screen solutions on small screens. The origin of 5G in gaming can be the new game show for people. 5G will generate up to USD 12.5 billion in revenue by 2025, which operators can target within the global mobile gaming market valued at USD 138 billion.

Live Streaming: Web3 Services like YouTube and Twitch Gaming allow the audience to connect with their favorite gamers and watch live events and competitions. Many social media portals facilitate and strengthen such connections.

Blockchain Gaming: The amalgamation of cryptocurrency tokens and blockchain technology has led to several niche games, like pay-to-earn, play-to-earn, and NFT-based gaming. It brings real-world value to the gameplay, creating new revenue streams for developers, owners, and players.

XR/AR/VR Gaming: The metaverse is trending in the market, influencing video game development. Since Facebook changed its name to Meta, investing in more immersive virtual experiences has been lucrative for businesses to boost their revenue streams. The forecast says the VR/AR game market will reach $11 billion in revenue by 2026.

Cloud-Based Gaming: This gaming is a way for streaming services to deliver game content to a web browser or an app instead of installing games on a console or a PC. Significant players like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have provided solutions for quick deployment and wider reach.

Here's an Overview of Gaming Technologies Costs

Game Platforms for Multiplayer

Among several platforms, developing a multiplayer game platform for one or all is a wise decision. Whether creating for iOS, Android, or Windows, determining cost is essential. Unlike Android, iOS game development is costlier and has far superior gaming experiences.

Further, you can opt for HTML5 multiplayer game development for cross-platform games. To integrate a single platform, the cost to make a multiplayer game would be less than cross-platform integration.

Game Graphics and Content

The content needs of a game rely on its genre. AAA games contain more requirements when compared to simple games. Thus, the costs of both will differ.

Here's what matters to the multiplayer game development cost-

Size of the Game World: The game content includes everything from environment, characters, props, background, and more game assets. For instance, if you plan to build a game like GTA 5, it needs many assets and a lot of artwork. Make sure you have the time and resources to develop such content. It imperatively boosts the game development cost.

Type of Graphics: Graphic artists use different rendering and modeling techniques like photogrammetry, ray tracing, etc. These techniques are costly and require advanced technology and tools. Using 2D graphics in the game costs less than 3D graphic development.

Detailed Cost Breakdown of Multiplayer Game Development

Multiplayer Game Development: What it Holds for Tomorrow?

The prediction says the total gaming market will hit $218.8 billion with a CAGR of +8.7% by 2024. 

The stat depicts the influencing power of game development as cross-platform will grow in popularity and change the multiplayer gaming landscape and how players interact. One of the recent advancements in multiplayer game technology is blockchain technology.

Integrating AR and VR in multiplayer gaming can affect the video game market. As the popularity of AR-enabled devices and VR headsets grows, players seek more interactive and immersive experiences. This trend prompts gaming developers to discover the possibilities of AR and VR integration, developing a new frontier of multiplayer gaming.

Wrapping Up!

Whether your business aims to develop its marketing game or have the game as a product, determining the cost can be expensive without homework.

As discussed, different factors determine the cost, including game genre, technology, number of developers, platforms, and more. Businesses must balance the content production and development expenses they expect from the gaming developers.

On the other hand, experts developing AAA games must deliver quality, addictive gameplay and graphics emphasizing its key features.

Are you ready to revolutionize your business with a powerful gaming platform? Our game development wizards are ready!