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The cost to develop an Virtual Money game depends on several factors like game features & functionality complexity, game mechanics, graphics, animations, quality, and overall development team expertise level. All these aspects together drive the final cost of developing a free-to-play game. Of course, there are other minor but notable aspects or sections which, in some parts of the development, make its presence strong and influence the cost.
Virtual money games have been the most significant mainstream picture in the worldwide gaming industry. The majority of the mobile and desktop games are free to play with no initial buying charges. However, game developers compensate for this by utilizing various monetization strategies like in-game purchases, ads, etc. This helps them generate huge revenue for the businesses and keeps the game free to play.
Virtual money games have gained the most significant value and popularity in recent years among gamers who like to play games for fun only. This is the main reason for the virtual money game segment booming. These games allow players to engage in virtual money like in-game coins or currencies, which can be used to participate in various events in the game. Because of this, more and more virtual money games are being developed and released every year.
However, gaming businesses and entrepreneurs may wonder about the cost associated with developing a bespoke virtual money game. The virtual money gaming segment is booming, and development costs are getting pricey. Creating a budget for developing virtual money gaming apps requires severe considerations of several aspects, including programming expertise, resources, time, marketing expenditure, and many more. This article delves into complete, detailed information about the cost and features of virtual money game development.
The cost of virtual money game development in India depends on several factors, which we have already discussed above. However, the cost also depends on the type of game segment. Take Genshin Impact as an example, a cross-platform game that seamlessly works on every gaming device, be it a console, mobile, or desktop. Genshin Impact is one of the most popular action RPG and open-world games. The development cost of this game is incredibly expensive, estimated to be around $500 million.
Similarly, different categories of game development vary in cost. However, the average cost of developing a virtual money game in India starts at $10,000 for a single platform (Android/iOS/Desktop). It is also crucial to understand that developing a game for console and desktop costs a lot more than mobile games. The complexity of the game, the number of features & functionality, game logic, and the client’s SoW (scope of work) also affect the final game development cost.
All the costs mentioned here are just estimations, not accurate ones. The actual cost may vary depending on the developer’s expertise, approach, and the factors which we discussed above. To determine the accurate cost, you can approach professional game development studios for the quotation.
Virtual money games are a highly popular segment in the gaming industry. Currently, every gaming company is focusing on establishing its name in the market, and the best approach they are using is to release free-to-play (F2P) games. This allows businesses to build strong customer loyalty without requiring an upfront purchase. There are countless benefits from virtual money game development, the biggest of which is the long-term revenue generator. How can a free-to-play virtual money game be a huge revenue generator?
Here, let’s understand how an F2P virtual money game greatly benefits your business.
Benefits of developing a virtual money game for business purpose:
Virtual money game development for business purpose offers a plethora of benefits, making it a long-term profitable strategy in the booming gaming industry. Here's how it can significantly impact your gaming business and could become a long-term revenue generator:
Monetization Opportunities
Virtual currency unlocks new revenue streams beyond initial game purchases. Players can buy virtual money to access exclusive content, customize their avatars, or gain an edge in gameplay. This creates a sustainable income model, allowing businesses to continuously generate revenue even after the initial game launch.
Wide Audience Reach
Free-to-play games with virtual currency systems significantly lower the barrier to entry. Players can try the game without any financial commitment, leading to a wider audience reach and potential customer base. This allows businesses to tap into new demographics and markets that might be hesitant to invest upfront in traditional games.
Player Engagement and Retention
Virtual currency fosters a sense of investment and progression within the game. Players are incentivized to stay engaged and actively participate in earning or purchasing virtual currency, leading to longer playtime and higher retention rates. This translates to a more loyal player base and increased brand recognition.
Enhanced Customization and In-Game Advertising
Virtual money allows for a diverse range of in-game purchases, including cosmetic items, power-ups, and unique experiences. This provides players with the ability to personalize their gameplay and express themselves within the virtual world. Additionally, businesses can leverage virtual currency to integrate in-game advertising, offering targeted promotions and generating further revenue streams.
Data Analytics and Insights
Virtual money transactions provide valuable data on player behavior, preferences, and spending habits. This data can be analyzed to optimize the game's economy, personalize the player experience, and develop targeted marketing strategies. Businesses gain a deeper understanding of their audience, allowing for data-driven decisions that improve overall game performance.
Building Brand Loyalty and Cross-Promotion
A successful virtual money game can cultivate a strong and dedicated player community. This fosters brand loyalty and positive word-of-mouth marketing, attracting new players and expanding the game's reach organically. Additionally, virtual currencies can be used for cross-promotion within a company's portfolio of games, encouraging players to explore different titles and further engage with the brand.
— By incorporating virtual money game development, businesses can unlock a wealth of benefits, ranging from increased revenue and wider audience reach to enhanced player engagement and valuable data insights. This innovative approach paves the way for a sustainable and successful presence in the ever-evolving gaming landscape. —
The development process of virtual money games is complex and takes a lot of work. It requires proper planning and strategy to drive the development structure for effective success.
We at Orion InfoSolutions are driven by innovative technologies, top-class knowledge, end-to-end expertise in game design, and marketing tactics to bring the game to the top. We follow an agile development process that helps you develop games more effectively for faster market launch.
Here’s how our development structure works and how we bring the idea to full-fledged life without compromising on quality in any part of the game:
1. Virtual Money Game Pre-Production Stage Process
→ Concept & Ideation
Every successful game starts with an idea driven by professionals. Concept and ideation are your core game development foundation where every idea forms a reality. This stage involves brainstorming and defining the game genre (RPG, strategy, simulation, etc.).
Also, defining the target audience, core gameplay mechanics, and the virtual economy’s structure is crucial to consider. You have to brainstorm about game concepts like how players earn virtual currency, what it can be used for, and how it impacts the overall gameplay experience.
Remember, the more time and effort you put into the concept and idea, the more distinctive and captivating your game concept will be, and the greater potential your game will have to achieve success in this competitive market.
So, game conceptualization and ideation should be your primary part to focus on, as the slightest mistake in this stage can cost more than a fortune. Therefore, keep track of your game development project concept and idea to achieve the best results.
→ Game Design Document (GDD)
It might be an outdated approach as no one reads game design documents. However, it’s not completely true. We use game design documents to set things all aligned with your vision to eliminate the slightest mistakes.
A game design document (GDD) is a type of software design document that works as a blueprint from which your game is to be developed. It helps you define the scope of your game and sets the general direction for the project, keeping the entire development team on the same page.
Our team creates a document that outlines the entire game’s vision, including gameplay mechanics, story elements, character designs, level design, and the virtual economy’s functionalities. This helps us serve as a roadmap for the entire development team.
→ Market Research & Competitor Analysis
This stage includes understanding the current market trends, competitor analysis, and identifying potential gaps. It is crucial to do proper market research as it can help you find out the best potential results. This also helps in crafting a unique and engaging game that stands out and is more value-driven for users.
→ Technical Feasibility Assessment
Evaluating the technical requirements for the game’s features and functionalities is vital. Technical feasibility assessment ensures the chosen technology stack can handle the game’s complexity and scalability requirements.
2. Virtual Money Game Production Stage Process
Here's where the magic truly happens. This stage involves building the game itself and bringing your vision to life. It's the longest and most intensive phase, requiring meticulous attention to detail and quality control.
→ Game Development
This is where the coding, art creation, animation, and sound design come together. Programmers write the code that makes the game function, artists create the visual elements, animators bring characters and objects to life, and sound designers craft the audio experience.
→ Testing & Quality Assurance (QA)
Rigorous testing is crucial to ensure the game is bug-free, balanced, and enjoyable. Testers play the game extensively, identifying and reporting any issues that need to be fixed.
→ Localization
If you plan to release your game in multiple languages and regions, localization involves translating the game's text, audio, and cultural references to cater to different audiences.
3. Virtual Money Game Post-Production Stage Process
The game is built, but the journey doesn't end there. Post-production focuses on polishing the final product and preparing it for launch.
→ Soft Launch & Live Operations
A limited release in specific regions allows for final testing, player feedback, and fine-tuning before the global launch. This stage also involves setting up live operations infrastructure to handle player support, in-game events, and ongoing content updates.
→ Marketing & Launch
This is where you generate excitement and attract players. Marketing campaigns create buzz, highlight the game's unique features, and build anticipation for the official release.
→ Ongoing Support & Updates
Even after the launch, the work continues. Continuously monitoring player feedback, addressing bugs, releasing new content, and running events are vital to maintaining player engagement and ensuring the game's long-term success.
Virtual money games have significantly evolved in the digital world, offering players an engaging and immersive gaming experience. The reason behind the success of virtual money game development is the number of unique features and functionalities that entice users to keep coming back for more and more.
There are no two sides to think that game features and functionalities play the most significant role in the success of the game. However, it also plays a significant role in impacting the overall development cost. Here, let’s explore some of the key features of virtual money games that affect the development cost.
Engaging Gameplay
The core of any game, virtual money or not, is fun and engaging gameplay. This means a well-designed game loop, clear objectives, and mechanics that are both challenging and rewarding.
Compelling Virtual Currency System
The virtual currency should be the cornerstone of the game's economy. It should be earnable through gameplay, have multiple uses within the game, and offer a clear path to progression.
Balanced In-App Purchases
While offering ways to purchase virtual currency with real money can be lucrative, it should never feel pay-to-win. Balance is key to maintaining a fair and enjoyable experience for all players.
Multiple Earning Opportunities
Provide players with various ways to earn virtual currency within the game, including completing tasks, winning matches, participating in events, or even social interaction.
Diversified Spending Options
Give players a wide range of choices on how to spend their virtual currency, including cosmetic items, power-ups, unlocking new content, or even gambling mechanics (if the game genre fits).
Frictionless Transactions
The process of buying and spending virtual currency should be smooth and seamless, avoiding any unnecessary hurdles or complexities that disrupt the gameplay flow.
Track player behavior and spending habits to understand what motivates them and identify areas for improvement. This data can be invaluable for fine-tuning the game's economy.
Regular Content Updates
Keep players engaged by consistently adding new content, challenges, events, or features. This helps maintain player interest and encourages them to return regularly.
Strong Security Measures
Implement robust security measures to protect player accounts, transactions, and virtual currency from fraud or hacking attempts.
Community Building and Engagement
Foster a sense of community among players through leaderboards, guilds, social features, or in-game chat. This can significantly improve player retention and loyalty.
Making a virtual money game like roulette or Teen Patti from scratch with basic features can range from $10,000 to $30,000. If you want to develop a AAA virtual money game like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile with high-end features and functionality, it will cost you around $500k to 1 million or even more. For a precise estimate tailored to your specific requirements, feel free to contact our experts. Don't forget about post-launch expenses! Server maintenance, customer support, and regular updates are ongoing costs that need to be factored into the overall budget.
Moreover, there are several factors that influence the overall virtual money game development cost, making it unpredictable to give accurate numbers. Building a real money game isn't a one-size-fits-all financial endeavor. Just like the games themselves, the costs involved can vary greatly. It's not just a simple price tag; it's a layered process with different elements impacting the final budget. From the initial spark of an idea to the final polish, each step in creating a real money game has its own associated cost.
The conceptualization phase, for example, demands a hefty investment of time and brainpower. This is where ideas are born and nurtured, often requiring market research, brainstorming sessions, and deep dives into current gaming trends. While this stage might not require a huge financial outlay, it does demand a significant amount of intellectual capital.
Next comes the development phase, where the bulk of the budget is typically allocated. This involves hiring a skilled team of game developers, designers, and testers who will work together to bring your vision to life. When searching for game developers, it's crucial to clearly define your specific needs for the game.
Virtual money games are primarily divided into small-scale, mid-scale, and high-end virtual money games. The virtual money game type has a huge impact on the development cost.
Small Scale Virtual Money Games
Cost Range: $5,000 to $80,000
Most of the small-scale virtual money games like Carrom, Ludo, or other fantasy sports games are developed by a limited number of developers (2-4). They have a relatively low budget when compared to other games and are mostly self-funded, which means no outsourcing investors. This type of game is smaller in scope, containing less features, quality, and complexities, uses simpler graphics, and focuses on unique gameplay mechanics.
Mid-Scale Virtual Money Games
Cost Range: $100K to $500K
Mid-scale virtual money games are developed by a full-fledged team. The number of developers included in mid-scale projects is approximately 15 to 30, and they have more polished experience, knowledge, and expertise. Mid-scale games typically have more polished and high-quality graphics, deeper gameplay mechanics, and potentially longer development cycles. Also, they require a more detailed budget, and they utilize crowdfunding and other funds to finance the game.
High-end Virtual Money Games
Cost Range: Exceeds more than 1 million or more
High-end virtual money games have impressive graphics and quality, a captivating game environment, complex gameplay mechanics, and innovative gameplay. Hence, the development of such a type of virtual money or F2P games is time-consuming and expensive and requires more innovative technologies and human resources.
For a game with a huge budget, an F2P game developer has to look for various sources of game funding. Of course, there are other options, such as project funding and VC funding. Also, in a few countries, the government provides various benefits like grants and tax relief for virtual money game developers, which is a viable option for them.
Additionally, the mobile game development cost of virtual money games can vary from PC and console platforms, as they both have different OS, software, hardware configurations, and structures.
With such expensive development costs, low-budget entrepreneurs face challenges in adjusting their development structure and fulfilling their project needs. Of course, only some developers in the world earn equally, and it is difficult for them to fund their game development projects. However, there are some areas where businesses can save costs without compromising the project quality and performance.
Here are some of the crucial points to consider when making a budget for your virtual money game development so that you can utilize an effective and efficient approach:
Tip. 1
Utilize the best available game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine instead of building your game from scratch. These tools offer pre-built functionalities and assets, saving significant development time, resources, and cost.
Tip. 2
Don't go for all; focus on creating a solid gameplay loop that is engaging and fun. Use suitable visuals and required features initially. There is always room for polishing these parts later once the core mechanics are done.
Tip. 3
The best cost-effective approach is to hire an outsourced game development company rather than in-house talent, especially for complex visuals or intricate sound design and game assets creation.
Tip. 4
Develop a basic, playable version of your game with only core features first. This will help you with early testing, feedback, and iteration, ensuring you're creating a game people actually want before they invest heavily.
Tip. 5
Take advantage of the wealth of free and open-source game assets, sound effects, and tools available online. This can significantly reduce licensing costs while providing high-quality resources.
Tip. 6
Develop your game for multiple platforms (mobile, PC) simultaneously to reach a wider audience without significantly increasing development time if planned efficiently from the start.
Tip. 7
Consider cloud-based development platforms that offer flexible scaling and collaboration options. This eliminates the need for expensive hardware investments and allows for easier team collaboration.
To sum up, the cost range of virtual money game development starts at a minimum of $5,000 and goes up to $1 million. At the same time, it all can differ depending upon business requirements to make a small-scale virtual money game or a full high-end virtual money game. Apart from that, several factors impact virtual money game development costs, such as the experience of the game development team, hardware requirements, location, marketing costs, and many more.
If you are an entrepreneur or a game developer looking to outsource game development services, Orion InfoSolutions is your one-stop solution.
With almost 10+ years of experience, we provide high-quality work within budget and on time. We also provide for hiring game developers and game artists who have excellent knowledge and expertise. We work with cutting-edge technologies and have successfully developed many game development projects.
Let us take your game project idea to the next level with our technology-rich virtual money game development services.
Contact Us Now!!
DC Kumawat is the CEO of Orion InfoSolutions, a leading provider of IT solutions to businesses of all sizes. He has over 14+ years of experience in the IT industry. He is a passionate advocate for the use of technology to improve business performance.