What this indie game budget includes
- Unity or Unreal Engine
- 2D / 3D asset pipeline
- Core game mechanics
- Level design (5–10 levels)
- Basic monetization (ads / IAP)
- Game analytics
- Mobile export (iOS + Android)
- App Store + Play Store submission
What drives indie game development cost?
Art is the biggest variable cost in game development. Stylized 2D art is significantly cheaper than high-fidelity 3D. The core game mechanics and engine programming are relatively predictable; it's the visual content volume and complexity that most often causes cost overruns.
Monetization complexity also matters: basic ad integration (AdMob, Unity Ads) is straightforward, but a full IAP shop with live-ops features (limited-time offers, seasons) adds significant scope.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does an indie game cost?
- A mid-scope indie mobile game for LATAM costs around $33,500 USD and takes 4 months with a blended team at ~$45/hour. This covers core mechanics, 5–10 levels, basic monetization, and iOS + Android export.
- Unity or Unreal: which is cheaper?
- Unity is typically cheaper for mobile indie games — larger talent pool in LATAM, better mobile optimization tools, and lower licensing costs for smaller studios. Unreal is better for high-fidelity 3D console/PC games where visual quality is the primary differentiator.
- Does it include art assets?
- The budget includes the art pipeline and a basic asset set. Custom original art (characters, environments, UI) has variable cost depending on style and volume. Stylized 2D is significantly cheaper than realistic 3D. We recommend scoping art separately after defining the visual direction.
- Can I start with a game MVP?
- Yes. A game prototype with one mechanic and 2–3 levels can validate player engagement before investing in full content production. This is especially valuable for games targeting global markets. See the MVP budget ($30,000 / 3 months).