How Much Does It Cost To Start A Game Development ? (In 2024)

Updated: January 18th, 2023
Start A Game Development

Please note that the data provided in this article are estimates and may vary depending on various factors, and should not be considered as perfect or definitive.

The cost of opening a a game development can vary based on several factors. However for a a game development you can expect to spend $62 to $26,011 with an average cost of $13,680.

  • The minimum startup costs for a game development : $62
  • The maximum startup costs for a game development : $26,011
  • The average startup costs for a game development : $13,680

Here's a detailed list of a game development startup costs:

Learn more about starting a game development :

Where to start?

-> Pros and cons of a game development

Need inspiration?

-> Other game development success stories
-> Examples of established game development
-> Marketing ideas for a game development

Other resources

Equipment & Supply Expenses

Starting a game development may require purchasing some equipment, whether that's for producing the product or packaging the goods, or equipment needed in the back office.

Cost Required? Min Cost Max Cost
Cleaning Supplies ➜

Optional

$63

$200

Business Formation Fees

There are a few key costs associated with forming your business entity, such as setting up an LLC and getting trademarks, copyrights, and patents sorted.

Cost Required? Min Cost Max Cost

Set up business: LLC & Corporations

Required

$50

$500

Small Business Insurance

Recommended

$500

$2,000

Permit and License Fees

Optional

$50

$700

Trademark

Optional

$0

$700

Lawyer Fees

Optional

$0

$1,500

Software Expenses

Your game development needs software to run efficiently!

Why spend money on software? Because it can help you save time and automate certain parts of the business, so you can focus on the most important matters. Software and technology can help you grow your business, and save you from expensive personnel costs.

Cost Required? Min Cost Max Cost

File Hosting Service

Recommended

$0

$299

Email marketing tool

Recommended

$0

$100

Accounting & Invoicing Software

Recommended

$0

$50

CRM Software ➜

Recommended

$12

$300

Project Management Software

Recommended

$0

$25

Internal Communication Tool

Recommended

$0

$20

IT Support ➜

Optional

$150

$2,000

Design Programs & Software

Optional

$0

$50

Social Media Management Tools

Optional

$0

$50

Payroll Software

Optional

$0

$200

Office Space Expenses

It will be your call to determine if you need office space. It is not a requirement but may be necessary as your game development grows.

Cost Required? Min Cost Max Cost
Utility Costs For Office Space ➜

Optional

$0

$1,150

WiFi & Internet ➜

Optional

$0

$100

Rent ➜

Optional

$0

$5,750

Employee & Freelancer Expenses

Cost Required? Min Cost Max Cost
Employee Rewards ➜

Optional

$0

$100

Payroll Costs & Fees ➜

Optional

$150

$250

Employee Hiring Expenses

Optional

$1

$2

Website Costs

Every business should have a website, and it's worth spending a bit of money to set it up right.

Cost Required? Min Cost Max Cost
Domain Name ➜

Required

$12

$200

Website Hosting Costs ➜

Required

$0

$300

Website Builder ➜

Recommended

$10

$500

Business Email Hosting Service ➜

Recommended

$1

$15

Website & Live Chat Tool

Recommended

$0

$200

Web Designer ➜

Optional

$200

$6,000

Advertising & Marketing Costs

Cost Required? Min Cost Max Cost

Customer Research & Surveys

Optional

$0

$300

Direct Campaigns, Printing and Mailing

Optional

$0

$300

Affiliate Marketing Commission & Fees

Optional

$0

$250

Influencer Marketing

Optional

$0

$750

Press

Optional

$0

$500

Google Ads

Optional

$0

$300

Facebook & Instagram Ads

Optional

$0

$350