Cost of Developing Casino Games: Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide

Summary

In 2020, Research and Markets, during the pandemic crisis predicted that the worldwide casino market was worth 123.4 billion USD. According to the same analysis, the worldwide casino market is expected to develop at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7%. It will reach a total market value of 153.2 billion USD by 2026.

The expense to create a new casino game varies substantially - based on scope, features, platform targets, development approach, and online casino software developers. However, looking at industry averages provides a general cost estimate.

While every game is unique, the ballpark figure for game development has reasonable expectations when budgeting a new custom casino game project. Defining scope early optimizes cost planning.

Factors Affecting Casino Game Development Cost

The factors influencing casino game development costs are diverse and interconnected. Successful developers master the art of balancing the factors, making informed decisions that contribute to both the game's excellence and financial viability. In this blog, we will discover some important factors that an online casino gaming development company or agency consider while calculating the cost of a new gaming project.

1. Game Scope and Complexity

One of the biggest cost drivers is the complexity of the game. Simple slot machine-style games with minimal graphics, animation, and features can be developed quickly and in an inexpensive manner.

Sophisticated games like video poker, blackjack, or multiplayer poker require much more development time and larger teams to program the game logic, design attractive visuals, integrate features like leaderboards, and thoroughly test gameplay. The more complex the game, the higher the development expenses.

The overall scope and complexity of the game mechanics, features, and technical elements directly increase development costs.

2. Platform Selection: Mobile or Web

Developing games for iOS and Android requires proficiency in languages such as Swift, Objective-C, Java, Kotlin, among others. Mobile development also requires accounting for screen sizes and functionality across multiple devices.

Web-based games only need to be developed once to run on desktops and laptops. However, they may not provide an optimal user experience on mobile devices compared to a dedicated app.

Developing for both web and mobile requires parallel teams and quality assurance testing across platforms. Companies must decide if the extra costs are worthwhile to maximize market reach. Alternatively, beginning with one platform and adding more later stages can spread out expenses.

3. Outsourcing vs Inhouse

Companies can speed up development by outsourcing all or parts of the game design process. However, outsourcing comes with fees for the external company’s services. Developing games entirely in-house allows for more control and cost savings but may take more time. Many studios use a blend of in-house teams and outsourced vendors.

Outsourcing artwork to specialty studios is an option, but reduces oversight on quality and revisions. Keeping more artists in-house allows tighter collaboration with casino software developers and game designers to bring the vision to life.

4. Tools and Technology

The software, frameworks, and development tools used to build casino games differ in cost. Where open-source options reduce licensing expenses, it may lack robust documentation and support.

Using proprietary in-house tech is common for large studios but requires ongoing maintenance and updates. For smaller teams, integrating third-party solutions is more affordable. Evaluating all tech costs over the long-term lifecycle of a game is ideal rather than just initial purchase or licensing fees.

The programming languages chosen also affect resourcing expenses. Utilizing casino game developers’ existing expertise in languages like C++, C#, or JavaScript keeps recruitment costs down. Creating graphically rich, fast-paced games needs optimization best achieved through proven game engines. Simpler casual games can leverage web languages like HTML5 for wider accessibility. Smart technology selection keeps development costs in check without sacrificing performance.

5. Game Design and Artwork

The game design and artistic elements are a large portion of overall development budgets. More complex and high-quality visuals require larger art teams and more time to conceptualize, design, and integrate assets into the game.

For slots and casual games, costs are lower with just basic 2D graphics and animation. Advanced 3D graphics, realistic physics, and environmental effects increase expenses for immersive games.

Balancing game visuals with budget realities is key. Right-sizing the art and design elements based on the target audience and game style is crucial to control costs.

6. Licensing and Compliance

For games based on popular entertainment areas like movies, TV shows, or celebrities, there are licensing fees to consider. Licensing popular movie and celebrity brands adds licensing fees but provides guaranteed appeal. Original artwork is riskier but allows for unique branding and cost control.

Negotiating rights to leverage popular intellectual property (IP) in a casino game adds to the budget. Developing games with original themes avoids this cost.

7. Location

Development costs vary significantly by location. Hiring casino game developers based in regions with lower wages can reduce the salaries paid. However, possible downsides are communication barriers and logistic challenges.

Outsourcing to firms overseas cuts expenses but risks quality issues. Compliance requirements also vary. The optimal location balances access to a skilled talent pool with affordable operating costs. Companies must weigh all the location factors to trim expenses without overly sacrificing productivity or compliance.

Most casino gaming companies leverage a team with members from many geographic locations to balance cost savings with talent.

8. Time Taken to Develop a Game

The duration of the development cycle directly correlates to costs. The longer it takes to go from concept to launch, the more expense is incurred.

For simpler casual games, development may only take weeks or months with a small team. But for highly complex games with advanced graphics and features, years of effort by large teams is common. Finding the right balance of speed versus quality is ideal for cost management.

Realistic planning, efficient execution, and continuous testing are the formula for controlled development costs. Casino game development company look into a wide timeframe spectrum based on scope, but dragging out timelines or rushing launches will certainly escalate budgets.

9. Marketing of App

Marketing is essential for player acquisition and long-term success. Online marketing, like paid advertising across platforms like Facebook, Google, and Twitter, quickly drives installs but can be incredibly expensive to scale. PR outreach and social media branding have lower costs but require time to build momentum.

Promotional deals with app stores, like featured placements and discounts on in-app purchases, impact budgets as well. Higher visibility leads to more downloads but reduces per-user monetization. User retention marketing, like promotions, special events, push notifications, and Email, is quasi-development work, too. Those efforts require design, content creation, and technical integration.

Overall, marketing budgets can match or exceed the actual development costs for top new games. Skimping on promotion jeopardizes adoption while overspending cuts into profits.

Average Cost For Developing Casino Game

The cost to create a new casino game from scratch varies widely based on the scope, platforms, features, and development approach. However, examining industry averages gives a reasonable baseline for budgeting a custom game project.

For a simple casual game like slots or bingo, development can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000. This assumes a small team, basic 2D graphics, and minimal backend infrastructure for a launch on either web or mobile.

Mid-tier games like basic card titles, casual multiplayer poker, or simple dice games often range from $50,000 to $250,000. More refined graphics, gameplay logic, meta-features, and multi-platform support add to costs.

Developing high-end casino games, as shown in 3D environments, complex graphics, and complex gameplay, can cost anywhere from $250,000 to more than $1 million. Such pricing depends on specific investments, such as underlying technology, licensing by third parties, and the development team.

Ongoing maintenance, new features, and platform support after launch also contribute to lifetime costs. These ballpark estimates provide a rough guide for casino game development costs. Defining the exact features and scope early is key to setting realistic budgets.

Conclusion

Developing innovative and entertaining casino games takes considerable time, effort, and financial investment. While the costs vary based on scope, platform, complexity, and other factors, proper planning and budgeting is key.

By researching features, evaluating technical needs, assembling a skilled team, and allocating ample time for testing and polishing, companies can create memorable player experiences. Though market competition is fierce, new games with creative themes, quality artwork, and balanced gameplay still resonate with players.

The development journey requires diligence and patience, but the rewards for well-executed titles make the efforts worthwhile. By following best practices and the steps outlined here, studios can turn ideas into successful high-quality games loved by players.