Thinking about how much game development in Unreal Engine costs? This blog provides a detailed cost estimation, covering the key factors that influence the budget for your game development project. From team size and location to the complexity of the game and required resources, it breaks down the elements that affect the overall price.
Unreal Engine is among the most popular game development engines. The most popular Unreal Engine games with jaw-dropping graphics, and powerful features prove the engine’s worth and capabilities. But one thing that’s always lurking in the shadows is how much does Unreal Engine game development cost.
It’s a reasonable concern—after all, game development has many phases, and understanding the financial requirements is a crucial part of effective planning. This blog will take a clear and straightforward look at the Unreal Engine costs associated with game development. From licensing fees to development team salaries and other potential expenses, this guide will help you get a solid understanding of what to expect. So, stick around to gather the facts.
- What are Unreal Engine Game Development Cost Specifications?
- Factors That Affect the Cost of Game Development in Unreal Engine
- Unreal Engine Game Development Cost Breakdown for Different Game Types
- Tips to Minimize Unreal Engine Game Development Costs
- Why is 300Mind the Right Fit for Your Unreal Engine Game Venture?
- FAQs for Unreal Engine Game Development
What are Unreal Engine Game Development Cost Specifications?
Usually, Unreal Engine game development costs start from $20,000 but they may fluctuate according to project specifications, tech stack, features and functionalities, and many other factors. However, Unreal Engine is free to use for similar projects that generate less than $1 million in gross revenue. If your game generates revenue beyond this threshold, you’ll need to pay a royalty fee. For projects that earn over $1 million, Unreal Engine charges a royalty fee of 5% of the revenue. This royalty is only applicable after your game has crossed the $1 million mark.
Additionally, for multiplayer games or online games, you will need to budget for server infrastructure. These costs can range from $200 to $2000 or more for smaller games to large-scale multiplayer experiences. Along with these two, many other factors contribute to the overall cost of the Unreal Engine game development process. These costs can vary based on the size and complexity of your project, the development team, and how you intend to monetize the game.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Game Development in Unreal Engine
Several factors influence Unreal Engine costs for game development, shaping the journey from concept to a polished release. From cutting-edge visuals to intricate mechanics, every decision impacts the budget.
But how much does it cost to use the Unreal Engine? The answer lies in the following details:
Game Type and Complexity
Different video game genres require varying levels of technical and artistic input. Popular video game genres with more intricate mechanics, narrative structures, or multiplayer features tend to have higher costs due to increased development needs.
| Game Type | Cost Estimation | What’s Included |
| Puzzle | $15,000 to $30,000+ | Basic mechanics, limited animations, and simple UI. |
| Role Playing | $20,000 to $50,000+ | Expansive worlds, servers, live operations, and high-end graphics |
| Shooting | $25,000 to $50,000+ | Sophisticated mechanics, AI opponents, diverse weapon systems, and immersive environments |
| Action-Based | $30,000 to $60,000+ | Rich environments, custom assets, AR VR features, and basic AI. |
| Multiplayer | $35,000 to $80,000+ | Online servers, use of AR & VR in gaming, complex networking, and AAA-quality assets |
Complexity level affects the cost of video game development. Games with intricate mechanics, AI systems, and design elements cost much more than games with simple mechanics and basic features. Complex projects often demand specialized talent and tools, further driving up expenses.
| Game Complexity | Cost Estimation | What’s Included |
| Low Complexity | $16,000 to $25,000+ | Minimal features, few assets, limited animations |
| Medium Complexity | $25,000 to $50,000+ | Standard gameplay mechanics, richer assets, and some multiplayer features |
| High Complexity | $40,000 to $80,000+ | Advanced mechanics, photorealistic graphics, AI, and networking |
| Very High Complexity | $1,00,000 to $1million+ | Persistent worlds, large-scale multiplayer, or cinematic storytelling |
Team Size and Location
The size of the team you hire directly impacts the cost of game development. A large team of senior experts speeds up the development process but comes with higher expenses due to increased salaries and resource requirements.
On the other hand, smaller teams might be more affordable but could extend the development timeline. When you hire a game dev team, balancing size and expertise is crucial to optimize both budget and efficiency.
| Type of Experts Cost (As per Asian Region) | Beginners (0 to 2 Years of Experience) | Mid-Level (3 to 5 Years of Experience) | Senior-Level (5+ Years of Experience) |
| Concept Artists | $15 to $25 per hour | $25 to $40 per hour | $35 to $60 per hour |
| 3D Artists | $15 to $25 per hour | $25 to $40 per hour | $35 to $60 per hour |
| UI UX Designers | $20 to $35 per hour | $30 to $45 per hour | $40 to $60 per hour |
| Level Designers | $20 to $35 per hour | $25 to $40 per hour | $35 to $55 per hour |
| Game Developers | $25 to $40 per hour | $35 to $50 per hour | $45 to $70 per hour |
| Game Animators | $20 to $35 per hour | $25 to $40 per hour | $35 to $55 per hour |
| Sound Designers | $15 to $25 per hour | $25 to $40 per hour | $35 to $60 per hour |
| QA Testers | $15 to $25 per hour | $25 to $40 per hour | $35 to $60 per hour |
| Project Managers | $20 to $35 per hour | $25 to $40 per hour | $35 to $50 per hour |
| Business Analysts | $20 to $35 per hour | $25 to $40 per hour | $35 to $50 per hour |
Geographic location also impacts the cost when choosing Unreal Engine developers for hire. Experts residing in regions with lower costs of living may offer more affordable rates. At the same time, developers in high-cost areas or with access to specialized talent pools might charge premium prices. Additionally, location affects access to resources, tools, and infrastructure can further influence overall costs.
| Location | Cost |
| USA | $55 to $100 per hour |
| UK | $45 to $100 per hour |
| Canada | $30 to $60 per hour |
| India | $20 to $50 per hour |
Types of Availed Game Development Services
Custom game development services, including creating unique assets, coding, and features, tend to be more expensive than using pre-built assets or tools from Unreal Engine’s marketplace.
Additionally, opting for end-to-end Unreal Engine game development services, where a studio handles everything from design to testing, will increase costs compared to hiring individual freelancers for specific tasks.
| Development Service Type | Cost |
| 3D Graphics Design | $400 to $3000+ |
| UI UX Design | Starting from $2000 |
| Game Development | $5000 to $15000+ |
| Project Management | Starting from $25/hour |
| QA and Testing | $15 to $25/hour |
| Maintenance | Starting from $200 per month |
Assets and Content Creation
Game asset creation, such as characters, environments, textures, animations, and sound effects, require skilled artists, designers, and sound engineers, which can increase the development cost due to the time and expertise involved.
The amount of content in the game—such as the number of levels, characters, and interactive elements—also influences the cost, as more content demands additional resources, development time, and testing. Complex or detailed content, like realistic textures and intricate animations, further raises the budget. Overall, it may take 30 to 35% of the entire development budget.
Licensing and Tools
While Unreal Engine itself offers a flexible licensing model, its costs can vary based on the project’s revenue or specific agreements, such as royalty-based fees for commercial projects earning above $1 million. Additionally, the use of third-party tools like Maya, plugins, or software for specialized features—such as advanced animations, physics simulations, or sound design—can add to the overall cost. These licensing expenses can significantly impact the budget, particularly for high-revenue games.
Post-Development Costs
These expenses encompass a range of activities required after the game’s initial release, such as updates, patches, and bug fixes, which ensure a smooth and enjoyable player experience. For multiplayer games, ongoing server maintenance and infrastructure management can add significant recurring costs.
Developing downloadable content (DLC), expansions, or seasonal updates to keep the game engaging also raises expenses. You may have to hire game developers at a $15 to $25 per hour cost for maintenance or invest in a 3-month to 1-year-long maintenance plan.
Unreal Engine Game Development Cost Breakdown for Different Game Types
The cost of developing a game in Unreal Engine is categorized into three main tiers: Indie games, Mid-Level games, and AAA games, each varying in budget, scope, and complexity.
Indie Games
Indie games are the most budget-friendly, with costs ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 or more. Indie game development projects typically involve small teams of 3–10 resources who often take on multiple roles. The focus is on simple mechanics, limited multiplayer or single-player experiences, and efficient use of pre-made assets from the Unreal Marketplace. Development timelines usually span 6 months to 1 year.
Mid-Level Games
Mid-level games fall between $20,000 to $50,000 and more. Its team ranges from 10 to 30 members, including specialists in art, sound, and programming. These games often incorporate advanced 3D graphics, multiplayer capabilities, and occasionally VR features. Development is more intricate, combining custom and marketplace assets, with timelines extending upto 2 years.
AAA Games
AAA game development budgets start at $1 million and often exceed $10 million or more. Large teams of 15–100 members are involved, each focusing on specialized tasks. These games feature photorealistic visuals, expansive open worlds, and detailed multiplayer systems. Development spans 2–5 years or longer, relying heavily on custom-designed assets to achieve their high production value.
Tips to Minimize Unreal Engine Game Development Costs
Here are some effective tips to minimize Unreal Engine costs for game development without compromising quality:
- Instead of creating custom models, textures, and sounds, utilize Unreal Engine’s marketplace, where you can find many high-quality free or inexpensive assets. It will save time and reduce the need for a dedicated art team.
- Unreal’s Blueprints system allows developers to build game logic without extensive coding. It simplifies the process, speeding up the development process and reducing the need for costly C++ developers.
- Keep your game’s scope manageable by focusing on core features and avoiding unnecessary additions. By limiting the scope, you can avoid spending more time and money on features that don’t directly contribute to the game’s main experience.
- Focus on core gameplay elements and avoid unnecessary complexity in mechanics or features that may inflate costs. Define a clear minimum viable product (MVP).
- Use agile development methods to create prototypes and test features early. This practice helps avoid costly revisions and reworks later in the process.
Why is 300Mind the Right Fit for Your Unreal Engine Game Venture?
300Mind is the ideal choice for your Unreal Engine game development company. With a deep understanding of Unreal Engine’s advanced capabilities, including real-time rendering, Blueprints visual scripting, and high-fidelity graphics, 300Mind delivers games that push technical and visual boundaries.
Our team specializes in implementing complex gameplay systems, AI-driven interactions, and high-performance optimization for seamless gameplay on PC, console, and mobile. With extensive experience in utilizing Blueprints for rapid prototyping and C++ for custom scripting, we ensure precision and efficiency in development.
Our expertise extends to integrating next-gen features such as HDR lighting, volumetric effects, and multi-platform support, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in game design. Recognized for delivering technically superior projects, 300Mind combines a deep technical understanding with creative ingenuity, solidifying its position as a go-to Unreal Engine game development company in the competitive market.
FAQs for Unreal Engine Game Development
While Unreal Engine itself is free to use, it charges a 5% royalty on revenue over $1 million. Publishing fees vary by platform: Steam charges a $100 submission fee and takes a 30% cut of sales, while Epic Games Store takes a 12% cut. Additionally, marketing, legal fees, localization, and post-launch support can add thousands of dollars to your budget. The total cost depends on your game’s scope and the platforms you choose.
Several exciting games are being developed using Unreal Engine 5, showcasing its incredible capabilities. Titles like Fortnite, Layers of Fear, Black Myth: Wukong, Immortals of Aveum, The Lords of the Fallen, Tekken 8, Hell is Us, Everspace 2, etc., are built using UE5.
Yes, you can use Unreal Engine to make 2D games, although it is primarily known for its 3D game development. Unreal Engine supports 2D game development through its Paper2D framework, which includes tools for creating sprites, tilemaps, and 2D physics.
Unreal Engine uses C++ for game development, allowing developers to write performance-optimized code. It also provides Blueprints, a visual scripting system that lets users create gameplay logic without traditional coding. Creators often combine C++ and Blueprints to achieve more complex systems, leveraging the strengths of both approaches.
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