Is It Worth Paying A Software Or Game Studio To Create My Game?

The process of game development is involved and intricate work. Often requiring an army of artists, programmers, and designers to get the job done.

So, what do you do if you’re looking to make your own game but don’t know how?

What is the cost of game development?

The cost of game development can vary greatly depending on the scope of the project. For smaller games, the cost may be tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. For AAA games, tens of millions of dollars. If you’re just starting out, and the scope of your project permits it. A smaller studio can often provide a more engaged and adaptable development process and potentially a lower total development cost. But if you have the budget, working with a larger studio provides you access to more resources, support, and the power to deliver higher fidelity assets and in larger quantity.

How much time does it take for a game to complete development?

It takes considerable time to develop a video game. Most people aren’t aware of just how much work goes into making a game. Even the smallest and simplest of games from concept to initial release is rarely less than 3 months; larger, more complex games can take years.

If you’re thinking about working with a studio to develop your game, you should be prepared for a sizable engagement period.

At AIR, we work with clients to provide a clear development timelines. This provides clarity both on when development will be complete, and what is currently under development and review. This is done in incremental sprints to allow for ongoing refinement of the target product.

What are the benefits of hiring a software or game studio to create my game for me?

There are many benefits to hiring a software or game studio to create your game for you.

Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that you can save yourself a lot of time and effort in the development process. A studio will already have experienced developers on staff who can work on your game and get it up and running in less time than if you were to skill up yourself or go at it alone.

Another benefit is that a studio can provide you with access to resources that you might not have otherwise. This could include things like development tools, hardware, testers, and even marketing and PR support. These all make a big difference to the success of your game.

Be aware though, even if you have found a studio you’d like, the studio may not be willing or able to take on your project. This might be due to existing commitments; or the specifics of your project being outside their normal scope, genre or platform. If you have a very unique or experimental game idea, it may be tough to find a studio that’s a good fit.

What are the risks of hiring a software or games studio to create my game for me?

There are a few risks to keep in mind when considering hiring a software or game studio to create your game for you:

Firstly, it is important to make sure that the studio you are considering is reputable and has a good track record.

Next, be sure to get a contract in place that outlines exactly what you and the studio will be responsible for.

Finally, make sure that you have a clear understanding of the budget and timeline for the project. If everything goes well, working with a studio can be a great way to get your game made professionally and promptly. However, if things go awry, it can be an expensive and frustrating experience.

AIR provides scoping sessions to determine how we can maximise productivity while working on your game and keeping within your set budget and timeline. This works to help strongly constrain the associated risks.

Conclusion

‘Is it worth hiring a development studio’ is a difficult question, as it depends on your specific situation and goals. If you have the budget and you have a good working relationship with the studio, it can be well worth it; if you don’t have a budget, it’s simply not an option. If you’re not sure that your game has market appeal, then it might not be worth the investment.

Ultimately, only you can decide whether paying for professional help is worthwhile for your project.

If you’d like to utilise the high end skills of a studio to create the game you’ve been dreaming about - AIR has you covered. We’d love to help you create games that impress, inspire, and intrigue. Drop an email in our inbox if you’d like to collaborate with us to bring your idea to life.