How Much Does VR Games Cost: Unveiling the Price Factors
Nowadays, it appears that not a day passes without hearing about new VR games, technologies, and updates. The conversation has gained momentum, particularly due to the divergent views of the two major video game console manufacturers, Microsoft and Sony, regarding the role of VR in gaming. However, there is a unanimous agreement that the number of VR game releases is increasing each year, and the overall movement is growing rapidly.
While many people group VR titles into the computer/video games category, there are significant distinctions between them. VR headsets, in particular, differ greatly from computer/TV screens, which results in the utilization of distinct technologies and methodologies in their respective releases. Thus, the primary differences lie in the technical aspects of development, but there are also variations in costs that warrant discussion. In this article, the focus will be on all aspects related to the cost of developing VR games.
What Factors Contribute to the Cost of VR Game Development?
Undoubtedly, the most substantial costs incurred in game development are related to the time invested by the development team, including staff salaries and compensation for partners and contractors. Here is a breakdown of the process and the individuals involved:
Planning
The creation of a VR game begins with an idea and a vision, which may or may not be pursued by the developer company. Such decisions are made at the executive level and are typically preceded by thorough research on competitors and project feasibility. Once the decision to proceed is made, the project gears start turning, involving more individuals. Company executives collaborate with project managers, lead designers, and developers to outline a basic plan for the project. Business analysts also play a role in assessing costs and formulating a business strategy.
Preliminary Work
The preliminary work phase encompasses the initial details and conceptualization of the project, serving as the foundation for the eventual final product. This stage includes the creation of concept art, plotlines, characters, and core mechanics. The primary contributors are writers, artists, and designers, although developers also play a significant role in preparing the core gameplay mechanics for further development.
Active Development
This phase represents the most expensive part of the entire process, as it requires the most time and involves a larger number of people. Extensive teams of developers, designers, artists, and all those in between work closely together for months, and sometimes years, to bring the game to life.
Moreover, if the intention is to create an NFT VR game, additional effort and specific skills are necessary to flawlessly execute such a project. Therefore, it is more profitable and secure to seek professional NFT game development services and the guidance of experienced professionals.
VR titles necessitate the use of specialized software (such as Unity, UE4, Sumerian, or Oculus Medium) for building, and the process is generally considered more challenging than standard AAA game development.
Testing
To identify and rectify any flaws or bugs before the game’s release, several QA engineers (also known as testers) are typically assigned to the project. Since VR games are played using special hardware, such as headsets and controllers, the testers are equipped with these devices during their work. Although testing does not take as long as development, it is rarely a quick process, and the associated costs during this stage should not be underestimated. Testing can account for as much as 20% to 30% of the total development cost.
Post-Development
Upon completing and releasing a game, the expenses do not necessarily cease. For instance, if the game is a commercial venture, achieving profitability will be challenging without a well-executed marketing campaign. Additionally, most games require ongoing technical support, including bug fixes, server maintenance, and other essential practices to ensure the game remains operational for all users.
Other Expenses:
- Software & Hardware. Developing a professional VR game requires specialized software, which can come with high licensing costs for a company. Additionally, a range of hardware, including computers, equipment, and VR headsets, is essential for anyone venturing into VR game development.
- Marketing. The success of a game often hinges on a well-executed marketing campaign. It is not uncommon for a significant portion, even half or more, of the total budget to be allocated to marketing. Companies may spend millions of dollars on online advertising, promotional events, and printed media.
- Cloud & Computing. Many studios rely on cloud services for storing digital assets and fulfilling the various computational requirements of development.
- Music & Voices. Nearly all major gaming titles incorporate music, sound effects, scores, voices, or a combination thereof to enhance dialogue, emotion, realism, and player experience. While some companies may use stock audio, most of the time, original audio is created or recorded by specialists.
- Miscellaneous. Numerous unforeseen and unpredictable costs can arise during the creation process. These can include expenses related to accounting, legal operations, content translation, and communication.
Total Cost of VR Game Development
The cost of VR game development varies significantly based on factors such as the country of development, the number of people involved, the amount and quality of content, and the complexity of the game. In the robust game development market of the United States, relatively simple VR games (such as a 3D Pong) can cost upwards of $4,999, while most mid-tier titles fall within the range of $19,000 to $120,000. Large-scale AAA and multiplayer titles can easily cost millions of dollars to create.
For example, Skyrim VR, considered one of the best VR RPG titles, is estimated to have cost at least $11.3 million to develop. Another major VR title, “Robo Recall,” is believed to have had a development cost of approximately $3.9 million. However, precise figures for many popular titles are often unavailable due to the reluctance of developers to disclose such information.
In some cases, the genre, gameplay type, and category of a game can provide a rough estimate of its total cost. For instance:
- Simple games focused on a single navigation mechanic, such as running a race or jumping over obstacles, have previously been developed within the range of $2,800 to $10,500.
- Horror games, a popular genre in VR, typically fall within the cost range of $30,500 to $95,000.
- MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) require extensive development compared to other categories, with total costs often reaching $100,000 to $150,000.
Virtual Reality Game Development Services
Given the numerous factors influencing the cost of a VR title, determining an exact price tag based solely on genre, platform, and duration is challenging. However, it is possible to obtain a fairly accurate estimate with the assistance of experienced specialists who have analyzed similar games and considered all relevant factors.
The VR game development process can be challenging for those who are new to it, prompting many individuals or companies with VR game ideas to hire game developers to handle the process or specific aspects of it. Today, there are thousands of companies operating in the VR development market, offering such services. However, only a fraction of them possess the necessary experience to tackle large and complex projects in this field.
In addition to the aforementioned expenses, there are other factors that can contribute to the total cost of VR game development.
- Localization: If the intention is to reach a global audience, localization becomes crucial. This involves translating the game’s text, dialogue, and other content into multiple languages. The cost of localization can vary depending on the number of languages required and the complexity of the game’s content.
- Licensing and Intellectual Property: Obtaining licenses for the use of specific brands, characters, or intellectual properties can incur significant costs. If a game intends to feature well-known franchises or collaborations, licensing agreements must be negotiated, and the associated fees must be factored into the budget.
- Unique Art and Design: VR games often require specialized art and design assets to create visually immersive environments and characters. This may involve creating high-quality 3D models, textures, animations, and visual effects tailored specifically for VR. The complexity and quality of these assets can impact the overall cost of development.
- Unique Gameplay Mechanics: VR games offer unique gameplay experiences that leverage the capabilities of virtual reality. These innovative mechanics, such as full-body motion tracking or unique interaction systems, require additional development and testing to ensure smooth and intuitive gameplay. The complexity of these mechanics can influence the overall development cost.
- Integration of Third-Party APIs: VR games often integrate third-party APIs for features like multiplayer functionality, leaderboards, achievements, or social media sharing. Depending on the complexity and compatibility of these integrations, additional development time and expenses may be required.
Conclusion
It is important to note that the costs mentioned here are general estimates and can vary significantly depending on the scope, scale, and specific requirements of each individual VR game project. Conducting a detailed analysis, consulting with experienced professionals, and considering all relevant factors are essential for accurately determining the total cost of VR game development.