How Long Does it Take to Make a Game?

Creating a video game is a complex and time-consuming process. It involves many stages, including design, development, testing, and optimisation. To help you get an idea of how long it takes to make a video game, in this article, we’re going to cover:

• The key factors that affect game development time
• The average game development time for different types of games
• Common reasons for unexpected delays in game development

By the end of this article, you’ll have a much better understanding of what goes on behind the scenes in developing a video game and how long it can take to make a game on average.

Key Factors That Affect Game Development Time

The time it takes to develop a game is influenced by multiple factors, each contributing to how long the process will take. They include:

Game Type and Scope

The complexity and ambition of the game play a major role in determining the development time. Simple mobile games or indie games can be developed relatively quickly, while large-scale games with intricate storylines, multiple characters, and expansive worlds can take much longer.

Team Size and Resources

The size of the development team and the resources available are also crucial factors. A small indie team might take longer to complete a game compared to a larger studio with more developers, designers, and testers working on the project. More resources often mean faster development, but they can also lead to more complexity in managing the team.

Game Engine and Technology Used

The choice of game engine and technology also influences the development timeline. Popular game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine provide robust tools and pre-built assets that can speed up the development process. However, custom-built engines or more complex technology may extend development time.

Design and Pre-Production Phase

This early phase of game development involves conceptualising the game, creating storylines, developing characters, and designing gameplay mechanics. A solid pre-production phase helps streamline the actual development process, but the more detailed the planning, the longer this stage may take.

If you’d like to learn more about the pre-production phase, our article on game prototyping explained goes into more detail about how creating a game prototype can help define the core features and mechanics early on.

Development and Testing Process

Once development begins, the process involves coding, artwork, animations, and integrating the game’s features. The testing phase, in which QC engineers check for bugs, glitches, and gameplay issues, can also take considerable time, especially for larger games.

Platform and Multiplayer Considerations

Developing for multiple platforms (e.g., PC, consoles, mobile devices) and adding multiplayer features can also extend development time. Each platform requires specific optimisations and additional testing to ensure the game works properly on all devices.

Average Development Time for Different Types of Games

Different types of games have vastly different development timelines. Here’s a breakdown of how long it typically takes to develop various categories of games:

Mobile and Small Indie Games

Indie games are often developed by small teams with limited resources. A small mobile game or indie title might take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to develop, depending on its complexity.

Simple puzzle games or 2D platformers can often be completed in less than a year, while more complex games with 3D graphics and intricate gameplay mechanics can take longer.

AA Games

AA games, typically developed by mid-sized studios, tend to have a larger budget and more features than indie games but are smaller in scope than AAA titles. The development time for AA games can range from 2 to 4 years, depending on the game’s complexity, scope, and resources available.

AAA Games

AAA games are the biggest and most complex titles, developed by large teams with significant budgets. These games often take 3 to 5 years to develop, and in some cases, even longer. AAA games feature cutting-edge graphics, expansive worlds, rich storytelling, and highly detailed gameplay, all of which contribute to lengthy development times.

Unexpected Delays in Game Development

Game development rarely goes exactly as planned, and several factors can cause delays. Here are a few common causes of unexpected delays:

Scope Creep and Feature Expansion

As a game progresses, new ideas and feature requests often arise – whether from the team, stakeholders, or clients, which can push back the development timeline. This phenomenon, known as “scope creep,” can lead to delays as the team works to incorporate new ideas and features that were not initially part of the original plan.

Technical Challenges and Bugs

Even with experienced teams, technical challenges and bugs can arise during development. Fixing bugs, optimising the game’s performance, and resolving technical issues often take longer than anticipated and can delay the release.

External Factors (Funding, Market Trends, etc.)

External factors such as funding issues, market trends, or changes in the gaming industry can also cause delays. For example, if a game’s budget is cut, the development process may be slowed down. Additionally, shifting trends in the gaming market or unexpected competition may prompt a studio to change its approach or delay a game’s release.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the development time for a game depends on many variables, including its type, scope, team size, and the technology used. While small indie games might only take half a year or two to develop, massive AAA projects can take several years.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, factors like emerging technologies, platform expansions, and team dynamics will continue to shape development timelines.

If you’re on the lookout for a game development team that can bring your game ideas to life, don’t hesitate to contact us or learn more about our game studio.