How Much Does It Cost To Build a Web3 Game?

• By Ashley Richmond
• October 14, 2023January 23, 2024
• App Development Cost

The world of gaming is always changing, bringing new fun experiences to players. Web3 games are the newest trend, blending blockchain technology with gaming to offer games that are not controlled by any single company. In these games, players can actually own the items they collect in the game, which is a fresh change from regular online games where everything you collect still belongs to the game’s company.

The cost to build a Web3 game can vary a lot. On average, making a Web3 game could cost anywhere from $50,000 to over $1 million. The price tag depends on how complex the game is and where the team building the game is located. This move towards blockchain gaming is somewhat like the growing interest in augmented reality. The cost of an augmented reality app also has a big range because of different levels of complexity and the tech needed. Just like Web3 games, augmented reality apps are taking the digital fun to a new level, showing us a peek into the future of gaming and digital interaction.

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What Makes Web3 Games Different?

Web3 games allow players to have ownership of in-game assets, trade them across game environments, and potentially earn from their gaming efforts. This is a stark contrast to traditional online games where the game’s company retains ownership of all in-game assets. The decentralized nature of Web3 games is not just a conceptual shift but a practical one, impacting how games are played, traded, and even monetized.

Statistics show that Web3 games attracted 1.22 million unique active wallets in March 2022, accounting for 52% of blockchain activity, showcasing a substantial interest and engagement in this new gaming paradigm​. The top 20 most popular Web3 games in 2023, like Alien Worlds and Splinterlands, have daily average unique active wallets ranging from around 11,000 to over 230,000, indicating a vibrant and growing player base​​.

Moreover, the unique economic dynamics of Web3 games are drawing players in. A survey revealed that 37% of gamers play Web3 games specifically because they can earn money, with the percentage rising to 60% among crypto gamers​​. This financial incentive, coupled with the ownership of assets via Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) or Fungible Tokens, where assets are tangibly owned and liquid markets exist for trading much like physical goods, sets Web3 games apart from their predecessors​​.

Through a blend of blockchain technology, innovative game design, and unique monetization opportunities, Web3 games are carving a niche for themselves in the gaming industry, offering a glimpse into the future of gaming.

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Factors Influencing the Cost of Building a Web3 Game

The venture into the realm of Web3 gaming is an exciting yet complex endeavor. The cost to build a Web3 game is not a fixed figure but a spectrum that varies based on a multitude of factors. Understanding these variables is crucial for aspiring game developers to budget accurately and set realistic expectations for their projects.

Development Team

• Hiring In-house vs Contracting: Choosing between hiring an in-house team or contracting a development team can significantly impact the budget. An in-house team might ensure better coordination and understanding of the project, but contracting a team could be a more cost-effective route.
• Expertise Level: The realm of Web3 gaming requires a blend of gaming and blockchain expertise. The level of expertise you seek in your development team will influence the cost. Seasoned developers with a proven track record in blockchain and gaming development are likely to command higher salaries.
• Average Cost: $50,000 – $200,000

Game Complexity

• Design: The design aspect encompasses the graphics, user interface, and overall aesthetic of the game. A complex design with high-resolution graphics, intricate storylines, and immersive user experiences require a significant investment.
• Features: The scope and complexity of features integrated into the game also play a vital role. Features like multiplayer modes, in-game economies, and cross-platform compatibility can add to the development cost.
• Average Cost: $40,000 – $150,000

Technology Stack

• Blockchain Selection: The choice of blockchain platform lays the foundation of your Web3 game. It’s not only a cost factor but also a determinant of the game’s performance and capabilities.
• Back-end and Front-end Technologies: The selection of back-end and front-end technologies is critical as it influences the game’s scalability, performance, and the overall development cost.
• Average Cost: $30,000 – $100,000

Cost Factors and Average Costs for Building a Web3 Game

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Top 3 Stages of Web3 Game Development Cost

Understanding the cost breakdown is crucial for planning the cost to build a Web3 game effectively. This section will delve into the different stages of development and the associated costs. It’s important to have a clear financial roadmap to ensure the smooth progression of the project from the conceptual stage to the launch and beyond.

Pre-Development Costs

Average Cost: $5,000 – $20,000

Pre-development costs include market research, project planning, and perhaps legal consultations, which are crucial for laying a solid foundation. These initial steps help in understanding the market dynamics, the target audience, and legal compliance, ensuring that the game has a strong base to start with.

Development Costs

Average Cost: $50,000 – $200,000

This is the bulk of the budget covering everything from designing, coding, to testing the game. The development stage is where your game starts to take shape. It’s the phase where the majority of the coding, designing, and testing occurs, ensuring that the game functions as intended, is engaging, and free from bugs.

Post-Development Costs

Average Cost: $10,000 – $50,000

These costs encompass marketing, maintenance, and continuous updates to keep the game relevant and bug-free. Post-development is about ensuring the game reaches the right audience and provides a seamless user experience, which in turn can lead to a loyal player base and potentially, a profitable venture.

Stages of Web3 Game Development Cost

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How to Get Started with Your Web3 Game

Embarking on the journey of developing a Web3 game is an exciting endeavor that marries creativity with cutting-edge technology. The decentralized nature of Web3 games allows for a unique gaming experience and the potential for players to earn real-world value from their in-game achievements. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to kickstart your Web3 game development project:

Finding the Right Team

• Research and Networking: Start by researching and networking to find individuals or development studios with a proven track record in both blockchain technology and game development. Attend industry conferences, engage in online communities, and seek recommendations from industry peers.
• Interviewing and Vetting: Once you have a list of potential teams, the next step is to interview them. It’s essential to vet their previous work, understand their development process, and ensure they have the necessary expertise in blockchain technology, particularly in the Web3 space.
• Collaborative Planning: Once you’ve selected your team, engage in collaborative planning sessions to align your vision, set clear objectives, and establish a development roadmap. A well-thought-out plan will help in ensuring the project stays on track and within budget.

Planning Your Budget

• Detailed Estimation: Work closely with your development team to get a detailed estimation of the Cost To Build a Web3 Game. This should include pre-development, development, and post-development costs. Having a detailed breakdown will help in managing finances effectively.
• Contingency Planning: It’s wise to allocate a contingency budget for unexpected expenses. Game development projects, especially those involving new technologies like blockchain, can encounter unforeseen challenges that may require additional resources to overcome.
• Fundraising: If necessary, consider fundraising to cover the costs of development. This could be through personal savings, loans, or even crowdfunding campaigns. In the blockchain space, Initial Game Offerings (IGOs) or token sales are also popular methods to raise funds.

Legal Compliance and Consultation

• Understanding Regulatory Landscape: Engage legal experts to understand the regulatory landscape of blockchain gaming in your region and globally. This will help in ensuring that your game complies with existing laws and regulations, avoiding potential legal issues down the line.
• Smart Contract Audits: Given that Web3 games leverage blockchain technology, having your game’s smart contracts audited by professionals is crucial to ensure they are secure and function as intended.

Prototype Development and Testing

• Building a Prototype: Before full-scale development, consider building a prototype to test the core mechanics and blockchain integration of your game. This will help in identifying potential issues early on and gathering valuable feedback from a select group of testers.
• Community Engagement: Engage with potential players and the broader blockchain gaming community to gather feedback on your prototype. This engagement not only provides valuable insights but also helps in building a community around your game early on.

By following these steps and working closely with a competent development team, you’ll be well on your way to developing a successful Web3 game. It’s an iterative and collaborative process that requires careful planning, a clear vision, and a strong understanding of both the gaming and blockchain domains.

The cost to build a Web3 game app is influenced by numerous factors including the development team, game complexity, and the technology stack. It’s essential to understand these costs and plan accordingly to ensure the success of your Web3 game project.

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