As a mobile developer, you know how important it is to create engaging and fun games that keep players coming back for more. But one of the biggest challenges in developing a mobile game is determining how long it will take to complete the project. In this article, we’ll explore some of the factors that can affect the development timeline for a mobile game and provide case studies and personal experiences to help you make an informed decision about the time required to develop your own game.
Factors that affect the development timeline
Game complexity
One of the biggest factors that can affect the development timeline for a mobile game is its complexity. Games with more intricate mechanics and features will take longer to develop than games with simpler design and functionality. For example, developing an RPG (role-playing game) with multiple characters, quests, and levels will take much longer than developing a simple puzzle game with one or two levels.
Platform and device compatibility
Another factor that can affect the development timeline is the platform and device compatibility of the mobile game. Developing a game for both iOS and Android platforms, as well as multiple screen sizes and resolutions, can add to the complexity of the project and increase the time required for development. Additionally, optimizing the game for different devices with varying hardware specifications can also be challenging and time-consuming.
Team size and skillset
The size and skillset of the development team can also impact the development timeline for a mobile game. A larger team with diverse skills and expertise can help speed up the development process, but it will also require more resources and budget. Additionally, if you have to outsource certain tasks or hire contractors, this can also increase the time required for development.
Case studies and personal experiences
Angry Birds
Angry Birds is one of the most successful mobile games of all time, with over 2 billion downloads across both iOS and Android platforms. The game’s creators at Rovio were able to develop the initial concept and prototype for the game within just a few weeks, but it took several months of development to refine the mechanics, graphics, and sound effects. In total, it took approximately one year to complete the development of
Angry Birds
.
Flappy Bird
Flappy Bird is another popular mobile game that was developed by an individual developer, Dong Nguyen. The game was released in 2013 and quickly became a viral sensation, with millions of downloads within the first few weeks of its launch. However, the game’s simplicity belied the time and effort required to develop it. Dong Nguyen spent over six months developing the game, refining the mechanics and adding new features based on user feedback.
Pokémon Go
Pokémon Go is a location-based augmented reality game that was developed by Niantic in 2016. The game required extensive testing and development to ensure it worked seamlessly with both iOS and Android platforms, as well as to optimize the game for different devices and screen sizes. In total, it took several months of development and testing before
Pokémon Go
was released to the public.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to develop a mobile game?
A: The development timeline for a mobile game can vary greatly depending on factors such as game complexity, platform and device compatibility, and team size and skillset.
Q: What is the average development time for a mobile game?
A: The average development time for a mobile game is around six to twelve months, but this can vary significantly depending on the factors mentioned above.
Q: Can I develop a mobile game on my own?
A: Yes, it is possible to develop a mobile game on your own, but it may take longer than working with a team and require more resources and budget.