How much it costs to make an indie game

Summary

In this video, the creator discusses the costs involved in releasing an indie game, emphasizing the balance between budget and quality. Key expenses include the $100 Steam platform fee, $200–$400 for professional capsule art, and varying costs for asset packs, which can range from $50 to $1,000. The video advises against overspending on unnecessary assets and marketing, while highlighting the importance of investing in quality art and tools. It also covers alternative costs like software subscriptions and localization, ultimately recommending a practical budget of $300 to $800 for a first indie game.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Steam platform fee for releasing a game is $100, which can be reimbursed if the game earns over $1,000.
• 😀 Capsule art (the thumbnail image on Steam) is critical for visibility and should be professionally made, costing between $100–$400 if you're not skilled in graphic design.
• 😀 Asset packs, such as 3D models and code templates, are commonly purchased to save time and effort, but developers should avoid overspending or buying assets they won't use.
• 😀 Free platforms like itch.io are an alternative to Steam but offer smaller audiences and fewer marketing tools, making Steam a better option for most developers.
• 😀 While you can create assets and art yourself, investing in professional tools or services may be more cost-effective and time-efficient in the long run.
• 😀 Marketing expenses, such as attending events like Gamescom, rarely provide a good return on investment. Digital content creation and influencer engagement are more scalable alternatives.
• 😀 Be careful not to over-purchase assets, especially during sales. Buy only what’s essential for your current project to avoid unnecessary costs.
• 😀 Localization costs can add up quickly, ranging from $0.03 to $0.12 per word. It’s best to focus on localization for countries showing genuine interest in your game.
• 😀 The overall cost of releasing an indie game typically falls between $300 and $800, covering essential items like Steam fees, capsule art, and assets.
• 😀 Don't forget to balance your time and money. If creating something from scratch takes too long, it may be worth spending a small amount on an asset or tool that saves you time.

Q & A

What are the three main things indie game developers spend money on when releasing a game?

The three main things are: the Steam platform fee ($100), Steam capsule art (usually $100-$400), and asset packs (which can vary widely in cost).

Why is the Steam platform fee considered an inevitable cost for game developers?

The Steam platform fee of $100 is necessary to list your game on the Steam store, which is crucial for gaining exposure and reaching a large audience. Steam’s vast user base and its marketing features, like the Discovery queue and wishlists, make it a highly valuable platform.

Can indie developers use platforms other than Steam to release their games? If so, how do they compare?

Yes, platforms like Itch.io allow developers to release their games for free. However, Steam's larger user base and its marketing tools give it a significant advantage in terms of visibility and potential revenue. Itch.io might be suitable for niche or adult-oriented games.

Why is investing in professional Steam capsule art so important?

The Steam capsule art is the first visual impression potential players will have of your game. It serves as a thumbnail in Steam’s store, and its quality can significantly influence whether users decide to click on your game. Poor-quality capsule art can hurt your game's appeal.

What should a developer do if they lack the skills to create effective capsule art?

If a developer is not confident in their art skills, it’s recommended to hire a professional graphic designer, often found through platforms like Fiverr. This investment ensures high-quality capsule art that effectively captures the game's essence.

How much money might developers spend on Steam capsule art?

Developers typically spend between $100 and $400 on professional capsule art, depending on the artist's skill and the project's requirements.

What are asset packs, and how do they help indie developers?

Asset packs are pre-made assets that developers can purchase to save time, such as 3D models, code templates, and music. These are especially useful for developers who aren’t experts in certain areas (like 3D modeling or music composition) and help reduce development time and costs.

What is a common pitfall when buying asset packs for game development?

A common pitfall is overbuying assets, especially during sales, which may lead to acquiring assets that don’t fit the final game. This can result in wasted money and time, especially if the game is scrapped before completion.

How much might developers typically spend on assets for their game?

The typical spend on assets ranges between $50 and $1,000, depending on the complexity of the assets required for the game.

What is the advice regarding localization costs for indie game developers?

Localization can be expensive, with costs ranging from $0.03 to $0.12 per word. Developers are advised to only localize their game if there is a clear demand, such as strong interest from players in a specific region, rather than spending heavily on localization without a guaranteed return.

What are the drawbacks of spending money on marketing events for indie games?

Spending money on marketing events, like Gamescom, often provides a poor return on investment. These events can cost thousands of dollars, and only a limited number of attendees will see your game, whereas online marketing and influencer outreach generally offer better exposure.

Why is it suggested that developers focus more on assets and time management rather than over-investing in custom content?

It’s recommended to focus on purchasing necessary assets and managing time effectively. Trying to create every element of the game from scratch, especially in areas like 3D modeling or music composition, can be time-consuming and might delay the game’s release. Buying assets can help balance quality and efficiency.