Developing a mini-game like Flappy Bird typically costs between $3,000 to $5,000. This makes it one of the most affordable types of mobile games to produce due to its straightforward design and minimal feature set.
Understanding Game Development Costs by Type
The overall cost of developing a mobile game largely depends on its complexity, graphics, features, and the development team's location and experience. Games are often categorized by their scale and intricacy, with "mini-games" representing the entry-level in terms of development effort and expenditure.
Here's a breakdown of average mobile game development costs based on different game types:
| Mobile Game Type | Examples | Game Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Mini Game | Flappy Bird, Pac-Man, etc. | $3,000 to $5,000 |
| Simple 2D Game | Flappy Slendrina, Red Ball, etc. | $5,000 to $14,000 |
| Social Game | Farm Ville, Facebook Games, etc. | $16,000 to $22,000 |
| Mid-Level Game | Angry Birds, Candy Crush, etc. | $20,000 to $32,000 |
As seen in the table, Flappy Bird falls squarely into the "Mini Game" category. This category is characterized by:
- Simple Mechanics: Often involving basic tap controls and repetitive gameplay loops.
- Minimalist Design: Featuring 2D graphics, limited animations, and few environmental elements.
- Short Development Cycle: Requiring less time for coding, design, and testing compared to more complex titles.
Its low cost is a direct reflection of its simplicity, focusing on core gameplay rather than extensive features, intricate narratives, or high-fidelity graphics.
