Last Updated on January 21, 2024 by Umer Malik
So you want to make a game but don’t have the money to hire a team of developers? Most indie developers and small organizations face this same dilemma. It’s not impossible to create a game on a limited budget, but it does require some creativity and outside-the-box thinking.
This blog post will walk you through the process of developing your own game on a limited budget.
Table of Contents
1. Use free and open-source software.
Open-source means that the source code for the software is publicly available, and anyone can contribute to its development. This type of software is usually free to download and use. There are many open-source game engines, such as Unity and Unreal Engine, that you can use to create your games.
There are also numerous open-source tools that you can use for tasks such as level design, sound effects, and sprites. Check out this list of open-source game development tools for more ideas.
In addition to using free and open-source software, there are a number of ways you can save money on games development software.
Some companies offer free versions of their software with limited features, or they offer discounts for students and educators. You can also find many game development software programs on sale during seasonal sales or special promotions.
Another option is to use a subscription-based service like Unity Pro or Unreal Engine Enterprise, which allow you to pay a monthly or yearly fee for access to the software. This can be a more affordable option if you only need to use the software for a short period of time.
2. Outsource your game testing.
Outsourcing is when you contract someone outside of your company to do a specific task. Game testing is an important but time-consuming process, and it can be expensive to hire in-house testers.
One way to outsource games testing on a budget is to use a service like Game Round, which connects you with a team of professional game testers that can give you professional insight into your game’s beta version. You can also post your games testing requirements on freelancer websites like Upwork or Fiverr.
When outsourcing game testing, be sure to give clear and concise instructions to the testers. Include a list of all the tasks you need to be completed, as well as any deadlines. It’s also important to communicate with your testers throughout the process to get feedback and make sure they are on track.
3. Use free or low-cost assets.
Many sites offer free or low-cost games assets, such as sprites, sound effects, and music. A few of these sites include itch.io, OpenGameArt, and FreeSound.
You can also create your own assets if you have the time and skillset. For example, you can use a program like Blender to create your own sprites or use Audacity to create sound effects.
If you decide to purchase assets, be sure to shop around and compare prices. You can often find discounts on game assets during seasonal sales or special promotions.
Final Thoughts
Developing a games on a limited budget is possible with some creativity and outside-the-box thinking. You can save money while creating a high-quality game by using free and open-source software, outsourcing game testing, and using free or low-cost assets.
Apart from this, if you are interested to know more about How to Attract Investors at Video Game then visit our Gaming category.
