Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does it cost to make a mobile game in India?
A: A basic hyper-casual mobile game costs ₹3–10 lakhs ($3,500–12,000) over 4–8 weeks with a team of 3–5. A casual/mid-core mobile game with more complex mechanics runs ₹15–60 lakhs ($18,000–72,000) over 3–6 months. A real-time multiplayer mobile game with backend infrastructure costs ₹40 lakhs–1.2 crore ($48,000–$144,000) over 6–12 months. These are development costs only; marketing and UA budgets are separate.
Q: Why do Indian game development studios sometimes charge less than quoted?
A: The reverse is more common: Indian studios often come in under budget on the initial quote but then charge for 'scope changes' that were arguably part of the original brief. The cheapest initial quote is frequently not the cheapest final cost. Studios that ask more questions during the quoting process are usually better at scoping — and their final cost is closer to their initial quote.
Q: What is the game development cost per hour in India in 2026?
A: Junior developer: $10–20/hr. Mid-level developer: $20–35/hr. Senior developer: $35–60/hr. Creative director / Technical lead: $50–80/hr. 3D artist: $15–35/hr. QA engineer: $8–15/hr. These are studio rates, not freelancer rates — freelancers are 20–40% cheaper but carry higher delivery risk.
Q: Does India charge GST on game development services for foreign clients?
A: Game development services exported to foreign clients are generally zero-rated under GST (exempt from 18% GST) when payment is received in foreign currency and the service is classified as an export of service under the IGST Act. Indian studios working with international clients should be able to provide a GST zero-rating declaration. Verify with a CA if you're structuring a large engagement.
Q: How much does post-launch game maintenance cost in India?
A: Ongoing maintenance for a live mobile game typically costs ₹2–8 lakhs per month depending on update frequency, server complexity, and bug fix volume. LiveOps-heavy games (seasonal events, content drops, balance patches) sit at the higher end. Plan for 30–40% of development cost annually for a maintained live game.