Business TOOL

Game Budget Calculator

Estimate indie game development cost from team size, production time, monthly rates, software, marketing, and contingency assumptions. Results are estimates and run privately in your browser.

Estimated production labor budget$0.00

Change the values to compare another scenario.

What this helps you decide

Use the budget estimate to compare scope options, identify the largest cost drivers, and set a funding target that includes production and launch expenses instead of development alone.

How to use this tool

Enter the requested values above. The result updates immediately so you can compare scenarios without creating an account or uploading data.

How the calculation works

Estimated labor budget = team members × monthly cost per person × development months

Example

Four people averaging $5,000 per month for six months creates a $120,000 labor estimate.

Why this result matters

A simple labor model gives an early production baseline. A complete budget should also include software, hardware, contractors, localization, testing, legal work, marketing, and contingency.

Tips for a more useful estimate

  • Use fully loaded monthly costs where possible.
  • Add a contingency for schedule changes.
  • Separate development and post-launch support.

Frequently asked questions

Does this include marketing?

No. Add marketing and other non-labor costs separately.

Should contractor costs be averaged?

Only for a rough estimate; itemized quotes are more accurate.

FROM THE STUDIO

Try Parlay: Chaos Unleashed

He doesn’t gamble—he controls the odds.

Explore Parlay: Chaos Unleashed

This free tool provides an estimate for general informational purposes. It is not financial, tax, legal, or professional advice.