Blog
How Much
Does it Cost to create a mobile game like GalaxyBattle
Creating a mobile game like GalaxyBattle—a sci-fi action and
strategy hybrid—is an ambitious yet achievable dream for
Creating a mobile game like GalaxyBattle—a sci-fi action and strategy hybrid—is an ambitious yet achievable dream for indie developers and studios alike. With its intergalactic battles, resource management, and real-time multiplayer combat, GalaxyBattle represents the thrilling side of space-based mobile gaming.
If you’re wondering how much it costs to create a mobile game like GalaxyBattle, the short answer is that development typically ranges between $10,000 and $20,000 USD. The final budget depends on features, design complexity, game engine choice, and team size.
This guide breaks down every element of development—from gameplay mechanics and graphics to sound, coding, and marketing—to help you understand what it takes to build a GalaxyBattle-inspired experience within your target budget.
1. Understanding GalaxyBattle’s Gameplay and Genre
GalaxyBattle stands out for its fast-paced space combat, where players build fleets, upgrade spaceships, and conquer galaxies through tactical planning and real-time PvP battles.
Key elements that define GalaxyBattle include
-
Fleet management: Players collect and upgrade different ship types.
-
Base building: Construct and defend your command station.
-
Resource mining: Earn credits, crystals, and fuel to expand fleets.
-
PvP & Co-op modes: Real-time space combat with online players.
-
Storyline missions: Campaign-style levels across galaxies.
Each of these systems contributes to the game’s complexity—and directly affects its development cost and timeline.
2. Average Development Cost: $10,000–$20,000 USD
The cost to develop a mobile game like GalaxyBattle ranges from $10,000 to $20,000 USD, depending on the depth of features and visual fidelity.
| Development Stage | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Concept & Design | $1,000–$2,000 |
| Art & Animation | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Programming & Development | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Sound & Music | $500–$1,000 |
| Testing & QA | $500–$1,000 |
| Marketing & Launch | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $10,000–$20,000 |
This range covers a high-quality indie mobile game built for Android and iOS platforms, focusing on smooth gameplay and attractive visuals rather than ultra-realistic graphics.
3. Core Features That Define a Galaxy Battle-Like Game
Creating a space combat game involves integrating multiple gameplay mechanics:
-
🚀 Spaceship customization & upgrades
-
🌌 Galaxy map & exploration system
-
⚙️ Resource mining & crafting mechanics
-
💥 PvP and AI battles
-
🛡️ Base construction & defense systems
-
🎮 Skill trees and technology progression
-
🪐 Story-driven missions with cinematics
-
💰 In-app purchases & ad monetization
Each of these features adds development hours and design layers, which explains why detailed planning is essential to stay within the $10k–$20k budget.
4. Development Team & Role-Wise Cost Breakdown
A well-balanced team can build a polished version of GalaxyBattle efficiently.
| Role | Responsibilities | Approx. Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Game Designer | Concept, gameplay loops, UI flow | $1,000–$2,000 |
| Developer | Core logic, engine setup, multiplayer backend | $3,000–$5,000 |
| 2D/3D Artist | Spaceships, environments, galaxy maps | $2,000–$3,000 |
| Animator | Explosions, movement, transitions | $1,000 |
| Sound Designer | Space music, laser effects | $500–$800 |
| QA Tester | Performance & bug testing | $500–$1,000 |
Using freelancers or remote indie developers can significantly reduce total cost while maintaining quality.
5. Development Timeline
| Phase | Duration |
|---|---|
| Pre-Production & Concept | 2–3 weeks |
| Prototyping & Art Design | 3–5 weeks |
| Core Development | 8–10 weeks |
| Testing & Optimization | 3–4 weeks |
| Launch Preparation | 2 weeks |
| Total Duration: | 4–6 months |
With a tight production schedule, developers can deliver a complete mobile version within six months, ready for publishing on app stores.
6. Technology Stack and Game Engine
Choosing the right technology stack helps balance performance, graphics, and cost-efficiency.
Recommended Tools:
-
Game Engine: Unity 3D (ideal for mobile sci-fi games)
-
Programming Languages: C# (Unity), C++ (Unreal)
-
Backend for Multiplayer: Photon, PlayFab, or Firebase
-
Art Tools: Blender, Maya, Photoshop
-
Audio Tools: Audacity, FMOD
Unity remains the top choice for GalaxyBattle-style games, as it supports cross-platform deployment, dynamic lighting, and physics—without overshooting your budget.
7. Art & Animation Cost for GalaxyBattle
Space environments demand creative design: nebulas, galaxies, ship interiors, and futuristic effects.
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Spaceship Models | $1,000–$1,500 |
| Backgrounds & Environments | $800–$1,200 |
| Particle Effects (explosions, lasers) | $500–$1,000 |
| UI/UX Design | $500–$800 |
Developers often use the Unity Asset Store or pre-built 3D kits to save time and stay within budget. Customized effects can then be added to differentiate the game’s visual identity.
8. Marketing & Monetization
Even the best games fail without visibility. Allocate at least 10–15% of your total budget for marketing efforts.
Recommended Strategies:
-
Social media campaigns (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube Shorts)
-
Influencer collaborations in the gaming niche
-
App Store Optimization (ASO) for visibility
-
Beta launch for early reviews and bug fixes
Monetisation Models:
-
In-app purchases (IAPs)—skins, ships, boosts
-
Ad-based revenue—rewarded video or interstitial ads
-
Battle Pass system—seasonal rewards
With the right monetisation model, a GalaxyBattle-like game can quickly recover its $10k–$20k development cost.
9. Cost-Saving Tips for Indie Developers
-
Use ready-made assets from marketplaces like the Unity Asset Store.
-
Start with a single-player MVP and expand later to multiplayer.
-
Reuse effects, sounds, and animations across missions.
-
Outsource specific tasks to skilled freelancers.
-
Prioritize performance over graphics to reduce optimization costs.
These strategies ensure your project remains profitable while maintaining quality.
Final Thoughts
Building a mobile game like GalaxyBattle is a thrilling journey for developers passionate about sci-fi universes and interstellar combat. By keeping your scope realistic and leveraging cost-saving tools, you can successfully build a GalaxyBattle-inspired experience within a $10,000–$20,000 USD budget.
Whether you aim to launch a multiplayer star battle or a solo space quest, smart planning and creativity are your best weapons in the vast universe of mobile game development.
❓ FAQs About GalaxyBattle Mobile Game Development
1. How long does it take to develop a GalaxyBattle-style mobile game?
Typically, it takes 4–6 months for a standard version with core combat and base-building mechanics. Larger projects may extend to 9–12 months.
2. Which game engine is best for developing GalaxyBattle?
Unity 3D is the most cost-effective and flexible choice for mobile space games due to its asset library and cross-platform capabilities.
3. Can I build a GalaxyBattle-like game for under $10,000?
Yes, if you limit scope, use pre-made assets, and focus on 2D visuals or a smaller single-player version.
4. What monetisation strategies work best?
In-app purchases (upgrades, skins) and rewarded video ads are top options for consistent revenue.
5. Do I need a large team to develop this type of game?
Not necessarily. A small, experienced team of 4–6 members (designer, developer, artist, sound engineer, and tester) can build a polished game efficiently.
He is a SaaS-focused writer and the author of Xsone Consultants, sharing insights on digital transformation, cloud solutions, and the evolving SaaS landscape.