How Much Does It Cost to Develop a VR App? Basic Guide ...

06 May.,2024

 

How Much Does It Cost to Develop a VR App? Basic Guide ...

Along with how to build augmented reality, virtual reality is one of the most innovative technologies that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the chosen environment. Of course, the gaming industry takes center stage – Statista says there are 171 million VR players worldwide, and the VR market size was $12.13 billion as of 2022. The only thing that slows down the total distribution of VR is the price – this is the main barrier to adaptation named by 55% of the players surveyed by YouGov.

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However, the growth of VR game development services continues. The market is expected to reach $2.4 billion by 2024, developers continue to release VR games, and don’t forget other industries looking to embrace VR. Global spending on AR and VR technology is expected to rise from $12 billion in 2020 to $73 billion in 2024, therefore, this technology must be reckoned with and harnessed while the niche is still relatively free.

But how much does it cost to develop a VR app? Is the investment worth it? Will it bring profit, will the development work off? Let’s find out for sure.

Virtual Reality – Why So Popular?

What is so exciting about virtual reality? Well, first of all, here’s the definition.

Virtual reality is a digital reality that uses special technical means to influence the human senses, mainly sight and hearing.

Unlike augmented reality, virtual reality doesn’t overlay a separate digital object on top of the real world. It is a separate digital world. Therefore, to immerse yourself in VR, one smartphone is not enough; you need special equipment – virtual reality glasses or helmets.

The advantages of VR in terms of entertainment are undeniable. Full immersion in the game as if you are the main character instead of the standard contemplation of your characters on the screens gives a completely different feeling. Virtual games capture completely, they actually and unambiguously transfer the player to the virtual world. This is the next level of gaming experience that the leading players in the industry are striving for.

The prospects for VR gaming are also clear from a financial point of view, which can be deduced from the following graph.

Source: Statista.com

In addition to games, VR is actively used in other areas. For example, virtual meetings, excursions, educational VR games or events have long ceased to be something extraordinary. Another thing is that they are still far from becoming a routine for most people. But it’s only a matter of time.

Factors That Affect Virtual Reality Mobile App Development Cost

As with any other application or game, the cost is primarily dictated by its complexity. In turn, complexity can be divided into 3 key components:

  1. Game content: graphics, mechanics, interface.
  2. Development: tools, software, SDKs, frameworks.
  3. Platform: mobile devices, PC, console, or cross-platform option.

Determining How Much Your VR App Will Actually Cost

Complexity is directly related to development time. On average, a VR application can be developed in a year, but who needs such average estimates, right?

  • The simplest VR app or game can take anywhere from a month to two months and cost from $20,000.
  • A VR project of medium complexity, such as an online store with VR capabilities, will take up to 6 months and cost from $30,000.
  • Complex games or large-scale VR projects, for example, for tourism or medicine, will take a year or more and cost from $100,000.

The first two options can be covered by a team of 2 to 5 VR experts. The latter, however, will require at least 10 specialists.

An important aspect of the cost will be the choice of a VR platform. The most popular are:

  • HTC Vive (works with PC)
  • Oculus Rift (works with PC)
  • PlayStation VR (works with PS)
  • Google Cardboard (works with Android and iOS)
  • Google Daydream (works with the latest models of Android)

However, in fact, it all comes down to timing – the more complex the application and the longer the development takes, the higher the price.

Top Factors Determining VR App Development Time

The duration of development is of great importance because technologies are developing very quickly and what was relevant a year ago now already looks outdated. Considering VR development, the key factors influencing and its duration are classic:

  1. Request accuracy. The more information you provide to developers, the faster they can get down to business. If there are gaps in your request, the team will have to do additional research, test different options, create prototypes, and this will significantly delay development.
  2. Team size. The developer company usually forms a team itself, and the speed of development will depend on the number of people. If they can’t allocate enough developers, the work will be slower.
  3. Application complexity. Directly related to the previous one, this point significantly affects the speed of development, since with a fixed team, an increase in the complexity of the product will mean an increase in the timing of its creation.

Other Factors That Impact the Cost of the VR App Development

Be aware of the difference in developer rates in various parts of the world. For example, in the United States, Canada, and Australia, you will see the highest rates – from $50 per hour and more. Lower prices can be found in Eastern Europe – from $20 per hour, while this does not affect the quality in any way.

So how much does it cost to create a VR app? In fact, their cost is only slightly different from the standard rates for creating applications due to the use of special tools. You can see that the price range is huge, from $20,000 to $100,000 and more, so it makes no sense to try to calculate the budget without first having an idea of what kind of VR application you need.

The easiest and most legitimate way to find out the approximate cost of your future VR application is to request an estimate from the company with which you plan to cooperate. At Kevuru Games, we provide project quote answers within a day and offer optimal collaboration options depending on the type and complexity of your project. Feel free to contact us to find out how much your VR application will cost you.

What is the Process of Creating a VR App?

Having an approximate answer to the question “how much does it cost to make a VR app?” (or after receiving a more detailed estimate from us) you may be interested in how the development of a VR application is going in general. Are there any special features or differences from the classic app development pipeline? In fact, no, the steps are no different from developing any other application:

  1. Requirements analysis. Based on the requirements you provided for the future VR application or game, the developers analyze the market and form the optimal solution. You may have heard of this stage as pre-production.
  2. Working on the application. Also known as production, this stage includes designing your application in accordance with its specifics and programming itself, that is, the creation of code.
  3. Verification and release. Once an application is created, it undergoes various types of testing to make sure it works correctly. The developers also do some final polishing to get the app ready for release.

However, there are also obvious differences. VR games or applications cannot be perceived without an additional device – glasses or a helmet. Therefore, when developing a VR project, first of all, you need to start with the hardware and understand what device you are aiming at.

The most common environments for developing VR games are Unity and Unreal. Unity is considered more versatile, faster, and easier due to the presence of a large number of intuitive tools and the ability to cover almost all known helmets with multi-platform support. If you are targeting VR development for Cardboard and Daydream, then the Google VR SDK is your choice.

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There are also certain unspoken rules regarding the design of VR games:

  • Simple controls. A VR game should offer the player the most simple and intuitive controls, understandable and accessible even to those who first come across VR.
  • Short sessions. VR games have a very intense effect on the psyche, so it is important to maintain a balance and give the player the opportunity to relax.
  • Content and battery life balance. VR devices consume a lot of energy, and the more resource-intensive the game is, the faster it will drain the battery.
  • No delay. The reaction of devices to the movements of the player must be instantaneous, otherwise, the delay will ruin the entire gaming experience.
  • First-person point of view. Although there are other options, it is the first-person view that gives the player the maximum immersion in the game world and the opportunity to feel like the main character.

Did you know? Performance is often the main issue in VR games. Maintaining VR frame rates is extremely difficult, even on the recommended hardware. Ideally, the game should be optimized for 60 fps and have low latency. With most of today’s hardware, it’s quite challenging so far.

Popular VR Games Released in 2023

Horizon Call of the Mountain

Platform: Playstation VR 2

Release: February 22, 2023

One of the best VR PC games based in the Horizon universe created by the Dutch company Guerrilla Games, Call of the Mountain puts the player in the role of a former Shadow Carja warrior named Ryas. The gameplay is horizontal and vertical exploration of territories and battles with machines familiar to players from the games Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West.

Posted by PlayStation. “Horizon Call of the Mountain – State of Play June 2022 Announce Trailer | PS VR2”. YouTube. June 10, 2022. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATR0vlhDK1E

Resident Evil Village

Platform: Playstation VR 2

Release: February 22, 2023

The Playstation VR 2 version of the acclaimed 2021 survival horror game by Capcom gives the player the ability to fight with two weapons. PSVR 2 also offers players advanced sensations such as haptic feedback and vibration when the character is pushed or attacked, bringing a whole new gaming experience and level of immersion.

Posted by PlayStation. “Resident Evil Village – State of Play June 2022 Teaser Trailer | PS VR2 Games”. YouTube. June 3, 2022. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6kgFBKAfIk

Resident Evil 4

Platform: Playstation VR 2

Release: March 24, 2023

Capcom’s Resident Evil 4 remake, with its release on the verge, will support Playstation VR 2. There is no exact information whether the entire game will be available in VR or only certain content, but the opportunity to immerse themselves first-hand in the terrifying atmosphere of a village with mutated residents, even if only as a short episode, incredibly inspires fans of the series.

Posted by PlayStation. “Resident Evil 4 – 2nd Trailer | PS5 Games”. YouTube. October, 2022. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E69tKrfEQag

FAQ

How to choose the right virtual reality mobile app developer?

When choosing a company to develop your VR application, pay attention to those who have relevant experience. Developers must have an appropriate portfolio of VR projects. It is also a good option to study the reviews of previous clients regarding cooperation with the company on VR applications.

What is the approximate cost of developing VR games?

Depending on the complexity of a VR game, the cost to earn it can range from $20,000 for elementary games to $100,000 or more for more complex titles.

Are VR games free?

There are different options for VR games, some are paid, and some are free. Players are free to choose whether they are willing to pay or get by with the free versions as they see fit.

Understanding the True Cost of VR Game Development

The future of technology is supposedly in VR development. VR technology is successfully used in the fields of healthcare, education, real estate, gaming, and architecture. It's also a tremendous way for companies to introduce their products and services to potential clients.

Virtual reality (VR) is a massive technology that is affecting the entire gaming industry. Users enjoy VR games and spend nearly 19.7 minutes playing them on average. As a result, it is safe to conclude that VR is a mainstream trend in the gaming industry.

VR games, like gamers, have become a sensation among investors. Without a doubt, the interest in VR games among gamers has created a revenue-generating market for investors.

This article will provide you with a concise answer to the cost of VR development as well as additional information to help you understand cost. Let us now get right to the point!

1. Virtual Reality Market Overview

Because of its ability to deliver content in an immersive and interactive manner, virtual reality is one of the trending technologies in the gaming world.

Almost 64% of users believe that the best application of Virtual Reality is gaming. In the coming years, as many as 70% of customers want to increase their VR usage. By 2024, it is expected to be a $2.4 billion industry.

Beat Saber is the highest-grossing VR game, with a total lifetime earnings of $69.7 million. Half-Life: Alyx grossed $64.6 million in its first six months.Twitch viewers watched 17.3 million hours of virtual reality gaming content in 2020.

However, some companies are questioning whether the investment is truly worthwhile. Is the cost of developing a virtual reality mobile app too high to justify the investment? How much does virtual reality cost when it is incorporated into an app or software programme?

A VR solution can typically be developed for $30,000 to $150,000 or more, depending on the size and complexity of the game. In this article, we have given a detailed breakdown of the costs and requirements associated with virtual reality game development.

2. Great Benefits of VR Game Development

Most of the games can be successfully transformed into VR and provide an immersive experience to users:

  • Enhanced User Engagement

They appear to be more appealing to avid and casual gamers looking for an immersive experience. When compared to flat-screen games,

VR players become more involved because they have a variety of tools at their disposal, including hand controllers and a headset.

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  • Cutting-Edge Capabilities

The introduction of controllers marked a turning point in the development of player interaction in VR environments. The gaming environment is now subject to player control.

We may also expect virtual reality technology to advance in the near future from the simple act of donning a headset for a visual experience to the introduction of genuinely immersive experiences that appeal to all of our senses.


  • Greater Immersion

VR provides greater immersion and increases in-game engagement. Developers have begun to incorporate VR into their development goals, resulting in more creative game releases than ever before.

Only time will tell how much of an impact VR will have on the gaming landscape.

  • Expanded Content

The development of gaming content is now being helped by VR technology. Thanks to VR, genres like shooters, adventures, and simulations have transformed.

Adventure and racing video games are expected to be the most widely played VR game genres in 2020, according to studies.

Users expressed interest in VR racing games to the extent of 48% and in VR adventure games to the extent of 73%.

3. VR Game Development Cost: A Detailed Breakdown

If you are unsure whether you have the time or desire to learn how to make a VR game on your own, you should hire a development team. When hiring VR game development services, the following is how the VR game development process looks:

  • Research And Development

The developers will conduct extensive research for you as the first step. This is required to determine how the most recent technologies can be applied to your project.

The development phase is concerned with putting theory into practice. At this point, experts begin the creation process.

Throughout the process, they will have to test and adjust their ideas until everything works properly.

  • Planning Game Design Document

Planning necessitates special attention because the more time and money you invest in it, the fewer problems you will face during the development process. The cost of game design begins at $3000 and varies depending on the complexity of the game.

When you hire a developer, make sure to clearly explain your ideas and vision. The more information you provide, the better the outcome.

For an additional fee, the developers can assist you with a user story and design plan. Of course, you must know what you want and have a clear mental picture, but there is no need to highlight every single detail.

  • Platform And Software

Google Cardboard, Samsung Gear VR, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Microsoft HoloLens, and PSVR are among the platforms for virtual reality games.

Because they differ in functionality and features, the prices vary accordingly. Before you begin planning your expenses, you must decide which one you want to follow.

  • Visual Design

When it comes to virtual reality experiences, design and graphics are everything. Before applying for development services, make sure you know what your future game will look like.

2D or 3D? While 2D is a low-cost game design option, it may not be the best option for VR. Simultaneously, a 3D environment with all the details, character figures, items, and landscape will set you back $10,000-$300,000 or more. Everything is determined by the degree of complexity and quality.

Camera that rotates 360 degrees. Panoramic views are essential in VR games. The cost of this incredible feature will be determined by the graphics.

  • Other costs

Hardware and software:- Making a professional title necessitates the use of professional software, which can have exorbitant licensing costs for a business.

A variety of hardware (computers, equipment, VR headsets, etc.) is also required for anyone wishing to create a VR game.

Cloud & computing:- Cloud services are commonly used by studios to store digital assets and to meet the diverse computing needs of development.

Voices & music:- To convey dialogue, emotion, realism, and other information to players, nearly all major gaming titles use music, sound effects, a score, voices, or some combination of the four. While some businesses use stock sounds, most original audio is created or recorded by specialists.

Marketing:- Because a marketing campaign can make or break a game, it is not uncommon for the marketing budget to account for a sizable portion of total spending; sometimes even half or more. Some businesses spend millions on online advertising, promotional events, and print media.

Miscellaneous:- Many unanticipated and unpredictable costs can be incurred during the creation process. Accounting, legal operations, content translation, and communication costs are examples of traditional expenses.

4. Factors That Influence the VR Game Development Cost

Each technical project is more complicated than most people realize because it contains the ins and outs that only experts can consider. The following factors can influence the cost of custom VR game development. Being aware of these factors can help you plan your VR solution.

  • The Time Frame

There are two possibilities, depending on business plans; a company may require a ready-made VR solution in the shortest amount of time; or a company is willing to provide specialists with the time necessary for high-quality development at a normal work pace.

As a result, more developers and time are required for the first case, resulting in a higher price, and vice versa.

  • Developers' Expertise

Specialists are essential for productive work and flawless results. If you outsource VR training development to a team of junior developers, your project will take too long to complete, and it will most likely contain bugs and errors.

This will broaden the scope of the editing and fixing work, increasing working hours and the final price.

  • The Level of Equipment

To complete tasks at a normal work pace, complex software development requires a lot of power. Assume you want to play a modern game on a computer that is ten years old and does not meet the game's technical requirements.

You will be constantly kicked out of the system, and your computer will shut down. That is why top-tier companies frequently invest in equipment in order to complete projects on time and within budget.


  • Level of Content Detailing

Modelers working on VR training strive to create an immersive environment based on various scenarios.

However, due to business objectives and resources, realistic high-poly modeling isn't always the best option for a company. So the price can vary depending on the level of realism and detailing required by the company.

  • Specific Needs

A fully customized software solution with multiple training scripts and high functionality necessitates more time and several additional specialists.

However, customization raises the cost only temporarily but is more cost-effective in the long run because it meets all of the company's needs.

5. How Much Does It Cost To Make a VR Game?

As you might expect, the cost of virtual reality development varies depending on a variety of factors, including the country in which it is built, the number of people involved, the amount of content, and the quality of content.

In the most developed game development market, relatively simple and low-end VR games (think 3D Pong) can cost upwards of $5,000, while most mid-tier titles range between $20,000 and $100,000. The development of massive AAA and multiplayer titles can easily cost millions of dollars.

Skyrim VR (often referred to as the best VR RPG title) is estimated to have cost at least $10 million to develop. Another major VR title, "Robo Recall," is estimated to have cost $3.8 million to develop.

Unfortunately, due to the makers' reluctance to share this information, accurate figures for many popular titles are not always available.

The cost of developing a VR game varies depending on the country.

CountryCostNorth America
$40-$240
Latin America
$15-$50
Western Europe
$40-$180
Asia
$15-$80
Eastern Europe
$25-$70

The total cost of the game can sometimes be estimated partially based on its genre, gameplay type, and category.

Simple games with a single navigation mechanic (e.g., running a race, jumping over obstacles) have previously cost between $3,000 and $10,000.

Type of VR game
Estimated cost
Simple games with a single navigation mechanic (e.g., running a race, jumping over obstacles)
$5,000 to $8,000
VR Shop
$5,000 To $15,000 for backend and $11,000 To $35,000 for UICinema in VR
$10,000 to $35,000
VR gaming app with complicated graphics)
$20,000 to $80,000
Horror VR games
$30,000 and $90,000
VR shooter game
From $65,000 for 1 level and $30,000 for every next levelVR gaming app
$50,000 to $200,000
MMORPGs (Massively multiplayer online role-playing games)
$100,000 and above

Conclusion

The development process can also be difficult for those who have never built such products or titles before; as a result, many people/companies with VR game ideas hire game developers to handle the process, or at least a portion of it if you’re unsure about how to build a VR game.

Today, thousands of companies operate in the virtual reality development market and provide such services, but only a small percentage of them have the necessary experience to handle large and complex projects in this field.

Vasudnhara Infotech is a leading game development company with over a decade of experience developing games for a variety of audiences and platforms. We are no strangers to virtual reality or other cutting-edge technologies such as mixed and augmented reality, and we take on projects in this field with confidence using the top development engines.

Contact us today to turn your idea into reality and rule in the gaming world!

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