Introduction
Undertale, the indie role-playing game (RPG) developed by Toby Fox, became an instant hit due to its unique storytelling, gameplay, and retro-style pixel art. The game captured the hearts of millions with its emotionally engaging narrative and quirky characters, all while being developed on a relatively modest budget. But how much would it cost to develop a game like Undertale today? In this blog, we will break down the cost to develop a game like Undertale, covering key factors like art style, team size, and tools, to give you a realistic estimate of what goes into creating a game with similar features and appeal.
If you are interested in exploring more about game development costs or looking to develop your own indie game, be sure to check out our game development services and portfolio. At SDLC Corp, we specialize in creating affordable and high-quality games, including cost-effective indie game development.
What Makes Undertale Unique?
Undertale’s success can be attributed to its simplicity and emotional depth, coupled with a unique approach to storytelling. Let’s explore what makes Undertale stand out and how these elements contribute to the overall development cost:
- Pixel Art Style: Undertale’s minimalist art style is charming and cost-effective, which is a big factor in keeping development costs low.
- Narrative-Driven Gameplay: Undertale’s branching narrative allows players to influence the game’s story based on their choices. This makes the game more interactive and engaging.
- Music and Soundtrack: The game’s soundtrack, composed by Toby Fox, is integral to the game’s emotional impact and was developed with a relatively small budget.
Game Development Process: Breaking Down the Cost
1. Pre-production Costs:
- Concept Design & Planning: The initial phase where the game’s concept, story, and mechanics are developed.Includes the creation of a game design document (GDD) to outline gameplay, narrative, and core features.
- Team Formation: Assembling a small team consisting of key personnel like designers and writers.These early-stage hires help brainstorm ideas, set direction, and define the game’s visual and narrative style.
- Hiring a Project Manager: A project manager is essential to ensure tasks are tracked and deadlines are met.Helps coordinate between the design, development, and art teams, keeping the project on schedule.
- Market Research & Competitor Analysis: Understanding the target audience and analyzing similar games helps inform design decisions.Helps determine pricing, platform choice, and feature sets, ensuring the game’s commercial potential.
2. Production Costs:
- Game Development Team: At this stage, you’ll need developers, artists, sound designers, and possibly a writer. If you’re creating a game like Undertale with pixel art, your team may be small.
- Art and Sound Design: Pixel art design, sound effects, and music are central to the game’s experience. Undertale’s music and sound were mostly created by a single person, which helped reduce costs.
- If you’re using tools like Unity or GameMaker, the cost of game engines can be reduced, but the design and music will still require specialized skills.
3. Post-production Costs:
- Testing and QA: This phase ensures that the game runs smoothly and is free from bugs or glitches.
- Marketing and Distribution: Even for an indie game, setting up a marketing campaign and distributing it on platforms like Steam or itch.io comes with its own cost.
- Marketing involves creating promotional content, trailers, and social media outreach.
The total cost of developing a game like Undertale depends on several factors, including:
- Art Style: Pixel art is cost-effective compared to high-end 3D models, but it still requires skilled artists.
- Sound Design: Original music and sound effects are a must for creating the immersive experience Undertale is known for.
- Team Size: A solo developer or small team can keep costs lower, but the production time may increase.
- Game Length and Features: The complexity of the game (i.e., story paths, character designs, and side quests) directly impacts costs.
Factors That Influence the Cost of Developing a Game Like Undertale
The total cost of developing a game like Undertale depends on several factors, including:
- Art Style: Pixel art is cost-effective compared to high-end 3D models, but it still requires skilled artists.
- Sound Design: Original music and sound effects are a must for creating the immersive experience Undertale is known for.
- Team Size: A solo developer or small team can keep costs lower, but the production time may increase.
- Game Length and Features: The complexity of the game (i.e., story paths, character designs, and side quests) directly impacts costs.
Estimated Cost for Developing an Undertale-Like Game
The estimated cost to develop a game like Undertale depends on several factors, including the complexity of the game’s design, team size, and the quality of the art and music. For a small indie project, you can expect the total development costs to range between $70,000 to $150,000. This includes pre-production planning, production costs for game development, and post-production expenses such as testing, marketing, and distribution. By carefully managing the scope and resources, it’s possible to create a high-quality game on a smaller budget without compromising on the player experience.
| Tier | Basic MVP | Mid-Level | Full-Scale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $25K – $40K | $50K – $75K | $80K – $100K+ |
| Timeline | 3–4 months | 5–7 months | 8–12 months |
| Core Features |
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| Multiplayer | Local multiplayer |
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| Design & Animation | Basic 2D sprites |
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| Monetization | Free to play (ads) |
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| Analytics | Basic player data |
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Tools and Technologies to Use for Developing a Game Like Undertale
The tools and technologies you choose will significantly impact your overall budget. Here are some commonly used tools:
- Game Engines: Unity and GameMaker Studio are popular choices for 2D games like Undertale. Unity is highly flexible and offers free versions for smaller projects, while GameMaker is tailored for 2D games and has a lower barrier to entry.
- Art Tools: Aseprite for pixel art, and Photoshop for more detailed visuals.
- Sound Design Tools: FL Studio and Audacity for composing and editing soundtracks.
Key Considerations for Indie Game Developers
When developing a game like Undertale, there are several key strategies to minimize costs:
- Crowdfunding: Consider using platforms like Kickstarter to fund your game. This helps offset development costs while building an early fanbase.
- Use Open-Source Libraries: For programming, you can save money by using open-source libraries and tools.
- Marketing Early: Start marketing your game early through social media and indie game forums to build hype before launch.
How SDLC Corp Can Help You Develop an Undertale-Inspired Game
At SDLC Corp, we specialize in indie game development and can help you create an Undertale-inspired game from start to finish. Our expert team of developers, artists, and sound engineers will work closely with you to ensure your vision becomes a reality.
Our Services:
Game Design & Storyboarding:
We help you conceptualize and design the core mechanics, story, and visuals of your game.
Our team works closely with you to develop detailed storyboards and wireframes, ensuring every aspect aligns with your vision.
Pixel Art Development:
Our talented artists specialize in creating vibrant, engaging pixel art that brings your game’s world to life.
We craft characters, environments, and animations that capture the charm of retro-style games like Undertale.
Soundtrack & Sound Design:
We offer custom music composition and immersive sound design to elevate your game’s emotional depth.
From background scores to sound effects, our sound engineers ensure every auditory element enhances the player experience.
Game Testing & Quality Assurance:
Our dedicated QA team ensures your game is bug-free and functions seamlessly across platforms.
We conduct rigorous playtesting to refine mechanics, fix issues, and guarantee smooth performance upon release.
Marketing and Post-Launch Support:
We assist in building a strong marketing strategy to create buzz around your game before and after launch.
Our post-launch services include updates, community engagement, and analytics to keep your game thriving.
Conclusion
Creating a game like Undertale is an exciting and rewarding process, but it requires careful planning and budgeting. By understanding the cost to develop a game like Undertale, you can manage your resources effectively while creating a game that resonates with players. Whether you’re an indie developer or a small studio, managing your development costs is key to creating a successful game.
If you’re ready to start your Undertale-inspired game, contact us for a free consultation. Explore our game development services to learn more.
