Uncovering the Unforeseen Expenses of Indie Game Development

For newcomers to the world of game development, it's easy to underestimate the various expenses involved in the process. Whether you're transitioning from another career or fresh out of university, unforeseen challenges can lead to additional costs. Poor planning and a lack of understanding of the various aspects of game development are key contributors to these hidden costs. Rebekah Saltsman, CEO of Finji, notes that many developers fail to consider the broader scope of game development, focusing solely on the creative aspects. Adam Saltsman, Finji's co-founder, emphasizes the importance of understanding the many roles involved in game development, from marketing to biz dev, producers, QA, and more. A crucial aspect often overlooked is the value of time. As Tony Howard-Arias, co-founder of Black Tabby Games, points out, indie developers frequently neglect to assess the value of their own time, leading to underestimated costs. Julia Wolbach, COO of Dead Drop Studios, highlights the significant time investment required to establish processes from scratch, particularly for new studios. Effective human resources management is also vital, as failing to assign tasks properly can lead to inefficiencies and increased costs. Admin costs, including insurance, transaction fees, and physical goods for crowdfunding campaigns, can quickly add up. Hiring, contracting, and freelancing also come with their own set of expenses, such as salaries, benefits, and potential missteps in finding the right collaborators. Marketing, QA, localization, and hardware costs are often underestimated or misunderstood, with many new developers believing that creating a good game is enough to guarantee sales. However, investing in marketing can significantly impact a game's success. To mitigate these hidden costs, experts recommend keeping a portion of the budget aside for unforeseen expenses, typically between 20% to 30%. Planning and budgeting are crucial, with tools like budget templates available to help. Regularly revising time and budget estimates, chunking projects into manageable parts, and maintaining a flexible schedule can also help. Ultimately, thorough pre-planning, considering all angles, and having contingency plans in place are essential for navigating the complexities of indie game development.