Own · Launch · Measure
Ads, in-app purchases, store preparation and optional 30-day launch management. Start with a focused scope and a budget you understand.
Core Game + Launch: $1,299 one-time service fee. Advertising spend and platform fees are additional. Prefer to run your own launch? Core is $499 and does not include marketing.
No income, install or store-approval guarantee.
Ads earn from every player. Purchases earn from your biggest fans. We build both into your game from day one.
$10–$25
per 1,000 views (US eCPM)
Players choose to watch a 15–30 second ad for an extra life, a hint or double coins.
$8–$15
per 1,000 views (US eCPM)
A full-screen ad between levels, capped so it never interrupts play.
$0.50–$2
per 1,000 views (US eCPM)
A small strip on menu screens. Low value per view, but it runs all session.
$2.99–$4.99
one-time price
A one-time purchase for players who love the game and want it uninterrupted.
$0.99–$19.99
per pack
Consumable packs and limited-time starter bundles. Usually the biggest purchase line.
$4.99–$9.99
per week or month
A weekly or monthly subscription with daily rewards and no ads. Recurring revenue.
Example · 5,000 daily players
$17,213
per month gross ($574 a day). Illustrative, before store fees and ad spend.
Each one is a single payment with the scope agreed in writing. For a first game we recommend Core + Launch, because it gets the game built and puts it in front of real players straight away.
Build
$499one-time
Your finished game, ready for the app stores, for when you'd rather handle the marketing yourself.
Build + launch
$1,299one-time
Your finished game plus 30 days of ads we create and run for you to bring in your first players.
Bigger build + launch
$2,999one-time
A bigger game with deeper systems, built within 30 days and launched with the same 30-day campaign.
Your ad budget is paid directly to the ad platforms from your own account, and Apple and Google charge their usual developer and store fees.
We built these five games for clients, and the numbers below are what each of them reported to us. Results differ from game to game, but they show how far a simple idea can go.
Tower defense · Lucas Carter
Lifetime revenue
$410K
A classic lane tower defense game with countryball defenders, upgrade paths and wave and sandbox modes.
Tower defense · Oliver H.
Lifetime revenue
$225K
A build-and-mod tower defense game where players wire projectile mods into each tower to split, bounce and chain their shots.
Tower defense · Marcus Bennett
Lifetime revenue
$165K
A roguelite tower defense game: one tower against growing waves, with card combos and permanent upgrades between runs.
Idle / Merge · Ethan M.
Lifetime revenue
$85K
An idle merge game: combine runners into faster athletes who lap the track and keep earning coins while the player is away.
Runner · Daniel Mercer
Lifetime revenue
$35K
A hand-drawn runner where players draw their own bridges across the page, race other players and take on boss levels.
Move the three sliders to match the game you have in mind, and the estimate updates as you go.
Estimated monthly revenue
$22,525
$270,300 a year
Assumes $12.75 per 1,000 ads and $17 a month per buyer. Illustrative gross revenue, before store fees and ad spend; not a forecast.
Core targets a submission-ready build in 10 business days after scope approval. Each checkpoint is something you can see or play. Store approval and timing are controlled by Apple and Google, and the launch campaign starts only once the game is live.
Core · Core + Launch
Advanced + Launch
After both lanes: store access, closed testing and review — controlled by Apple and Google. Launch packages start their 30-day campaign period when campaigns go live.
You see: Mechanic, audience, visual direction, monetization map
You see: Playable loop and first feedback window
You see: Final style, progression, sound and monetization
You see: Bug list, performance check, store-ready build
You see: App icon, screenshots, copy, policy checklist, build
You see: Google closed testing if applicable; store review responses
Exact timing, in writing
Testers and Google Play
We coordinate up to 15 invited testers — a service, not a guaranteed shortcut. Google's published threshold for eligible new personal developer accounts is at least 12 continuously opted-in testers for 14 days, followed by an application for production access. The account owner remains responsible for eligibility and truthful answers. [S6]: Google Play Console Help, Testing requirements for new personal developer accounts (opens in a new tab)
Feedback windows are 24 hours at the prototype and visual checkpoints. Late feedback shifts the delivery date — fast approvals keep the 10-day target realistic.
| Time | DFY Games | You | Dependency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before day 0 | Review fit and prepare blueprint | Complete intake, payment, account access | Clock has not started |
| Day 1 | Lock mechanic, screens, art, monetization | Approve blueprint | Fast approval required |
| Days 2–3 | Build playable core | Play and consolidate feedback | One feedback owner |
| Days 4–7 | Art, UI, sound, progression, monetization | Approve visual checkpoint | No new systems |
| Days 8–9 | QA, device coverage, policy and privacy checklist | Provide store/legal information | Developer accounts ready |
| Day 10 | Deliver submission-ready builds and store kit | Approve submission | Build target ends here |
| Next 14+ days | Coordinate closed test when required | Keep testers opted in and engaged | New personal Google accounts only [S6]: Google Play Console Help, Testing requirements for new personal developer accounts (opens in a new tab) |
| After eligibility | Apply for production and submit | Answer account-owner questions | Google usually ≤7 days, may take longer [S7]: Google Play Console Help, Publish your app (opens in a new tab) |
| Apple review | Submit and answer review feedback | Provide account/legal details | Apple-controlled; no fixed promise [S8]: Apple Developer, App Review (opens in a new tab) |
After full payment, the game files and original commissioned art, music, logos, store assets and ad creative transfer to you. Third-party tools and licensed assets remain subject to their own license terms.What you do: approve the scope and checkpoints, provide account access, fund agreed costs and make operating decisions after handover. Revenue is paid to your accounts, subject to platform fees and your costs.
Join every checkpoint. Play it, react to it, shape it.
Both paths end here
The same handover and acceptance checklist.
Acceptance uses the written checklist from your blueprint: defects are fixed, preferences are revised inside scope. IP assignment becomes effective after full payment and final handover.
Built around your vision
A real discovery checkpoint, playable prototype and structured feedback — or a hands-off mode if you prefer.
Launch-ready, not file-dumped
Store copy, visual assets, testing coordination, monetization setup and submission support are part of the product.
Yours when complete
Source/game files and original commissioned assets transfer after full payment, subject to third-party license terms.
Designed to learn
Analytics, store conversion and ad creative are instruments for improvement, not decorations.
If your question isn’t answered here, use the button in the corner and someone from our team will reply.
No. Core is for one clearly scoped mobile-game loop with a bounded screen and content set. Multiple systems, maps or modes fit Advanced; realtime multiplayer, open worlds and unusually large builds get a custom quote. If we find at kickoff that your idea needs more than your package covers, you choose: trim it to fit, upgrade for the difference, or take a full refund.
One mechanic, one mode and one main environment usually fit Core. Multiple connected systems, maps, modes, advanced 3D, broader AI or deeper progression usually fit Advanced. The comparison guide shows examples for common genres. Not sure? Pick the package you want: we confirm the scope with you in the written blueprint right after payment.
Core targets a submission-ready build in 10 business days after complete intake and scope approval. Store review and required testing can add time. Advanced targets a polished first playable in 10 business days and completes within 30 days. Closed testing, production access and store review are controlled by Apple and Google.
After full payment, you receive the game files and original commissioned assets created for the project. Third-party software, fonts, SDKs and stock assets remain subject to their original license terms.
We refine the approved blueprint until first submission. New systems, modes, integrations or large content additions are scope changes and receive a separate quote.
No. We deliver the agreed game and services. Revenue depends on player demand, retention, purchases, ad rates and acquisition costs. A game can earn little or nothing, and costs can exceed revenue. We also do not guarantee store approval: we build against current store policies, support submission and respond to review feedback.
No. Launch packages include creative, setup and 30 days of campaign management. You fund media separately through your own ad accounts.
Your ad budget, which you pay straight to the ad platforms, and the store developer fees (Apple charges $99 a year and Google a one-time $25). The packages also leave out bigger systems like online multiplayer, user accounts, licensed characters or music, and new features added after you've approved the plan. Ideas like that can move up to Advanced or get their own quote.
Approve the scope and checkpoints, provide required account access, fund agreed costs and make operating decisions after handover.
Receipts go to your accounts. Platform fees, refunds, acquisition, taxes and operating expenses affect what remains.
Your launch period ends after 30 campaign days. You receive the creative files and a results summary, then decide whether to stop, manage campaigns yourself or approve a separate ongoing scope.
Yes. You can play each checkpoint and consolidate feedback, or choose a hands-off route and approve only the blueprint and final build.
Yes. Our functional-app team scopes tools, memberships, booking, marketplaces and other products through a separate quote process.
Pick your package today and we'll start on your plan right away, so real players can be trying your game sooner than you might expect.Book a free 15-minute call and we'll talk through your idea, which package suits it and what to expect, so you can decide with everything in front of you.
Revenue figures on this page are illustrations or results reported by clients, not a promise of what your game will earn. Ad spend and app store fees are paid separately.