Game Budget and Team Breakdown Document Skeleton

Game Budget and Team Breakdown Document Skeleton

1. Title Page

  • Game Title
  • Document Title: Game Budget and Team Breakdown
  • Version and Date
  • Studio/Team Name
  • Contact Information

2. Table of Contents

3. Project Overview

  • Game Summary: Brief overview of the game concept and target platforms.
  • Project Goals: High-level objectives (e.g., quality standards, timelines).
  • Estimated Development Timeline: Key phases and their durations.

4. Budget Summary

  • Total Estimated Budget: High-level number for stakeholders.
  • Budget Allocation: Percentage breakdown by major categories (e.g., art, development, marketing).
  • Funding Sources: Mention planned funding sources (e.g., investors, crowdfunding, publisher advances).

5. Detailed Budget Breakdown

  • 1. Development Costs
    • Salaries and benefits for team members.
    • Software and tools (e.g., game engines, plugins, licenses).
    • Outsourcing (e.g., art, animation, localization).
    • Prototyping and testing expenses.
  • 2. Art and Animation
    • Concept art and illustrations.
    • 3D modeling and texturing.
    • Animation and motion capture.
    • UI/UX design assets.
  • 3. Audio
    • Background music.
    • Sound effects.
    • Voice acting and audio post-production.
  • 4. Technology Infrastructure
    • Server costs for multiplayer or live services.
    • Hardware (e.g., development PCs, consoles).
    • Networking tools.
  • 5. Marketing and Distribution
    • Advertising and promotional campaigns.
    • Website and social media management.
    • Press events, trailers, and demos.
    • Platform fees (e.g., Steam, PlayStation Store).
  • 6. Quality Assurance
    • QA team salaries or outsourcing costs.
    • Playtesting (focus groups, beta testing tools).
    • Bug tracking and management tools.
  • 7. Miscellaneous
    • Legal and administrative costs.
    • Travel expenses for events and meetings.
    • Contingency fund (10-15% of the total budget).

6. Team Breakdown

  • Core Team Roles
    • Project Lead/Producer:
      • Oversees the project timeline and budget.
    • Game Designer:
      • Responsible for gameplay systems and mechanics.
    • Programmers:
      • Lead Programmer: Oversees technical aspects.
      • Gameplay Programmer: Handles mechanics and player controls.
      • AI/Physics Programmer: Focuses on specific systems.
      • Networking Programmer (if multiplayer): Develops online infrastructure.
    • Artists:
      • Concept Artist: Develops visual concepts.
      • 3D Modeler: Creates characters and assets.
      • Animator: Handles rigging and animations.
      • UI/UX Designer: Designs interface and user flow.
    • Audio Team:
      • Sound Designer: Creates and integrates audio assets.
      • Composer: Produces the game’s music.
    • QA Specialists:
      • Testers who focus on functionality, balance, and bugs.
  • Additional Roles
    • Marketing Manager: Manages promotional efforts.
    • Community Manager: Engages with the player base.
    • Localization Specialist: Prepares the game for different languages.
  • Outsourcing:
    • Define outsourced roles (e.g., freelance artists, consultants).

7. Team Hiring Timeline

  • Pre-Production Phase:
    • Key hires: Game designer, producer, lead programmer, concept artist.
  • Production Phase:
    • Expand team: Programmers, 3D modelers, animators, sound designers.
  • Post-Production Phase:
    • Add QA testers, marketing experts, and community managers.

8. Risks and Mitigation

  • Budget Risks:
    • Cost overruns, unforeseen expenses.
  • Staffing Risks:
    • Turnover or skill gaps.
  • Mitigation Strategies:
    • Use of contingency funds, phased hiring, and flexible outsourcing.

9. Appendices

  • Detailed Cost Tables:
    • Include granular cost estimates for each budget category.
  • Team Org Chart:
    • Visual representation of roles and reporting structure.
  • Funding Needs:
    • Clearly define required funding and return on investment (ROI) expectations.

Tips for Preparing This Document

  1. Be Specific: Provide clear numbers and job roles to demonstrate planning depth.
  2. Visual Aids: Use charts, graphs, and tables to present data cleanly.
  3. Account for Uncertainty: Include a contingency plan and emphasize flexibility in hiring and spending.
  4. Match the Scope: Ensure the budget aligns with the game’s scale and target market