Guide and Cost to develop Subway Surfers Like App

Introduction

Subway Surfers, developed by Kiloo and Sybo games and released in 2012, has proven incredibly popular amongst mobile game fans worldwide. Having surpassed 1 billion downloads on the Google Play Store, it rightfully earns the accolade of an extremely successful mobile app. Featuring an enjoyable running element with entertaining characters, players must collect coins and power-up abilities to reach a high score. Subway Surfers never fails to deliver excitement, with many praising it for its addictive gameplay, vibrant visuals and joyful sound effects. 

If you're looking to develop a game like Subway Surfers, there are several key steps you should take to ensure success

In this blog , we will guide you the necessary steps to take ,when developin a gaming app like Subway Surfers. 

How to develop a game like Subway Surfers? 

Step 1: Create a Plan

First, decide on the type of game you wish to develop and then research similar apps for ideas on features they include. After that comes outlining each screen and level of the game, as well as planning for additional features you may want to implement. Additionally, it's important to think about your monetization model and come up with innovative ways to generate revenue from your game. In all, taking the time with this kind of planning upfront will ensure you launch an app fit for success. 

Step 2: Develop a Prototype

With a clear plan of action in place, it's time to begin working on creating a prototype for your app. Putting together a prototype at this stage will give you the chance to do some experimentation and explore various game mechanics to define the perfect visual effect for your game. This way, you're able to stay within budget and use resources more effectively in future development stages. You can also leverage the power of the model when talking to potential investors and partners — they'll be able to gain better insight into your application and how their support could potentially help accelerate it. 

Step 3: Design Graphics

Developing the visuals for your game requires creating characters, backgrounds, menus and other elements. Crafting clear and visually appealing graphics paves the way for success on any mobile platform. Every aspect should be detailed and evoke a strong visual interest. After all, having high-quality graphics plays an essential role in player engagement where they will immediately engage and form a positive association with your game. Thus, if you want to outperform your competition it's imperative that you invest in high quality images and artwork. 

Step 4: Code the Game

Getting your game code written is a big step in the process. Writing this code demands technical understanding of various programming languages and software; it's essential to include a knowledgeable programmer on the team who can guide you through the procedure. With the creation solidified, extensive testing should take place to ensure its efficacy, barring any workability issues that would detrimentally stunt gameplay. Even the smallest bug needs thorough checking: attention to detail is key when writing code. 

Step 5: Test and Publish Your Game

Game development is complete and it's time to start testing. It's an essential process requiring a diverse set of tests, aiming to guarantee prime performance across all scenarios and devices; with the goal of preventing game-breaking bugs or glitches. Once the tests are completed and players agree, the game application can commence submission for approval and launch on various favoured app stores. 

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What is Subway Surfers and Why is it Successful?

Subway Surfers is a popular mobile game developed by Kiloo and SYBO Games, first released in 2012. It has captivated millions of players worldwide with its fast-paced and engaging gameplay. The game has achieved massive success, boasting over a billion downloads on various app stores.

Core Gameplay

Subway Surfers features endless running where players control a game character sprinting through a vibrant game world. The goal is to dodge obstacles like trains and barriers while collecting coins and power-ups. This simple yet addictive gameplay keeps players engaged and coming back for more.

Endless Running:

Players control a character that continuously runs forward through an ever-changing environment, challenging them to keep going as long as possible without stopping.

Obstacle Dodging:

The game requires quick reflexes to avoid various obstacles such as trains, barriers, and other hazards that appear on the path, increasing difficulty over time.

Coin Collection:

Along the way, players collect coins scattered throughout the level, which can be used to unlock power-ups, new characters, and other in-game items to enhance gameplay.

Essential Features of a Subway Surfers Like App

• Engaging Gameplay Mechanics: Smooth and intuitive controls such as swiping to jump, slide, and change lanes keep players actively involved and entertained.

• Endless Running Environment: A continuously generated, dynamic game world that challenges players to achieve higher scores with increasing difficulty.

• Vibrant Graphics and Animations: Colorful visuals and smooth animations create an immersive and visually appealing gaming experience.

• Power-Ups and Boosters: Collectible items that provide temporary advantages, adding excitement and strategic depth to the gameplay.

• Character Customization: Options for players to personalize game characters with outfits and accessories to enhance engagement and uniqueness.

• Multiple Levels and Challenges: Diverse environments and obstacles that progressively increase in difficulty to maintain player interest.

• Social Media Integration: Enables players to share achievements and compete with friends, fostering community engagement.

• Leaderboards and Achievements: Competitive features that motivate players to improve their scores and earn rewards.

• In-App Purchases: Allows players to buy coins, power-ups, and customization items, providing monetization opportunities.

• Regular Updates and Events: Frequent content additions and special events keep the game fresh and encourage players to return regularly.

• Multiplayer Modes: Enables players to challenge friends or compete globally, enhancing replayability and social interaction.

• Analytics Integration: Tools like Google Analytics help track user behavior to optimize gameplay and marketing strategies.

• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Support for Android platforms and iOS devices to reach a broader audience effectively.

• Smooth Performance and Optimization: Ensures the game runs seamlessly across various mobile devices, including lower-end Android devices, for a wider user base.

• Robust Testing and Quality Assurance: Extensive testing to identify and fix bugs, ensuring a stable and enjoyable gaming experience.

Market Potential

Endless runner games like Subway Surfers are widely popular among casual gamers across multiple platforms. Their engaging gameplay mechanics and social media integration make them highly shareable. With in-app purchases and ads, these games offer strong monetization opportunities. The mobile gaming industry continues to grow, providing fertile ground for innovative titles. Skilled developers can leverage analytics tools to optimize player engagement and marketing strategies.

Factors Affecting Cost:

There are many different considerations when figuring out how much money one might spend on the game, such as payment plan options and taxes. Of course, additional accessories, extra Boosts and quest advantages all add up too. 

Platforms

No two platforms are the same and selecting one platform can drastically change the cost of development. When contemplating gathering user data from both Android and iOS devices, the cost will undoubtedly be higher than if you chose to develop on a single format only. Producers of digital media may seek money saving options, entailing the likes of open-source platform alternatives. Core frameworks like Flutter and React Native grant these producers reasonably priced alternatives when creating apps for mobile devices relative to native software. 

Design

The design of your app plays a pivotal role: it sets the tone for a positive user experience. Without proper design work, creating an app like Subway Surfers would fail to meet consumer expectations. For instance, complex animations, captivating graphics, and interactive user interface elements require expert design – and this comes at a higher cost compared to more simplistic design requirements. Thus, if you're looking to invest in an enhanced consumer experience, be prepared to delve into the nuances that well-developed designs bring. 

Features

In the development of an app, the addition of features is essential. Of course, this comes with increased time requirements and consequently a higher price tag. Subway Surfers demonstrates just how many intricacies can be considered for this purpose; everything from leaderboards and achievements to characters and items to collect. When , one needs to take all these individual elements into consideration to rightly calculate cost. 

Maintenance and Upgrades

The development of an app from conception to completion requires significant effort and financial investment. However, once the build is finalised, it's crucial to be mindful of the costs associated with maintenance and upgrades. Bug fixes, security patches, feature updates and ensuring compatibility with new OS versions all require time and resources. Taking these additional investments into account when calculating development costs is paramount to creating an accurate projection that will best serve corporate bottom lines. 

Also, Read our Latest Blog: How to Develop Subway Surfers 2 Game App for the Play Store

Step-by-Step Guide to Develop Subway Surfers Like App

Market Research and Game Conceptualization

Begin by analyzing competitors and identifying your target audience to understand market demands. Pinpoint unique selling points that will differentiate your game in the competitive market. This phase lays the foundation for a compelling storyline and engaging gameplay mechanics tailored to player preferences.Incorporating unique features and mechanics is essential for differentiation from other games in the endless runner genre.

Wireframing and UI/UX Design

Design intuitive controls that ensure smooth gameplay and enhance the gaming experience. Develop vibrant graphics and player-friendly interfaces consistent with the game's theme. A well-crafted UI/UX boosts user retention by making navigation seamless and visually appealing.

MVP Development

Focus on building a minimum viable product that includes essential features to validate your app idea. This approach helps save resources and gather early user feedback. Iterative improvements based on this feedback ensure the game meets player expectations before full-scale development.A Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is a simple version of the game that allows developers to test core mechanics before full development.

Game Engine Selection

Choose a suitable game engine like Unity or Unreal Engine that supports cross-platform development. Consider factors such as graphical capabilities, ease of use, and integration options. The right engine accelerates development and enables smooth animations and performance across devices.

Front-End and Back-End Development

Implement core gameplay mechanics, character animations, and interactive elements on the front end. Develop server-side logic to handle user data, multiplayer modes, and real-time interactions. Efficient back-end infrastructure ensures scalability and data security.

Integration

Create diverse levels with increasing challenges to keep the game fresh and engaging. Incorporate power-ups and in-game currency to enhance the enjoyable gaming experience. Add immersive sound effects and music that complement the game's vibrant visuals and fast-paced gameplay.

Monetization Strategy Setup

Plan revenue generation through in-app purchases, advertisements, subscription models, or special events. Integrate payment gateways securely to support various monetization options. A well-designed strategy balances profitability with user satisfaction.

Testing and Quality Assurance

Conduct extensive testing across multiple devices and platforms to ensure smooth gameplay. Address bugs, optimize performance, and verify compliance with app store guidelines. Quality assurance maintains high user satisfaction and supports ongoing maintenance.Playtesting is crucial for gathering feedback on game controls, difficulty, and overall experience before launching a game.

App Deployment and Post-Launch Support

Launch the game on major app stores, optimizing visibility through marketing and app store optimization. Monitor player engagement and analytics to identify areas for improvement. Regular updates and new features maintain player interest and support long-term success.Publishing the game involves preparing an app listing, determining pricing, and implementing effective marketing strategies to attract players.

Estimated Cost Range

Developing an app like the popular Subway Surfers isn't cheap. The estimated cost may be anywhere between $50,000 and $200,000; this range includes all designing, creating and developing expenses as well as maintenance and upgrades. And the final figure will vary based on certain factors such as complexity and the platform chosen.A significant portion of app development costs can be attributed to UI/UX design.    

Keep in mind, selecting high performance technology and experienced developers could dramatically cut project costs by ensuring quickest delivery of top-quality databases.   

In addition, finding content management experts with a keen eye for design can help you garner less expensive intricate designs tied into powerful functions that demonstrate user satisfaction rates. To master a mobile gaming sensation like Subway Surfers begins with understanding certain decisions such as budget sourcing structure before development commences. 

Cost to Develop Subway Surfers Like App

When planning to develop a Subway Surfers like app, understanding the cost factors is crucial. The overall expenses depend on various elements such as gameplay complexity, graphics quality, number of levels, target platforms, and the expertise of the development team.Professional game developers charge based on hourly rates or provide fixed price quotes for projects.Hiring a mobile game development company may be more cost-effective than developing in-house due to expertise and speed.

Factors Affecting Cost

• Gameplay Complexity: More intricate game mechanics and interactive features require additional development time, increasing costs.

• Graphics Quality: High-quality, vibrant visuals and animations demand skilled designers and more resources.

• Number of Levels: More levels with unique challenges and designs extend development duration and cost.

• Platforms: Developing for multiple platforms like Android and iOS adds to the cost due to the need for cross-platform compatibility.

• Team Expertise: Experienced developers and designers typically command higher rates but ensure better quality and efficiency.

General Mobile App Costing

• Simple Mobile Apps: Typically range from $30,000 to $40,000, suitable for apps with basic features and limited functionality.The cost of publishing an app on iOS includes an annual Apple Store developer membership fee of $99.

• Complex Mobile Apps: Can cost between $160,000 and $210,000, involving advanced features, integrations, and polished design.

Game Development Specifics

• Basic Version (MVP): Developing a minimum viable product with essential gameplay mechanics usually costs between $20,000 and $40,000.

• Advanced Version: Incorporating rich features, complex animations, and enhanced user experience can push costs to $50,000 or more.

Discovery Phase

• Cost Range: $5,000 to $10,000, representing 10–20% of the total budget.

• Purpose: This phase includes market research, concept validation, and initial planning, which helps in defining the project's scope and reducing risks.

Testing and Quality Assurance

• Budget Allocation: Approximately 15–20% of the total development budget.

• Importance: Ensures the game runs smoothly across devices, is free of critical bugs, and provides a satisfying user experience.

Advanced Technology Integration

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): Adding AI/ML for personalized challenges or adaptive difficulty levels increases both complexity and development costs.

• Benefits: These technologies enhance player engagement by tailoring gameplay experiences to individual skill levels and preferences.

Why Choose QSS Technosoft Inc. as Your Development Partner? 

QSS Technosoft Inc. is an experienced mobile app development company. Our talented team has provided games and apps for both Android and iOS platforms. What makes us stand out is our commitment to handle the entire development process from start to finish; whether that's designing user interfaces, coding, testing, deploying, marketing or even optimising for the best ROI results. 

• Expertise in Mobile Game Development: QSS Technosoft has extensive experience in developing a wide range of mobile games, from simple casual games to complex, feature-rich titles, ensuring your project is in capable hands.

• Skilled Team Proficient in Unity, Unreal Engine, and Cross-Platform Solutions: Our developers are highly skilled in leading game engines and technologies, enabling us to deliver high-quality games that run seamlessly across multiple platforms.

• End-to-End Services: We offer comprehensive services covering every stage of game development, including ideation, design, coding, deployment, and ongoing post-launch support to keep your game fresh and engaging.

• Proven Track Record in Creating Engaging, High-Retention Gaming Apps: Our portfolio includes successful games that captivate players and maintain high user retention, helping you achieve both player satisfaction and business goals.

Conclusion

Creating a game like Subway Surfers requires careful planning and development. Following the steps outlined above will help you get started in creating a successful mobile game that users will enjoy playing. Don't forget to also market your game before and after its launch to maximise its success. With the right plan, you can create a great Subway Surfers-like app that is sure to be a hit with gamers. Post-launch, continuous updates are essential for player retention and ensuring smooth gameplay.

At QSS Technosoft, our experienced developers create user-friendly apps that are tailored to resonate with your target audience, exactly like a Subway Surfers experience.

Reach out today to talk and discover what we can do together to create something special and see success. 

FAQs Section

What is Subway Surfers?

Subway Surfers is a popular endless runner mobile game where players control a character running through subway tracks, dodging obstacles, collecting coins, and using power-ups.

How do I develop a game like Subway Surfers?

Start by creating a clear plan, develop a prototype, design graphics, write the game code, test thoroughly, and then publish your game on app stores.

What factors affect the cost of developing a Subway Surfers-like game?

Costs depend on gameplay complexity, graphics quality, number of levels, platforms targeted (Android, iOS), and the experience of the development team.

Which platforms should I develop for?

Developing for both Android and iOS platforms is common to reach a wider audience, but costs increase with more platforms.

How can I monetize my game?

You can use in-app purchases, ads, subscription models, or special events to generate revenue.

Why is game design important?

Good game design, including graphics and user interface, keeps players engaged and improves user retention.

How long does it take to develop a game like Subway Surfers?

Development time varies but typically ranges from 6 to 12 months depending on complexity and team size.

What is the role of testing in game development?

Testing ensures smooth gameplay, fixes bugs, and maintains user satisfaction before and after launch.

How can I promote my game after launch?

Use marketing strategies like social media platforms, paid advertising, influencer collaborations, and app store optimization to enhance visibility.

Why choose experienced game developers?

Experienced developers ensure high-quality coding, smooth gameplay, and effective integration of features, leading to a successful mobile game.