THE GAMEDEV BUDGETING HANDBOOK: HOW TO FINISH YOUR GAME IN TIME AND ON BUDGET

Michael Futter

An extension of the The GameDev Business Handbook budgeting chapter, The GameDev Budgeting Handbook takes a deeper look at costs in video game development. If you're coming to The GameDev Budgeting Handbook first because you specifically want to better understand the expense of various aspects that make up a video game, that's cool. This book is an explainer, breaking down a game budget and the expenses behind various elements. We consulted directly with the talented people working in the industry right now in order to get the most current and detailed information available.

The Handbook features expert guidance and in-the-trenches anecdotes on budgeting and finance (complete with links to downloadable worksheets). Featuring all-new interviews with more than 25 prominent members from across the video game industry, including writer Rhianna Pratchett, actor Ashly Burch, composer Austin Wintory, Psyonix's Stephanie Thoensen, Harmonix's Cheryl Gehbauer and Dan Walsh, Ninja Theory's Steven Manship and many, many more across development, finance and legal disciplines.

The GameDev Budgeting Handbook covers…

Getting started with budgeting
Figuring out if your budget is reasonable
Determining whether you should hire an employee or contractor (with legal considerations for US, UK, and Canadian employers)
Understanding what publishers will pay for and what you’ll need to handle on your own
Learning about paying for music in your game
Contracting with voice actors and understanding related costs
Finding the right fit for your PR and marketing needs
All the tools and subscription fees that add up quickly
Understanding when to talk to an attorney and accountant along the way