PRICE GUIDE · MARKETING, DESIGN & TECH · 2026–2027
Game Developer cost in Ireland
€45–€150 per hour. Typically €80.
A game developer in Ireland costs €45–€150 per hour, typically around €80. The price is set by project scope + features, fixed project vs hourly and freelancer vs agency.
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HOW MUCH IT COSTS
How much does a game developer cost in Ireland?
| Low end | €45 | a simple job, off-peak, outside the cities |
|---|---|---|
| Typical | €80 | what most people pay |
| High end | €150 | the biggest jobs, short notice, Dublin |
Locufy guide prices for 2026–2027. Updated 2026. A national range, not a quote — enter your town above for real prices from the agencies and freelancers near you.
What moves the price
- Developer's experience — a senior game developer charges more per hour but may solve engine and performance problems in fewer hours.
- Complexity of the game — multiplayer, physics or detailed animation takes far more programming hours than a simple puzzle game.
- Technologies used — a game engine or platform the developer has not used before adds learning hours.
- Art and sound needs — if the game developer also creates characters, environments or audio, more hours go into the game.
WHAT YOU GET
What a game developer visit includes
Takes: The duration of game development can range from a few months to several years, depending on the game's scope and features..
WHAT PEOPLE BOOK
Common game developer jobs
KNOW THE PRICE? NOW SEE THE REAL ONES
Game Developer near you, with prices shown
The agencies and freelancers that cover your area, nearest first, each with their price and one score from every review. No account needed to look.
Or post the job free and let them come to you, or book by the hour.
How to pay less
- Bringing your own finished artwork, sound or storyboards lets the game developer spend the booked hours on programming instead.
- Building a small playable prototype first lets you test the game idea before paying for more development hours.
- Cutting the first version of the game down to its core gameplay mechanics keeps the number of hours you book lower.
- Gathering your feedback into a single list after each testing round saves the developer hours spent switching between small changes.
- Choosing a game engine and ready-made assets the developer already knows avoids paying for learning hours on a new tool.
Before you book
- A clear outline of your game concept and target audience.
- Any existing game assets, such as artwork, sound or storyboards.
- Feedback and approval at various stages of development.
- You can ask the game developer to show games or demos they have built, ideally in the engine you plan to use.
- It helps to agree who will own the game code, artwork and other assets when the development work is finished.
- You can tell the developer which platforms the game is for, such as mobile, computer or console, as each affects the programming.
Game Developer cost: questions people ask
The cost can vary based on the developer's experience, the complexity of the game, and the technologies used. More experienced developers or those specialising in advanced game mechanics may charge higher rates.
The duration of game development can range from a few months to several years, depending on the game's scope and features. Smaller indie games may take less time, while AAA titles require extensive development and testing.
It depends on the project's complexity. For simple games, a general game developer may suffice, but specialised skills might be needed for advanced graphics, AI, or specific platforms.
While some developers may offer expedited services, it is typically rare and can come at a premium price. Most game development requires careful planning and time to ensure quality.
Yes, many game developers offer package deals for multiple services, such as design, development, and testing. This can be more cost-effective than booking each service separately.
Services like marketing, distribution, or extensive graphic design may fall outside the typical scope of game development. It's important to clarify the services offered before hiring a developer.
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