How Much Does It Cost to Create Word Game Apps like Wordle and Wordscapes in 2024?

Looking to develop a game like Wordle and Wordscapes?

The first question you would have is – how much does a word search app development cost?

The cost to develop a word search app depends on various factors such as platform, features, design, development team, and location. Generally, a basic Wordle-like app with limited features and a simple design can cost around $15,000 – $25,000.

Being a leading app development company in the USA for more than a decade, we understand what factors go into the cost of app development.

To provide you with a detailed breakdown, we have written a blog on how much does it cost to create word game apps like Wordle and Wordscapes?

From this blog, you will know the:

  • Cost to develop simple, medium, and complex Wordle-like apps and Wordscapes
  • Factors impacting the Wordscapes and Wordle-like puzzle app development cost

Before getting started let’s understand the data about the growing Word game app.

Word Game App Market Statistics and Trends

  1. According to a Statista report, the market size for word game app development is expected to reach USD 3.60 billion by 2027.
  2. The New York Times now owns Wordle as part of their growing collection of games and puzzles.
  3. As the latest figures provided to Statista by Similarweb show that the online word-guessing game Wordle has become extremely popular in a short amount of time. In just a few months, its traffic increased from less than 5,000 visits to over 45 million.

Here’s a screenshot showing the rise of the Wordle app.

Rapid rise of wordle statista data

How Much Does a Wordle Game App Development Cost? [Quick Answer]

Here we have the bifurcated cost of mobile app development with a timeline and features to provide you with the exact idea.

App development TypeApp development featuresApp development timelineApp development Cost
Simple App
  • Minimalistic design
  • Single-player mode
  • Limited number of words and categories
  • Basic tracking of player’s progress
1-2 months$15,000-$25,000
Medium App
  • Advanced design
  • Multiplayer mode
  • Expanded section of words or categories
  • Difficulty level, time-limits
3-6 months$25,000-$75,000
Complex App
  • Design with high-quality graphics and animations
  • Large selection of words with regular updates or user-generated content
  • Advanced tracking of player progress
  • In-app purchases
6-12 months+$75,000-$500,000+

Note: These estimates are just rough guidelines, and the actual timeline and cost of developing a game app can vary greatly depending on many factors, including the team’s skill level, the complexity of the design, and the desired level of quality.

Here is a simple formula (refer to it as an app development cost calculator) to calculate the cost of app development.

App Development Cost Formula

Since you know the tentative cost with features; let’s understand the factors that impact the price of the Wordscapes and Wordle clone app development.

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Which Factors Impact the Wordscapes and Wordle-like Puzzle App Development Cost?

Understanding the below factors is crucial in determining the budget for the game app development.

Factor 1: Features to Integrate Into Wordscapes and Wordle-like App Development

Factor 2: Wordle Clone App Development Platform – iOS/Android/Cross-platform

Factor 3: UI/UX Design Required for Your Wordscapes Wordle Clone App Development

Factor 4: Based on the App Development Team You Hire (App Development Company or Freelancers)

Factor 5: Cost Based on the Location You Hire

Let’s take an in-depth look at all these factors and how they impact the overall app budget.

Let’s get started with factor 1.

  1. Features to Integrate Into Wordscapes and Wordle-like App Development

    Here are the required features that you may want to consider in developing Wordscapes and Wordle clone apps.

    Feature NameDescriptionTimeline in Hours
    Word GuessingThe core gameplay of a puzzle word game involves guessing a secret word based on limited clues. The player uses logic and deduction to figure out the word within a certain number of guesses.80-120 hours
    Single Player ModeWord game can be played solo, with the player attempting to guess the secret word with no time limit or other players to compete against.80-120 hours
    Multiplayer ModeThis game can also be played with friends or other players in real time. Each player takes turns guessing the secret word. This mode may require integration with social media or messaging services.160-240 hours
    Word CategoriesOffers different categories or themes of words to guess, such as animals, sports, or famous people. These categories can be selected by the player or randomly generated.80-120 hours
    Difficulty LevelsOffers different levels of difficulty, such as easy, medium, and hard. These levels may vary the length of the secret word, the number of guesses allowed, or the complexity of the clues.80-120 hours
    HintsProvide hints or clues to help the player guess the secret word. These hints may be earned through gameplay, purchased with in-app currency, or available through watching ads.160-240 hours
    LeaderboardsDisplays leaderboards showing the highest-scoring players or those who have guessed the most words. This feature can be integrated with social media or other online services.80-120 hours
    In-App PurchasesOffers in-app purchases for additional features, such as extra categories, hints, or customization options. These purchases may be made with real money or in-app currency.160-240 hours
    Daily ChallengesOffers daily challenges, such as guessing a word within a certain time limit or with limited guesses. Completing these challenges can earn the player rewards or bonuses.160-240 hours
    Customization OptionsOffers customization options for the game’s appearance, such as themes, backgrounds, and fonts. These options may be purchased with in-app currency or unlocked through gameplay achievements.160-240 hours
    Achievements and RewardsIncludes achievements and rewards for completing certain milestones or tasks within the game, such as guessing a certain number of words or completing a category without using hints.80-120 hours
    Offline PlayOffers an offline mode where players continue to play the game without an internet connection. This mode may have limited features or require players to download additional content.80-120 hours
    Sound Effects and MusicIncludes sound effects and music to enhance the gameplay experience. These audio elements can be customized based on the player’s preferences or turned off altogether.40-80 hours
    Sharing OptionsProvides options for sharing gameplay results or progress with friends or social media. These options can include screenshots, scoreboards, or other forms of visual representation.40-80 hours

    These are just some of the many features that you might consider integrating into a word-guessing game app. Knowing which feature is important depends on your goals and target audience.

    However, you must carefully evaluate all the features, make a list and then prioritize the important ones while creating an app.

  2. Wordscape and Wordle Clone App Development Platform – iOS/Android/Cross-platform

    The cost of developing a Wordscape and Wordle clone app depends on the platform you choose. Here’s a table summarizing the basic cost of Wordle app development for Android, iOS, and cross-platform.

    PlatformCost EstimateTimeline EstimateProgramming Language Required
    Android$15,000 – $40,000500 – 800 hoursKotlin, Java
    iOS$20,000 – $50,000500 – 800 hoursSwift, Objective-C
    Cross-Platform$25,000 – $60,000600 – 1000 hoursReact Native, Flutter

    By considering the above cost, you can get a basic idea of which is the best platform as per your budget. However, you must take note that the platform you choose can have a significant impact on the cost and success of your app.

    Let’s understand briefly Android, iOS, and cross-platform app development.

    • Android/iOS App Development: Both platforms require native app development for each platform, using the respective development environments and programming languages. This approach is cost-effective, but it requires more development time and expertise.
    • Cross-platform development: Offers compatibility with both platforms, enabling developers to create a single codebase that can be deployed on multiple devices. While this can save time and money, cross-platform app development can be more expensive due to the use of specialized frameworks and the extra testing and debugging required.

    Ultimately, the cost will depend on various factors, such as the app’s complexity, design requirements, and additional features. It’s essential to carefully consider these factors and consult with a development team to get an accurate cost estimate for your specific project.

  3. UI/UX Design Required for Your Wordscape and Wordle Clone App Development

    The UI/UX design of your Wordle clone app can significantly impact the overall cost of development.

    • UI (user interface) design refers to the visual elements and layout of your app
    • UX (user experience) design focuses on how users interact with your app and the overall usability of the app.

    In addition to the factors such as the complexity and uniqueness of the design, the cost can also add up when creating the mobile app wireframe, prototype, and final UI/UX.

    If you want to develop a word scramble game app by Space-O Technologies, we get the wireframe, and prototype verified from you before initiating the UI/UX design.

    Here’s a table describing wireframing, prototyping, and UI/UX design.

    ComponentsDescriptionApprox timelineDevelopment cost
    WireframingRough sketch of the user interface and flow of the Wordle-like app including the elements like buttons, text fields, and navigation menus.30-80 hours$450-$1200
    PrototypeWorking model of a Wordle application used to demonstrate its functionality, usability, and user experience.30-100 hours$450-$1500
    Visual DesignProcess of creating visual elements, such as color, typography, iconography, imagery, and composition, to enhance the overall look and feel of your app.120-140 (hours per platform)$1800-2100

    If you’re looking for a simple and straightforward design that follows standard design guidelines, the cost to design an app may be relatively low. However, if you want a custom design that stands out and offers a unique user experience, the price may be higher.

    Other factors that can impact the cost of UI/UX design include the:

    • Number of screens in the Wordle app
    • Complexity of the app’s functionality
    • Need for custom graphics for Wordle app development
    • Level of user testing required to ensure a seamless user experience

    Ultimately, investing in high-quality UI/UX design can lead to better user engagement, higher app ratings, and increased user retention, making it a worthwhile investment.

    Get in touch with an experienced UI/UX designer by consulting an app development company, that can understand your app’s requirements and deliver a design that meets your needs.

  4. Based on the App Development Team You Hire (App Development Company or Freelancers)

    The cost of developing a Wordle clone app can also depend on the app development team you choose to hire.

    There are two primary options when it comes to hiring an app development team:

    1. Working with a professional game app development company
    2. Hiring a freelance developer for Wordle app development
    Service ProviderEstimated Total CostTimeline
    App Development Company$15,000 – $60,000+500 – 1000 hours
    Freelancer$25,000 – $75,000+600 – 1200 hours

    These costs and timelines are estimates and may vary depending on the specific provider and project requirements.

    We recommend choosing an app development company due to their expertise, and skills in developing app development solutions. However, we are not against freelancers.

    Hire an app development team of freelancers if you have a very limited budget. If you choose freelancers, you may have to wait for a long time to get your project done and you may even compromise with the quality.

    Check the recent testimonial we got from Barb Raveling. Know, how happy the client was on hiring our app development company.

    barb raveling testimonial

    When selecting an app development team, it is important to consider their expertise, experience, and portfolio, as well as their ability to deliver a high-quality Wordle clone app within your budget and timeline.

  5. Cost Based on the Location You Hire

    Here are the factors that impact the cost of development when you hire a team from a different location:

    • Cost of living
    • Labor rates
    • Currency exchange ratesv
    • Availability of skilled developers
    • Time zone differences
    • Language barriers
    • Culture differences

    The hourly developer rates are higher in countries like the USA and lower in countries like India. Based on the survey by GoodFirms, here’s a table indicating app developer’s hourly rates in different countries:

    RegioniOS Avg hrsAndroid Avg hrsCross-platform Avg hrs
    Canada90-120 hours80-140 hours90-120 hours
    The USA60-120 hours60-120 hours60-130 hours
    Latin America28-90 hours28-90 hours40-160 hours
    The UK60-75 hours60-75 hours55-75 hours
    Europe35-55 hours35-55 hours30-50 hours
    Ukraine40-78 hours38-60 hours40-78 hours
    South Africa45-80 hours40-80 hours40-80 hours
    India22-90 hours15-25 hours20-30 hours
    Southeast Asia23-55 hours30-45 hours30-45 hours
    Asia23-55 hours20-30 hours25-35 hours
    Australia25-35 hours100-120 hours90-120 hours

    The hourly rate of app developers vary depending on the years of experience, location, and technical expertise.

Kickstart Your Word Game Development Journey

Whether you need a cost estimation or development support, we have the right expertise to help you. Book a free consultation with our experts and get tailored solutions.

Till here, you have got a clear idea of how the development of a new word game app depends on. If you still have questions, let’s understand the frequently asked questions.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Cost of Word Game App Development

Is it possible to make changes to the Wordle app once it has been developed?

Yes, it is possible to make changes to the app once it has been developed. However, it may depend on the type of changes required and the development stage of the app.

If the changes are minor, such as fixing bugs or making small adjustments to the UI/UX, it may not take much time or cost.

However, if the changes are significant, such as adding new features or redesigning the app, it may take longer and cost more.

It is important to discuss any changes with the app development team/project manager and determine the impact on the puzzle app development timeline and cost before making any modifications.

What is the process to develop an app-like Wordle?

The process for developing an app like Wordle involves the following steps:

Step 1: Understanding requirements

Step 2: Wireframing and prototyping

Step 3: UI/UX Design

Step 4: Development

Step 5: Launch and Maintenance

How Space-O Technologies Can Help You to Determine the Cost of Word Game App?

If you want to know the cost of a word game app, you need to get in touch with us.
We have a team of experienced developers who provides you with a comprehensive estimate based on your app requirements, features, and platform choice.

To determine the cost, we will first discuss your

  • App idea and requirements
  • Understand your vision and goals for the app
  • Outcome you want after the best word game app development

The team will then analyze the features and functionality of the Wordle game app to determine the scope of work needed for your app.

Based on this analysis, we provide you with an estimate that includes the cost of development, design, testing, and deployment. We will even provide you SRS with the complete cost breakdown with a timeline for each stage of the development process. This helps to have a better understanding of the overall project timeline.

Space-O Technologies provides a transparent and collaborative approach to app development, ensuring that you are fully involved in the process and have a clear understanding of the cost and timeline for your Wordle-like app.

Bhaval Patel

Written by

Bhaval Patel is a Director (Operations) at Space-O Technologies. He has 20+ years of experience helping startups and enterprises with custom software solutions to drive maximum results. Under his leadership, Space-O has won the 8th GESIA annual award for being the best mobile app development company. So far, he has validated more than 300 app ideas and successfully delivered 100 custom solutions using the technologies, such as Swift, Kotlin, React Native, Flutter, PHP, RoR, IoT, AI, NFC, AR/VR, Blockchain, NFT, and more.

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