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  • Foto do escritorRafael Barbosa

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Edugames, a blend of 'educational' and 'games', are designed to provide an engaging and interactive way for players to learn new concepts, skills, or information. Unlike traditional educational methods, these games offer a dynamic learning environment that can cater to a variety of learning styles. They are particularly popular in school settings and for at-home learning, offering a balance between educational content and entertaining gameplay.

Edugames and how much they cost to develop

So, What makes a good Educational Game?

It is important to remember your target audience at all times. Edugames can be made for little kids learning math for the first time, middle-schoolers learning chemistry fundamentals, college students learning about theoretical physics, or even corporate executives learning about a new topic in their company such as cyber security.


The Game's mechanics and complexity should reflect the target audience, little kids won't have the physical dexterity to press buttons and perform logical operations in a small amount of time. At the same time, a 12-year-old gamer that plays games like Fortnite might get bored if the game isn't challenging enough. The difficulty and dexterity curve comes down again for corporate executives as many of them do not play video games on a daily or even weekly basis, sometimes not even on their phones. Making complex games might become a challenge for this audience so make sure you think about what games might cater to the specific target audience before you write any code.


Make sure that the game itself isn't just a bunch of text pasted into a UI element as well. The game must be engaging. There is however a balance as a game that is only about the fun, might not be about the learning.


Here are 5 different Educational Games

The best way to understand what these games are all about is by showing it, so here are 5 edugames developed by Yellow Panda Games.


Fungus Magus

This is a game made for professionals of the health industry as well as the students of Dr. André Leal, a Full Professor at the Faculdade de Saúde de Petrolina Soberana with to promote academic information about fungi, especially the ones with medical interest.


Magna's Magnets

Learning about magnets has never been easier! Magna's Magnets was made and published in partnership with Legends of Learning, a distribution platform for children-oriented educational games. This is a sequential/story-driven game where players help Dr. Magna assemble and test a fully functional magnet.


Space Lab

How about learning about chemical reactions? This is why Space Lab was made. developed and published in partnership with Legends of Learning, this is a story-based game that shows players the different reactions that a variety of chemical compounds have when mixed. It also teaches them about the scientific method and observational methods.


Poikilingo

Poikilingo was born from the desire of expat moms to pass their native language to their children. They aim to democratize access to fun & engaging learning apps for all kids. Poikilingo is a mobile app that hosts several educational games which talk about the first day of school, going to the toilet, getting dressed, and several other great topics!


Agrinho MS 2021

Agrinho MS is part of an annual event hosted by SENAR MS. The web-based game portal taught children about the different aspects of the day to day farm life.


How much does an educational game cost to make?

So now that we know what an edugame is, let's talk about how much it costs to make one. Every game is unique and these values should not be used as more than a general idea, but here are a few examples:

  • Mini Games can range from 4.000 to 6.000 USD. These are small, replayable games with very simple mechanics, usually contained inside another app, and don't contain special monetization methods. These are usually Pacmans, Pongs, and Fruit Ninjas.

  • Simple Games can range from 8.000 to 12.000 USD. These are more complex games and can be longer story-driven games. These games may contain more complex mechanics such as powerups, multiple game modes, In App Purchases, and an in-game store. Examples include a runner like Knowa Slide or even Magna's Magnets

  • Medium Games can range from 17.000 to 22.000 USD and offer much more depth, may include more complex dialog systems, quest systems, rewards, a more in-depth monetization model, unlockables, collectibles, a bigger story, and even achievements. Games like Cyber Fighters and Speed Box fit this category.

  • Big Games can range from 25.000 to 35.000 USD. These are on the complex spectrum usually utilizing more high-end graphics, complex narratives, voice over, and complex animations. These games offer bigger playtime and much more value.

It is however important to note that while we are generally able to classify games into categories like this, each game is unique, and therefore each game is quoted differently. Different providers may give you different quotes for the same game as well. Make sure you get a professional quote before making any important decisions. We can help you get started, send us an email at comercial@yellowpanda.games.


On Which Platforms should i publish my game?

This is a difficult yet important decision to make. Each platform has its ups and downs. First of all, make sure that your end goal does not require a specific platform. For example, when working with platforms such as Legends of Learning, games must be made for web browsers. Additionally, here is a list of the most common platforms for edugames:

  • Web browsers offer the most shareability. Anyone can just merely copy and paste the URL into a chat with their friends and they are now instantly playing your game. Web games also retain players for less time as they get distracted by other activities and end up closing the game more easily. While more accessible, web games are not able to fully utilize the whole processing power of the devices, resulting in smaller and simpler games. You must also take into consideration the download size as players won't want to spend several minutes while the game is loading. If you would like to know more about this platform, here is an article that covers it.

  • Mobile is the biggest market there is. Almost everyone owns a smartphone nowadays and is able to install games on it. Mobile games retain players for longer periods as the game remains installed and an icon populates the user's device screen until uninstalled. They are also able to leverage extra features such as in-depth analytics software, push notifications, in-app purchases, and ad monetization. App stores such as the Google Play Store and Apple App Store are able to help you reach larger audiences due to discoverability and app store optimizations.

  • Steam is where you go if you are aiming at gamers. While mobile and web can reach regular and casual users, Steam can help you reach heavier gamers who are willing to pay upfront to have a great experience. Much like the mobile app stores, this store gives you a generous amount of monthly visitors to your game's page. This platform also indicates that your game will be available on Desktop devices, therefore being capable of offering higher-quality visuals and gameplay elements.

  • Virtual and Mixed Reality can be used if immersion is what you seek. Since the user is completely inside your game, they are also unable to look away from it. Using this technology, we can capture the user's attention for far longer, however, experiences must be very polished and engaging. We recommend a standalone device such as the Meta Quest 3. These can also be used in real-life situations such as a classroom.

  • Augmented Reality, usually done via a handheld phone can be useful to illustrate a variety of topics for students to further learn. Imagine a textbook that shows an illustration of a heart, by pointing the camera towards the book, a 3D animated beating heart appears on top of it, showing how the organ works and even offering a narrator that explains the given topic.

What engine is the best one for educational games?

This is a widely discussed topic in the game development industry. Each game has its own requirements and you should ideally discuss this with your chosen development team. Web games for instance should ideally be made in engines such as Construct or Phaser to leverage better performance and smaller build sizes for mobile devices. If you are looking for a 3D mobile game, Unity might be the best option. A Super realistic PC and Console game might be more suited for Unreal Engine. Each project requires a specific engine.


Final Words

Educational games can be a great way to engage students who are normally uninterested in the old ways of teaching. The newer generations are accustomed to multi-tasking and rapidly switching to new interactive content. This means that idly sitting in a classroom for an hour might be difficult for them as their minds wander off into the distance. Edugames can remedy this issue by presenting them with interactive and engaging content that will keep their focus while filling their minds with useful knowledge.


At Yellow Panda Games, we can help you build your own custom educational games. Learn more about our studio here.


FAQ

What are Educational Games?

Educational Games or Edugames are games made with the primary goal of teaching people about a specific skill or knowledge.


WHO are Educational Games for?

These games are not only for children and teenagers. Many adults can utilize these games, especially in a corporate setting where they must learn a new topic.


How long does it take to make an Edugame?

It depends on the complexity of the game. It usually takes between 2 weeks and 6 months.


How much does it cost to make an Edugame?

To make an Edugame it may cost between 4.000 to 35.000 USD. It really depends on what you are looking for as the more complex the project is, the more expensive it will get.

Brands are constantly seeking innovative ways to captivate and engage their audience. Enter the world of advergames, a portmanteau of "advertising" and "games", which is not just transforming the marketing landscape but also redefining brand experience.

What Are Advergames?

Advergames are interactive games specifically designed to promote a product, brand, or marketing message. They are crafted to offer an immersive experience that subtly integrates brand-related content. By harnessing the compelling nature of games, advergames not only entertain but also foster deep connections between the brand and its target audience.


Why Should Brands Consider Advergames?

The power of advergames lies in their ability to deliver memorable brand experiences. Unlike passive advertising mediums, advergames engage users in active participation, which can lead to higher retention of brand messages and a positive brand association. Here's why they're an asset for branding:


Enhanced Engagement

Games inherently command attention and can keep users engaged for extended periods, allowing brands to build more profound relationships with potential customers.


Elevated Brand Recall

The interactive and enjoyable nature of games ensures that the brand and its message linger in the player's memory, translating into higher brand recall and recognition.


Virality Potential

Well-designed advergames have the potential to go viral, offering brands an exponential increase in visibility with relatively low investment.


Data Collection

Advergames enable brands to collect valuable user data, which can inform future marketing strategies and product development.


Optimal Platforms for Advergames

A Macbook, an Ipad and an Iphone showcasing the different target devices for Advergames

Mobile

With billions of smartphone users worldwide, mobile platforms offer a vast audience for advergames. The personal nature of mobile devices means games can be accessed anytime, anywhere, enhancing user engagement. Native Mobile games can leverage the best features of the device resulting in higher fidelity and more feature-rich games. Mobile Games can also benefit from higher retention, higher playtime as well as push notifications, meaning that you can now only count on users coming back for longer but you can also draw them in using customized notification messages. It is also worth to note that even after you develop a mobile advergame, you may also still port it to the web.


Web

Web-based advergames can be easily integrated into a brand's website or social media platforms, encouraging interaction and prolonging the time users spend with the brand. While web games are unable to use 100% of the device's hardware, resulting in visually simpler games, they do have an uncomparable shareability feature as anyone can easily copy and paste the url into any chat or even sharing them on their own social media channels with ease. Web Games are also Crossplatform meaning that the same link will work for mobile and for desktop computers.


Both platforms provide robust analytics, essential for measuring game performance and user engagement metrics, which are crucial for refining marketing strategies.


How Marketing Agencies and Brands Can Leverage Advergames

Marketing agencies and the marketing divisions of brands stand to gain significantly from incorporating advergames into their promotional strategies. These interactive tools not only amplify brand messages but also offer a creative avenue to stand out in a crowded market. When deploying advergames, it's essential to:

  • Align the game concept with the brand's identity and message.

  • Ensure the gameplay is engaging and accessible to the target demographic.

  • Integrate the brand seamlessly to avoid disrupting the gaming experience.

  • Utilize cross-platform development for maximum reach.


How much do Advergames cost?

This is a difficult question to answer as each client will have a unique design that they wish to explore, however here are a few numbers that can help you understand how much budget you should estimate. Web based Minigames such as Tetris, Pong and Pacman, in other words, small games with replayability factor that can be made in less than 15 working days, range from 5 - 10k USD. If you are looking for a more story-driven experience, these can range anywhere from 7 - 25k USD. Metaverses can range anywhere from 50 - 100k. It all depends on your strategy and your personal goals.


Partnering with Yellow Panda Games

For brands ready to dive into the world of advergames, Yellow Panda Games emerges as the ideal partner. As a seasoned game development studio specializing in Mobile and Web games, we offer services that range from LiveOps and Porting to Full-Cycle Development. We understand the intricacies of creating games that not only entertain but also embody your brand's essence.

Our portfolio, featuring brands like Adidas, Hershey's, Netflix, McDonalds, Burguer King, Heineken, TNT and other big brands, showcases our ability to deliver engaging gaming experiences that resonate with players across the globe.


At Yellow Panda Games, we don't just develop games; we create journeys that encapsulate your brand's story, ensuring every level, character, and challenge reflects the core of your brand. We can guide you through the design process, help develop your advergame, and assist with distribution across various platforms.


If you're ready to transform your brand's marketing approach with advergames, reach out to us at comercial@yellowpanda.games to get a personalized quote for your project. Let's make your brand not just seen, but experienced.

In the competitive realm of game development, staying relevant means keeping your game fresh and functioning flawlessly. Live Operations (LiveOps) is the backbone of this ongoing process, involving constant updates, especially Software Development Kits (SDKs), and in-game content management. However, it can be a complex task that devours your time and resources – time that could be spent conceptualizing your next groundbreaking game.


A phone playing candy crush, one of the biggest LiveOps game ever

What is LiveOps and why should I care?

LiveOps simply means the effort you put into your game after it's release. Usually this means that you are making sure that the game is up to date and that the players are constantly being offered new content to explore. The goal is to increase player retention in order to generate more revenue from them as well as making sure that the game won't be taken down due to some policy infringement such as outdated configurations and SDKs.


Navigating the Maze of LiveOps can be quite a challenging task, here are a few ideas to help you get started:


The LiveOps Labyrinth

LiveOps is an endless maze. Updating SDKs is crucial for compatibility, security, and accessing new features, but it's a complex process filled with potential pitfalls that can lead to downtime or, worse, a poor player experience. Similarly, managing in-game content—from seasonal events to new item drops—keeps the game engaging but requires a persistent creative and technical effort.


The SDK Update Quagmire

Each SDK update is akin to replacing parts of your game's engine while it's still running. It's a delicate operation where a single misstep can cause significant issues. This task demands a team that's always on the ball, with the technical know-how to integrate the latest SDKs smoothly, ensuring your game stays compatible with the latest devices and platforms.


The Content Management Conundrum

In-game content management is an art in itself. It's about striking a balance between keeping the game exciting and not overwhelming your players—or your team. It requires a continuous flow of ideas, meticulous planning, and execution, which can become overwhelming if you’re also trying to focus on new projects.


Your Creative Genius Shouldn’t Be Bound by Operations

As a game developer, your passion is to create, innovate, and envelop players in new worlds. Your expertise is best invested in dreaming up and developing the next big gaming sensation, not getting bogged down by the technicalities of LiveOps.


The Yellow Panda Games Solution


A picture of a key on top of a keyboard illustrating what they Key to LiveOps is

At Yellow Panda Games, we offer you the key to the LiveOps maze. With our expertise in mobile and web gaming, we handle the complexities of SDK updates and in-game content management. Our team of specialists is equipped to manage these tasks efficiently, ensuring your game operates seamlessly and continues to engage your audience with fresh content.


Free Yourself to Innovate

Delegate the LiveOps to us and liberate your creative team to focus on what they do best—creating the next hit game. With Yellow Panda Games, you can trust that your current titles are in capable hands, always up-to-date and dynamic, while you channel your resources into future blockbusters. We hope to have answered the question about how outsourcing SDK updates and content management can free you time to focus on the more creative aspects of game development.


Explore Other Distribution Channels

Perhaps you could explore other distribution channels such as Web, Steam and Telco? All of them can be great ways for you to expand your audience and earn an extra revenue.


Take the Next Step

Ready to navigate out of the LiveOps maze and propel your creativity forward? Reach out to us at comercial@yellowpanda.games. Let’s discuss how we can support your current titles with our LiveOps expertise, freeing you to concentrate on crafting your next gaming masterpiece. At Yellow Panda Games, we're not just service providers; we're your partners in innovation. Let's create something extraordinary together.

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