Creating a game app similar to Minecraft requires building up an open-world sandbox, facilitating advanced new features like crafting mode, multiplayer mode, dynamic worlds, and cross-platform support. The details will be provided with the cost to develop game app like Minecraft:

Key Features of a Minecraft-Like Game

• Voxel-Based: Specialized rendering engines are required to produce blocky graphics like those in Minecraft.

• Sandbox-type Gameplay: Open-world exploration with no determined aims, leading to creativity.

• Multiplayer Modes: Multiplayer functionalities for online and offline shared experiences.

• Dynamic World Generation: World generation in a procedurally generated method does not get repeated at the second generation.

• Crafting and Resource Management: The most desired are resource collection, crafting, and buildings.

• Cross-Platform Support: Compatibility across PC, consoles, and mobile devices.

• Mod Support: Users can create and integrate mods into games for customization.

• In-App Purchases: Monetization through customizable skins, maps, and other downloadable content.

Cost to Develop Game App like Minecraft

1. Pre-Development Phase

Market Research: Identification of target demographics and trends.

Cost: Between $5,000 and $10,000

Conceptualization and Prototyping: Designing the gameplay mechanism and creating a preliminary prototype.

2. Design Phase

UI/UX Design: Creating an intuitive interface and immersive user experience.

Cost: $8,000–$15,000

World Design: Building voxel-based environments and ensuring seamless navigation.

Cost: $20,000–$50,000

3. Development Phase

Game Engine: Using engines like Unity, Unreal Engine, or a custom engine for voxel-based design.

Cost: $25,000–$50,000

Dynamic World Generation: Implementing algorithms for procedurally generated worlds.

Cost: $15,000–$30,000

Multiplayer Functionality: Developing real-time multiplayer modes with server integration.

Cost: $20,000–$50,000

Crafting and Resource Management: Coding mechanics for collecting, crafting, and building.

Cost: $10,000–$25,000

Cross-Platform Compatibility: Ensuring the game works on PC, mobile, and consoles.

Cost: $30,000–$60,000

Phase 2 - Design

UI/UX Design: Designing a user-friendly UI interface and involving an immersive user experience.

Cost: $8000 - $15000

World Design: Creating voxel-style areas and making sure navigation is supported.

Cost: $20000 - $50000

Phase 3 - Development

Game Engines: When designing voxel-based, you can use engines like Unity, Unreal Engine, or similar custom-engine.

Cost: $25000 - $50000

Dynamic World Generation: Implementing algorithms used for procedurally generated worlds.

Cost: $15000 - $30000

Multiplayer Functionality: Build real-time multiplayer with an integrated server.

Cost: $20000 - $50000

Crafting and Resource Management: Coding mechanics for collecting, crafting, and structure.

Cost: $10000 - $25000

Cross-Platform Compatibility: Make the game run on PC, mobile, and consoles.

Cost: $30000 - $60000

Phase 4 - Testing and QA

Bug Fixes and Optimization: Make sure the game works on multiple platforms robustly.

Cost: $15000—$25000

Beta Testing: Collect user feedback for improvements.

Cost: $10000—$15000

Phase 5 - Post-Launch Support

Updates and Patches: Update the game regularly to resolve problems and add features.

Cost: $10000—$20000/month

Marketing and Promotions: Digital campaigns, influencer collaborations, and ads.

Cost: $15000—$30000

Grand Total Cost Estimate

Basic Version: $100000—$150000

• Includes single-player gameplay, basic graphics, and limited features.

• Mid-Tier Version: $200000—$400000

• Adds multiplayer modes, cross-platform support, and enhanced visuals.

Advanced Version: $500,000 and over.

• This includes an advanced style of AI, custom engine development, VR/AR support, and modding programs.

Factors That Influence Minecraft Game Development Cost

• Game Engine: Building a custom engine is more expensive than using Unity or Unreal Engine.

• Team Size and Skill Set: A larger but competent team costs more but guarantees quality.

• Platform Support: Developing for multiple platforms at once increases costs.

• Graphics Quality: Higher-quality voxel rendering and more dynamic environments add complexity.

• Server Costs: Real-time multiplayer requires good server infrastructure.

• Region of Development: The cost to develop a game is also differ according to the development team's location. For example, hiring developers from India or Eastern Europe is less expensive on average in the US or Western Europe.

Monetization Strategies

• Freemium: Let the game be free and have in-app purchases for skins, tools, and maps.

• Subscription-Based: Monthly payments for exclusive content or private servers.

• Ad Revenues: Add non-intrusive ads in the free version.

• DLC: Selling expansions, mods, or new maps.

• Character Customization: Paid skins or accessories.

Time Frame

• Basic Version: 6-9 months

• Mid-tier Version: 12-18 months

• High-end Version: 18-24 months

Conclusion

The ultimate choice is for you to make. Developing an game app like Minecraft can be demanding since it technically requires time, expertise, and a lot of resources. Although the cost for such an app build sounds very high, these apps can be monetized and have the potential for engagement. Include additional functions, user-friendliness, and scalability, and your game might just compete with the legacy of Minecraft in the videogame world.