Hello
What would be the most "hidden" or "unexpected", "unusual", ("difficult to think about ahead" maybe even)...
We all know more or less about the graphics, programmers, musicians, sound guys, animators, voice actors etc. etc. But there are surely less "visible" but yet NECCESARY costs most people who did NOT yet gone throught the WHOLE process of producing and releasing THEIR OWN game might not know about or thought about.
I would like to name few and maybe even estimate the cost of each and i would like others to add their "tips" and experience regarding this.
1) Game testing - according to me a lot of this is overshadowed and underestimated by regular development but you still need to test and "Debug" your game which costs time/money. I dont have experience with this so i dont know the cost
2) Getting approved by various "age" rating agencies like ESRB, PEGI, some australian one and others. This was a suprise for me, and altough its said its not necessary to get this rating, but in reality it practically IS NECESSARY since when you dont have it, some shops will simple refuse to carry your game or do something similiar to ignoring it. It was a shock to me, listen to it in some interview with some gamedev. You practially NEED it or NO shop will take your seriously... Is this true...? The COST for these ratings was also quite a negative suprise for me cause i think that for the big three (PEGI+ESRB+the australian one+ you should probably get even the german one (?) it i think like around 2 750 USD...
3) AFAIK even demos (not a current issue really) but even TRAILERS (!) need (?) to be apoved (and pay for aproving). Is this true?
4) Steam admission fee - i think theres something there but its small, but i rather mention it.
Could someone elaborate more on these and add additional "hidden" costs that are not as "visible" or "easy to find/figure out" in advance?
Thank you
(Sorry for english, have written it in hurry)