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  • Created: 15 Jul 2025

How to Develop a Bubble Shooter Game: Features, Cost & Tech Stack

Bubble shooter games attract millions worldwide, with mobile revenues surpassing billions annually, driven by casual players seeking engaging, colourful, and simple puzzle experiences on smartphones.

Highlights

  • Over 70% of bubble shooter game users play daily, increasing retention for mobile developers worldwide.
  • Average mobile revenue from bubble shooter games surpassed $2 billion globally in the past year.
  • Bubble shooter apps hold 25% market share in puzzle games across both Android and iOS stores.
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Co-Founder

Harsh Abrol Digittrix Blog Author Image

4 min read

With Over 14 years of Experience in the IT Field, Helping Companies Optimise there Products for more Conversions

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Introduction

Games have become one of the most popular areas in the mobile app market. Among the many game genres out there, bubble shooter games stand out because of their lively look, simple rules, and addictive gameplay. Whether you’re looking to develop a hobby project or a business planning to launch a bubble shooter game app as part of your on-demand app development plans, it’s vital to understand the steps, features, costs, and technical details involved in bubble shooter game development.

This guide explains how to create a bubble shooter game in a straightforward and easy-to-understand way. It is aimed at business owners, developers, and anyone interested in mobile app development. We will also discuss how a bubble shooter game development company can support your project and why hiring a mobile app developer might be advantageous.

Curious about game design? Dive into our complete guide on developing the QBlock Wood‑Block Puzzle Game—from ideation to launch.

What is a Bubble Shooter Game

A bubble shooter game is a puzzle where players fire coloured bubbles from a launcher to form groups of three or more of the same colour. The objectives vary between versions. Some games require clearing all bubbles on the screen, while others aim for a target score within a set time.

These games are easy to play but can be challenging enough to keep players interested for a long time. This makes bubble shooter games a good choice for businesses aiming to add bubble shooter game development to their app portfolio.

Core Features of a Bubble Shooter Game

Colorful Graphics

Graphics are vital in bubble shooter game development. Bright colours and smooth animations boost the game's appeal. Players anticipate sharp images and attractive effects when the bubbles pop.

Simple Controls

Controls should be straightforward so players can easily aim and shoot bubbles. Touch and drag actions work best on mobile devices. The user interface should be clear so players can focus on the game without confusion.

Scoring System

A scoring system motivates players to continue playing. They earn points for popping bubbles, making combos, or clearing levels quickly. Showing the score during gameplay encourages players to improve.

Multiple Levels

Players enjoy variety. A good bubble shooter game app should feature many levels with different designs and challenges. Some levels might include bubbles arranged in special shapes or moving formations that increase the difficulty.

Power-Ups

Power-ups make the game more exciting. Examples include bombs that clear many bubbles at once, colour changers, or guided shots that help players aim more accurately. Power-ups are a common feature in on-demand app development because they increase the game's fun.

Sound Effects and Music

Sound enriches the experience. Popping bubbles should sound satisfying, and background music should be enjoyable but not distracting. Good sound design can keep players engaged with the bubble shooter game app for longer periods.

Leaderboards

Leaderboards let players see how they rank against friends or others worldwide. This can boost the competitive spirit of the game and encourage players to come back and play again.

In-App Purchases

Many bubble shooter games adopt a free-to-play model, offering options to purchase extra lives, power-ups, or cosmetic changes. This enables the bubble shooter game app to generate revenue while remaining accessible to many players.

Offline Mode

Some players prefer games they can play without an internet connection. Adding an offline mode to your bubble shooter game app lets players enjoy the game anytime, anywhere.

Regular Updates

Introducing new levels, themes, and special events helps keep players interested in the bubble shooter game app. Regular updates are vital in mobile app development because they encourage players to stay engaged over time.

Steps to Develop a Bubble Shooter Game

Concept and Planning

The first step in developing a bubble shooter game is to decide on the concept. Think about who will play your game, whether it will be casual or competitive, and if there are any unique ideas you want to include. Having a clear plan helps prevent issues later.

Create Wireframes

Wireframes are sketches of how each screen in your bubble shooter game app will look. They help plan button placement, aiming mechanics, and menu layout. Wireframes give designers and developers a clear guide during mobile app development.

Design Graphics

Work with designers to develop artwork for your bubble shooter game app. This includes bubble designs, backgrounds, buttons, icons, and animations for popping bubbles. High-quality graphics are crucial for drawing in players.

Choose a Development Platform

Decide whether your bubble shooter game app will be developed for Android, iOS, or both. Many developers choose tools like Unity or Cocos2d-x because they allow you to create a single game that runs on multiple platforms, which is helpful in on-demand app development.

Develop Core Game Mechanics

Developers program the core functions of the game. This includes how bubbles are launched, how they stick together, how groups of the same colour pop, and how bubbles fall when gaps open up. Good game mechanics are vital for making a bubble shooter app feel smooth and fun.

Add Features

Once the main gameplay works, add features like power-ups, scoring systems, multiple levels, leaderboards, and in-app purchases. These features make bubble shooter game development more complete and help keep players interested.

Test the Game

Testing is crucial in mobile app development. You should find bugs, crashes, slowdowns, graphics glitches, and sound issues. It’s also helpful to ask real users to try your bubble shooter game app and provide feedback so you can improve it.

Launch and Marketing

Once your bubble shooter game app is finished, publish it on app stores. Marketing is essential to make people aware that your game is available. Common strategies include social media, app store optimisation, partnerships with influencers, and advertising within other apps. Effective marketing can help your bubble shooter game app reach more players.

Collect User Feedback

After launching, keep a close eye on feedback. Review app store reviews and watch how players interact with your bubble shooter game app. Use this data to plan updates that improve the game and motivate players to keep coming back.

Tech Stack for Bubble Shooter Game Development

Game Engine

Unity is popular in bubble shooter game development because it performs well for both 2D and 3D games and can create games for multiple platforms. Another option is Cocos2d-x, which is open source and widely used for 2D games.

Programming Languages

If you’re using Unity, C# is the main language. If you’re working with Cocos2d-x, you’ll likely use C++. For Android-specific parts, developers often choose Java or Kotlin, while for iOS, Swift or Objective-C are common in mobile app development.

Graphics and Animation Tools

Designers often use software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator to create artwork. For animations in a bubble shooter game app, tools such as Spine help in creating smooth, appealing movement.

Audio Tools

Sound effects can be created or edited using tools like Audacity. For adding sound into games, developers often use FMOD or Wwise.

Backend Services

Firebase is commonly used for authentication, analytics, and cloud data storage. PlayFab is another popular option for managing user data, leaderboards, and player accounts in bubble shooter game development.

Cost Estimate

Simple Game

A basic bubble shooter game includes simple graphics, a limited number of levels, and no in-app purchases. It is developed for a single platform, such as Android or iOS. The estimated cost ranges from USD 5,000 - USD 10,000 (INR 4,15,000 - INR 8,30,000).

Medium Complexity

This version includes better visuals, more levels, basic power-ups, and leaderboards. It is developed for both Android and iOS platforms. The estimated cost is between USD 10,000 - USD 25,000 (INR 8,30,000 - INR 20,75,000).

Complex Game

A feature-rich game with high-end graphics, multiple levels, advanced power-ups, global leaderboards, in-app purchases, and cross-platform support. It may also include backend integration for data storage and analytics. The development cost typically ranges from USD 25,000 - USD 50,000 (INR 20,75,000 - INR 41,50,000 or more).

These costs include design, programming, testing, and project management. Prices also differ based on the location of your development team and whether you opt for freelancers or a bubble shooter game development company.

Working with the Right Development Partner

A bubble shooter game development company has teams of developers, designers, and testers who know how to build and release games. They follow clear steps and can manage larger or more complex projects. Although a company might cost more, they usually deliver professional results. They’re a wise choice for businesses looking to create a bubble shooter game app as part of on-demand app development.

Monetization Options

In-App Purchases

In-app purchases let players buy extras like more lives, special power-ups, or new bubble designs. This is a common strategy in bubble shooter game development because players can try the game for free and only pay if they want extra features.

Advertisements

Many bubble shooter games display ads between levels or offer rewards to players for watching ads. It’s a common way to generate revenue in mobile app development without charging for the game itself.

Premium Version

Some bubble shooter games provide a paid version without advertisements or with exclusive features. This choice suits players who enjoy the free version and seek extra features in the bubble shooter app.

A bubble shooter game development company can help you find the best way to generate revenue from your bubble shooter game app based on your goals.

Developing a game? Explore the pros and cons of 2D vs. 3D games to make the right choice for your project.

Final Words

Bubble shooter games continue to be popular in mobile gaming. Whether you're aiming to develop a simple puzzle or a feature-rich bubble shooter app, there are many opportunities for both business and entertainment. By understanding which features to include, selecting the right tech stack, and estimating costs, you can plan your project with confidence.

If you’re ready to start, carefully consider your budget, schedule, and the features you want in your game. Good planning and the right team will help bring your idea to life and ensure your bubble shooter game app's success.

Develop a Bubble Shooter Game App with Digittrix

The growing popularity of bubble shooter games in 2025 shows how much players enjoy colorful visuals, simple mechanics, and entertaining gameplay right on their mobile devices. A well-designed bubble shooter game app can attract large audiences and keep users engaged for hours, making it a valuable addition for businesses investing in gaming and on-demand app development.

If you’re planning to build a bubble shooter game app that’s engaging, visually appealing, and profitable, collaborating with an experienced team like Digittrix can help bring your project to life. We specialise in bubble shooter game development, offering complete solutions for Android, iOS, cross-platform development, game design, animations, backend systems, monetization features, and more.

Interested in starting your bubble shooter game project or looking for cost estimates? Contact Digittrix today at +91 8727000867 or email us at digittrix@gmail.com. Let’s build a high-quality bubble shooter game app together and turn your ideas into reality.

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FAQ About How to Develop a Bubble Shooter Game: Features, Cost & Tech Stack

Development time depends on the game’s complexity. A simple game may take a few weeks, while a complex one with many features can take several months.

While one skilled developer might handle a simple game, building a more advanced game often requires designers, programmers, and testers working together.

Common ways include selling in-app items, displaying ads, or offering a paid version without ads or with extra features for players who want more.

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