What is the average time to develop a game like Todd Howard's Skyrim?

game development team working on RPG
Asked on: 7/26/2025
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Developing a game like Skyrim typically takes 3-5 years with a full team of developers.
Estimated Duration: 1460 days
Creating a large-scale open-world RPG like Skyrim requires extensive planning, programming, art design, voice acting, and testing. A team of 100+ developers working full-time can complete such a project in 3-5 years, depending on scope and resources. Key factors include engine development, world-building, quest design, and polish. Smaller teams or indie studios would need significantly more time due to limited manpower and budget constraints. Efficient project management and iterative development are crucial for meeting deadlines.
What is the average time to develop a game like Todd Howard's Skyrim? | How Long Does It?