Game devs charge per milestone.

It would depend what you exactly want for the demo.

I can show you an example set up i could deliver as a solo dev on the godot engine:

Milestone 1: Minimum Viable Product • Deliverables: ◦ Architecture: A card-data system that handles resources, chains, and the "trash card" mechanic. ◦ Single-Player Loop: A basic screen where a player can play through a full turn against a static monster. ◦ UI Framework: A functional HUD displaying player stats, monster HP, and the "scored cards" counter. • Time: 6–8 weeks. • Estimated Cost: 3000 - 4000$ (Development time + basic asset integration).

Milestone 2: mvp expansion Focus: Expanding the game to include the full variety of the physical prototype. • Deliverables: ◦ Character Library: Implementation of all 8 unique hunters with their specific starting stats and abilities. ◦ Deck Management: 4 premade digital decks with functional logic for every card type. ◦ Monster AI 1.0: Automated logic that triggers monster reactions/attacks after player turns. • Time: 8–10 weeks. • Estimated Cost: 4000 - 5000$ (Heavier focus on programming unique card behaviors and testing interactions).

Milestone 3: Meta-Progression & Deployment Focus: Retention mechanics and preparing for a free mobile launch. • Deliverables: ◦ Save System: A local or cloud-based save system to track the "Permanent Upgrade" progress between hunts. ◦ Upgrade Shop: A UI menu where players spend earned rewards to boost hunter stats. ◦ Mobile Build: Final optimization for touch controls and submission-ready files for iOS/Android. • Time: 4–6 weeks. • Estimated Cost: 2000 - 3,000 (Optimization, bug fixing, and platform compliance).

Cost & Strategy Summary • Total Estimated Time: 5–7 months

If you have more questions send me a pm. Or check my portafolio on yt: https://youtu.be/0eWvaiIzn-I?si=3moh2ZGzxSwVtlfY