Beginner friendly: Moderate

Starting a game development side hustle can be quite challenging for the average beginner without any special skills or background. While there are plenty of online resources like tutorials on YouTube and forums on Reddit to learn from, mastering the technical aspects of game development and creating a marketable game can be time-consuming and require a steep learning curve. The competition in the gaming industry is fierce, making it harder for newcomers to stand out and make a profit quickly. Costs range from $0 to $500 for software and tools. I'd rate it a 2 because without serious help or experience, most beginners may find it difficult to navigate the complexities of game development and start earning a profit.