How Fast Can You Build a Virtual World? Timelines, Budgets & Pilot Strategies

The Doodle People
Aug 20
4 min read

Short answer: If your assets are ready and scope is tight, a browser-based pilot can launch in about 4 weeks for S$9k–12k. A larger first phase typically runs 8 to 12 weeks at around S$12k–50k, and a fully bespoke build can take 20+ weeks starting from S$100k. These are ranges, not quotes! Final timing and budget depend on approvals, content readiness, and integrations.

Above: A customisable exhibition booth for the TCEF 2023 Virtual World, which allowed for up to 5000 participants to connect and interact with the content and with each other!

When a Virtual World beats a webpage

Think about the difference between reading about a destination versus stepping into it. That’s the gap between a webpage and a virtual world.

From our client work, teams choose a virtual world when they want:

Live connection: Running an in-world fireside chat or product launch where guests can mingle before and after.
Exploration: Letting people “walk through” a showroom instead of scrolling past flat images.
Interaction data: Seeing where visitors go, what they click, and how long they stay, providing data you can act on immediately.

One client used a Starter world for a product and gallery showcase. Instead of sending visitors to a static page, they invited them to a 3D space with clickable demos, videos, and a short quiz. Not only did people stay twice as long as expected, but the data showed which product features drew the most attention, helping to shape their next campaign.

When it’s overkill to develop a Virtual World

We’ve learned the hard way: sometimes simpler really is better.

Skip the virtual world if:

You have less than two weeks until launch and no ready assets.
Your story is still being written and lives only as a brochure or draft script.
You just need to deliver static content without real-time interaction.

One brand approached us wanting a bespoke world for an event in ten days. We could have tried., but the result would’ve been rushed and underwhelming. Instead, we advised a microsite with embedded video, which launched smoothly and still impressed their audience. They came back later for a proper pilot.

The 4-week pilot game plan for your Virtual World

Here’s how we keep Starter projects on time and on budget:

Scope for one room - Keep it focused: 5–10 clickable hotspots featuring your best existing videos, images, or 3D models. No need to build new assets from scratch.
Browser-first now, fancy later - Launch with 3D in your browser using WebGL. Add headset compatibility with WebXR later only if the audience needs it.
Build for accessibility - Add captions, transcripts, keyboard navigation, high-contrast visuals, and clear instructions like “Press SPACE to jump.”
Optimise for speed - Keep file sizes small so mobile visitors can load the space quickly.
Launch, watch, iterate - Monitor dwell time, clicks, and interaction patterns. Use the data to guide Phase 1 upgrades so you’re improving what matters most.

Time & Cost: realistic ranges for Virtual Worlds

Tier	Scope	Timeline	Budget (S$)	Example Use Case
Starter / Prototype	1 room, 5–10 hotspots, branded, browser-based	~4 weeks	9k–12k	Product launch teaser, internal pitch, proof-of-concept
Phase 1	Multi-scene or larger single world, custom assets, light gamification, analytics	8–12 weeks	12k–50k	Virtual showroom, recruitment fair, training hub
Bespoke	Multi-scene, custom logic/gameplay, deep integrations (CRM, SSO, ticketing)	20+ weeks	100k+	Fully branded interactive venue, multi-event platform

These ranges assume your assets are ready and approvals move quickly. Custom 3D, heavy content, or tight review cycles can extend timelines.

Things that bite while deploying Virtual Worlds

Performance - If the world runs slow, visitors leave. We keep models lean, textures small, and test on mid-range devices.
Capacity - For big crowds, we use “instancing” (parallel room copies) so each space feels smooth for 20–50 people.
Accessibility - Always have an alternative path, like a video tour or 2D version.
Safety - A short code of conduct and report/mute tools keep spaces welcoming without feeling over-policed.

Integrations: start simple, go deeper later

Fastest Phase 1 pattern we’ve seen in Singapore:

Invite link or code to lightweight form to basic analytics to export to CRM later
Add deeper integrations in Phase 2, like ticketing, Single Sign-On (SSO), or live API feeds, after the pilot has proven value

Mini-FAQ

How fast can we really go?

If your assets are ready, 4 weeks for Starter is realistic. Adding custom assets or integrations extends this to 8–12 weeks.

Web or downloadable app first?

WebGL first—accessible, no installs needed. Native apps later for ultra-high fidelity or offline needs.

What slows things down?

Approvals, asset creation, and complex integrations. Lock your scope early to stay on track.

How many people can join at once?

20–50 per room, with automatic instancing for bigger peaks.

What about data privacy?

We align with PDPA (SG) or GDPR (UK/EU). Keeping Phase 1 data simple speeds approvals.

Takeaways

Pilot first — Small bet, fast learn, then scale.
Browser-first — Reach more people, faster.
Plan in tiers — Prototype → Phase 1 → Bespoke, each with clear scope, budget, and timeline.

Quick glossary