Indie Dev’ Guide 17: Bookkeeping Software for the Gaming Sector

Bookkeeping is a vital aspect of financial management for any business, and the gaming sector is no exception. As gaming companies deal with unique financial transactions and revenue streams, it’s crucial to choose the right bookkeeping software to streamline operations and ensure compliance.

This guide will help you navigate the options, pros and cons, and pricing of bookkeeping software tailored to the gaming industry.

Understanding Your Bookkeeping Needs

Before diving into the specifics of bookkeeping software, it’s essential to understand the unique needs of the gaming sector:

• Revenue Recognition: Gaming companies often generate revenue from various sources, such as game sales, in-game purchases, advertising, and more. Your bookkeeping software should be able to handle these diverse income streams effectively.
• Cost Tracking: Managing development costs, marketing expenses, and other overheads is crucial. Your chosen software should provide robust expense tracking features.
• Compliance: Gaming businesses must adhere to tax regulations and accounting standards. Ensure the software you choose supports compliance in your region.

Comparison of Bookkeeping Software

Let’s look at some of the popular bookkeeping software options suitable for the gaming sector:

QuickBooks:

• Offers competitive pricing.
• Offers various industry-specific add-ons and integrations.
• Provides customisable reporting features.
• Suitable for both small and large gaming companies.

Xero:

• Highly regarded for its user-friendly cloud-based platform.
• Integrates with many gaming-specific tools.
• Strong emphasis on collaboration with your accountant.
• Suitable for small to mid-sized gaming companies.

Zoho Books:

• Offers competitive pricing.
• Supports multi-currency transactions.
• Allows customisation and automation of workflows.
• Suitable for small gaming businesses.

Wave:

• Known for its free accounting software.
• Provides basic bookkeeping features.
• Suitable for independent game developers or startups with limited budgets.

FreshBooks:

• Specialises in invoicing and time tracking.
• Offers project management and collaboration tools.
• Suitable for freelancers or small gaming studios.

Pricing and Affordability

Pricing is a critical factor when choosing bookkeeping software:

• QuickBooks: Offers tiered pricing, with higher plans providing more features. Pricing can vary based on the number of users and additional services required.
• Xero: Offers a subscription-based model with different plans based on your needs. Pricing is a monthly price plus add-ons.
• Zoho Books: Known for competitive pricing, suitable for small businesses. Offers a straightforward subscription model.
• Wave: Offers a free accounting software option with limited features. Additional features come at extra cost.
• FreshBooks: Offers tiered pricing with varying features. The price depends on the number of clients and additional services required.

Making the Right Choice

Choosing the right bookkeeping software for your gaming business depends on your specific needs and budget. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:

• Identify your company’s unique bookkeeping requirements.
• Consider your budget and the scalability of the software.
• Evaluate the learning curve for your team and the availability of support.
• Explore available integrations and add-ons tailored to the gaming industry.

Implementation and Support

Implementing the chosen bookkeeping software is a crucial step:

• Ensure proper training for your team to maximize software utilisation.
• Take advantage of customer support resources provided by the software provider.
• Consider engaging a professional accountant or bookkeeper with experience in the gaming sector to ensure compliance and best practices.

Selecting the right bookkeeping software is a critical decision that can significantly impact your gaming business’s financial management and success. By understanding your needs, comparing the options, and considering pricing, you can make an informed choice that ensures accurate bookkeeping and compliance.

Full list of Guides

• Guide 9: Understanding your Accounts
• Guide 10: British Film Institute (BFI) certification
• Guide 11: Business Expenses
• Guide 12: Withholding Tax on overseas income
• Guide 13: Benefits of an Audit
• Guide 14: Video Games Expenditure Credit
• Guide 15: Taxation of Non-Cash Benefits for Employees and Directors in the Gaming Sector
• Guide 16: Management Accounts and Forecasting in the Gaming Sector
• Guide 17: Bookkeeping Software for the Gaming Sector 

Want to learn more?

Get in touch with our in house expert Luke Thomas to see how we can help.