I've recently started work on planning a game, and while I'm able to commission things like models, artwork and music, hiring a programmer is something I'm unfamiliar with, so I wanted to ask about it. I'd like to make a 2D fighting game using 3D character models. I'm considering using Unity, though I'm currently open to other suggestions since programming isn't my area of expertise. I'd like to get a prototype of the game done, with basic menu and gameplay functions. More complex features, such as sound and models, should be added later on in development. If modelling, artwork, music and animation will be handled separately, how long might it take to get the game to this stage, and how much would this cost? I would like to have a skilled and experienced programmer to meet the standard I'd like for the game, but I have also been given the impression that a fighting game is relatively simple, compared to things like 3D or physics based games, so would an "adequate" programmer be just as good and cheaper? I can provide more details if they would be needed to narrow down the range. To clarify, I'm only asking about the programming of the game; everything else, such as models and animation will be covered separately.