Mobile game app development is a rapidly growing industry, with numerous companies competing to become the best development agencies. The global market value will be expected for mobile games reached $376.70 billion in 2027, indicating the immense popularity of mobile gaming among people worldwide. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to create a mobile game app, covering all the necessary elements and steps involved in the development process.
Necessary Elements for Creating a Mobile Game App
Developing a mobile game app requires certain key elements to ensure its success. Let’s explore these elements in detail.
Personalized Computer
A high-quality computer is essential for game development. The game engine used in development often requires powerful hardware specifications. Depending on the game engine’s compatibility, you can choose either a personal computer or a MacBook Pro. It’s important to consider the portability and working criteria of the game engine before making a decision.
Android or iOS Smartphone
Testing is a crucial aspect of software development, including mobile game apps. It is recommended to have multiple smartphones for testing purposes. Both Android and iOS devices should be included to ensure compatibility across different platforms. Having at least two to three spare phones from different generations is beneficial for compatibility, stress, and usability testing.
Experienced Game Developers
Experienced mobile game developers with expertise in Android and iOS are essential for creating a successful game app. These game app developers should have the knowledge and experience to deploy the app on Google Play and Apple Store, allowing users to easily install and enjoy the mobile gaming app. It’s important to note that both stores have different payment and subscription plans, with Apple Store requiring a yearly subscription of $95 and Google Play costing $25.
Creative Design and Animation
Creative design and animation play a vital role in the development of any mobile game app. Whether it’s a jigsaw puzzle or an arcade game, animation expertise is required to create visually appealing and engaging experiences. Utilizing the best animation practices and tools can help developers create impressive objects and characters within the game.
Mobile Game Engines: Options and Selection
When creating a mobile game app, choosing the right game engine is crucial. Here are some popular game engines and their features.
Unity
Unity is a powerful and widely used mobile game engine. It supports both 2D and 3D game development and uses the C# scripting language. Unity offers various benefits such as compatibility with multiple platforms, free pricing for certain conditions, instance graphic support, and comprehensive analytics. However, one drawback is the requirement to write scripts and code from scratch.
GameSalad
GameSalad is a drag-and-drop mobile game engine known for its user-friendly interface. It simplifies 2D animation and provides an easy way to add images and character movements. GameSalad offers basic templates at an introductory price, but limitations in features like background focusing can be a challenge.
Unreal Engine
Unreal Engine is a powerful engine used by AAA studios to develop high-quality mobile game apps. It offers visual scripting through its Blueprint feature, allowing developers to create complex games. Unreal Engine supports all types of videos, offers regular updates, and enables integration of virtual reality. However, obtaining a license and the complexity of developing simple games can be disadvantages.
GameMaker Studio 2
GameMaker Studio 2 is a powerful mobile game engine that requires coding skills. It provides a visual editor for 2D visualization and offers easy access to assets and plugins. GameMaker Studio 2 requires a paid. subscription, but it offers a trial version for developers to explore its features. GameMaker Studio 2 is known for its ease of use and flexibility, making it a popular choice for indie game developers.
Mobile Game Development Process
The development process of a mobile game app consists of several important stages. Let’s go through each stage in detail.
Game Concept and Design
The first step is to come up with a game concept and design. This involves brainstorming ideas, identifying the target audience, and creating a game concept document. The design phase includes creating the game’s mechanics, levels, characters, and visual style. Tools like concept maps, flowcharts, and wireframes can be used to visualize and plan the game’s structure.
Prototyping
Prototyping is a crucial stage where developers create a basic version of the game to test its mechanics and user experience. This can be done using the chosen game engine and may involve creating a simplified version of the game’s levels or mechanics. Prototyping helps identify potential issues and allows for early user feedback, leading to improvements in the final game.
Game Art and Assets
Creating captivating visuals and engaging art is essential for a mobile game app’s success. This stage involves designing characters, environments, objects, and animations that align with the game’s concept and style. Artists and animators can use software like Photoshop, Illustrator, or specialized game art tools to create high-quality assets.
Development
The development stage involves implementing the game mechanics, integrating the art assets, and coding the various functionalities. Developers will use the chosen game engine’s scripting language to bring the game to life. This stage also includes implementing user interfaces, sound effects, and music. Regular testing and debugging should be performed throughout the development process to ensure a smooth gameplay experience.
Testing and Quality Assurance
Thorough testing and quality assurance are crucial to ensure the game functions correctly and provides an enjoyable experience. Testing should cover various aspects, including gameplay mechanics, performance on different devices, compatibility across platforms, and bug detection. Beta testing with a group of users can provide valuable feedback for further improvements.
Deployment and Distribution
Once the game is thoroughly tested and polished, it’s time to deploy and distribute it to the target audience. For Android devices, the game can be uploaded to the Google Play Store, following their guidelines and requirements. For iOS devices, the game needs to be submitted to the Apple App Store, adhering to their specific guidelines and review process. It’s important to optimize the game’s metadata, screenshots, and app description to attract potential users.
Monetization Strategies
Monetizing a mobile game app is an important consideration for developers. Here are some common monetization strategies:
In-App Purchases
In-app purchases allow users to buy virtual goods, currency, or additional features within the game. This strategy can be effective for games that offer a free-to-play experience with optional purchases. Careful balancing of in-app purchases is important to avoid an imbalance in gameplay and maintain user engagement.
Ads
Integrating advertisements into the game can generate revenue. Developers can choose between various ad formats such as banner ads, interstitial ads, rewarded ads, or native ads. It’s important to find a balance between ad frequency and user experience to avoid overwhelming or annoying players.
Premium/Paid Downloads
Releasing the game as a paid app allows users to purchase and download the game upfront. This strategy requires offering a high-quality experience that justifies the price. Offering a lite version or a free trial can help attract potential customers.
Sponsorships and Partnerships
Developers can seek sponsorships or partnerships with other brands or companies to promote their game or feature branded content within the game. This strategy can provide additional revenue streams and exposure to a wider audience.
Conclusion
Developing a successful mobile game app involves careful planning, design, development, and effective monetization strategies. GameMaker Studio 2 offers a powerful and accessible tool for developers to bring their ideas to life. By following a systematic development process and considering various monetization strategies, developers can create engaging and profitable mobile games that resonate with their target audience.
