News
Tips for creating the best mobile games
Nov. 19, in the year of our Lord 2014
-- Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best and if you're
planning to design a mobile game that's fun; one that all the
family can enjoy, it's worth keeping this in mind before you
start. Of course, your choice is likely to depend on the level
of 'techspertese' you have, but overcomplicating a mobile game
can make the end user, the game player, give up in frustration.
You'll doubtless be familiar with games designed for desktops or
to target web browsers, where rapid development environments are
used such as ActionScript or Flash and certainly that's the
traditional method. However, if you want to concentrate on
something for mobile devices you can offer players interesting
and different new ways to play around with controls and
interactive options.
So, what do you need to do to create that mind blowing game, the
one all age groups will enjoy?
Keep it simple
Sure, you know this already; though you can add levels of
complexity if it works for the game, but it'll make things
easier for you as you develop it. It will also help if you want
to get your shiny new game rolled out onto different mobile
platforms. If you consider that the Instagram app, which was
initially available only on iPhone, saw more than five million
downloads during the first week after its release on Android,
you begin to get the picture.
If you've got a good idea and have tested it thoroughly you
should consider having a simultaneous release on Android and
iOS. Angry Birds Space became a chart topper on the day it was
released on both platforms.
Be innovative
It can be easy to stick to tried and tested ways of presenting a
game, but new features, such as accelerometer, multi-touch and
the camera, means you can be really innovative when compared to
the desktop environment. One thing you should avoid when
designing for a mobile platform is working on detailed graphics
or complex gameplay. What you want to create is, going back to a
previous point, simple but addictive. If you don't know Cut the
Rope, for example, you should. Touch controls help to make it
intuitive to play, a key feature when you’re trying to attract
new players.
Design for all ages
There are some who think the world of adult and children’s games
should be kept apart, but in fact it is games where every member
of the family can be involved that make for a real success. If
you think family friendly then you game can easily span
generations. It needs to be easily accessible for younger
players, so not too difficult in its initial stages and
instructions must be easy to understand.
If you make your graphics attractive to the eye, with good
colors and well-drawn characters and backgrounds, you'll be in a
better position to hook players of all ages. Though you may draw
inspiration from classic mobile games, which are a great
starting point for imagination and innovation, try working
towards your own niche rather than slavishly copying a meme. If
you want to stand out from the pack you need to be different.
Music and sound are other key elements of your game design. Make
them appropriate to what the game is about and look for new ways
of creating the sounds you want and adding music that works for
all age groups. One of the great things about making a game that
has cross-generational appeal is that families and friends can
share the experience, talk about it on social media and get the
word out about what fun it is to play.
Support with design
Not everyone has had the opportunity to learn the technical
skills necessary to code a new game. If your C++ language
experience is minimal or non-existent, for example, but you know
you have a fantastic game idea to take forward, you're going to
need some help.
This is where New York City based
Worry Free
Labs can step in to assist you to realize your dream. As
specialists in the design and build aspect of mobile apps,
together with many other services, the company can work with you
to develop superb user experiences for your mobile game.
Whatever you need, be it usability testing, ideation,
implementation, strategy or branding, Worry Free Labs can
deliver for you.
A little help from our friends
In a competitive marketplace it's always good to have help from
experienced professionals who can understand and lend a hand to
craft the perfect mobile game. You can rely on Worry Free Labs
to do just that for you.