Recently, it seems like video games are everywhere and finally getting the respect they deserve as an art form. With this new growth, there’s never been a better time to try and tap into the booming market of mobile gaming, with indie hits popping up constantly and taking the world by storm. But there are a few key things you need to keep in mind before dipping your toes into the world of app development, to make sure you give yourself the best fighting chance of getting your studio off of the ground.
The basics
First things first, you need a solid game concept- without this, all the best art, coders, and orchestration can’t save your app. Take a look at some of your favourite gaming experiences- ask yourself why you enjoyed them. It’s likely that’ll give you a decent clue as to what sort of experience you’re trying to create.
Next, make sure you know your market. Mobile gaming, despite its reputation, consists of a multitude of genres. Do you want to create the next insanely addictive, time-wasting Flappy Bird-type game? Or perhaps a story-driven gaming experience that can fit right in the palm of your hand? Mobile gaming may have its limits, but you’d be surprised how versatile our smartphones really are as miniature consoles- especially as our phones keep getting beefier and beefier with each new generation.
The skills to back it up
Once you’ve got your idea, it’s time to start thinking about what you’ll need to put it into action. It’s time to think about coding- choosing the right coding language for you, and improving your coding skills if you’re a little rusty. But it takes far more than a talented coder to create a game. You’ll need to start considering assets; things like animation, art, and visual effects. Not to mention aspects such as sound effects and background music are vital to your game’s level of polish. The good thing is, game design doesn’t need to be exclusively reserved for AAA studios, so it’s extremely possible to get your plan into motion with a minimal team.
Getting it out there
So, you’ve got your concept, you’ve got your team, and you’re starting to think about distribution. A big question you’ll need to ask yourself at this stage is whether your want to monetise your app or not. This monetisation can take a number of forms, such as an immediate upfront cost upon download, in-app purchases, or by hosting third-party advertisements in-app.
If you’re serious about getting your team’s name out there as a bona fide game studio, it might even be worth thinking about registering your new company. The process may sound intimidating, but by checking up on an LLC formation guide, you can figure out whether this move is right for you and your team. While you could consider investing in paid advertisements to spread the word about your new app, social media marketing has equally proven to be an extremely effective avenue, making sure you don’t break the bank.
