Mobile games have been popular sources of entertainment for decades now, but it is only since 2008, i.e., when app stores were launched, that complex, high-quality phone games became commonplace. Today, finding such an advanced fun mobile game is incredibly easy; however, making one needs a little more effort. That said, one can find various tools to develop a game from scratch. Additionally, the result can be rewarding if one follows the right steps.
1. Start with a unique, comprehensive idea
Any step-by-step guide to building a mobile game would tell one to start with an idea, preferably a unique one. This is the pre-development phase of the game, which must always begin with the core concept. This idea would be the foundation for the overall design of the game. Here, one should know how they want to offer users a unique and fun experience and grab and hold their attention.
To come up with an idea, one must spend some time on research to check the viability and demand for the game, as these factors can help one define the game idea better. During this phase, it is important to identify the target audience. Then, one must think about the various actions a player will take to play the game. One should also try visualizing the game by determining the potential art and graphics style. Next, one must determine the characters and storyline. Finally, one can choose a monetization model such as a one-time download fee, in-app purchases, or advertisements.
2. Pick a game engine
When creating a mobile game from scratch, the choice of game engine is important. The engine is the software that provides all the resources and tools for game development. A few popular game engines are Unreal, Unity, and GameMaker Studio. Each has its strengths and limitations, which one must understand to decide which option is most suitable for their mobile game.
To make the right decision, one must first consider the requirements of the game and decide which engine meets them. Then, they should assess the engine’s ease of use, especially if one is not an experienced developer. The engine should allow users to create their own mobile games without coding. Also, one must consider if the engine’s users have a responsive, helpful community that can provide the necessary support for game development with some tips, tricks, and advice. Additionally, one must look at the licensing terms of the engine, i.e., whether it is paid or open source. Now, one can pick a suitable option that meets all project requirements and aligns with the budget.
3. Develop the graphics
Most mobile game development tutorials for beginners emphasize getting the graphics right, as this is what draws and retains players. The process would include designing characters, backdrops, game features and levels, and user interfaces.
Game designers usually use 2D or 3D graphics based on the type of the mobile game. Whichever art style one uses should be consistent throughout the game. This ensures players have a cohesive gaming experience. Additionally, one must use colors carefully to create an atmosphere and mood for the game. Since mobile devices have restricted resources compared to computers and monitors when it comes to visuals, it is important to optimize the graphics for better performance. Also, one must ensure that the graphics are not just visually pleasing but also user-friendly.
4. Focus on enhancing the gameplay
To develop a fun, engaging mobile game app, it is crucial to elevate the gaming experience during the creation stage itself. So, once the basic design of the game has been laid out, one can begin refining it to ensure that users have a memorable and enjoyable experience. There are several ways to do this. First, one must ensure that there is no pixelation of the graphics while playing the game. Then, one must design the controls in such a way that they seem intuitive and easy to use. Additionally, one must introduce engaging and interesting plots to the storyline. Finally, one should create a mood using fun, non-disruptive music that helps improve the gaming experience.
5. Use a development platform
Once the basic design and plans are in place, one can start developing the game. A top mobile game design tip for beginners is to use a game development platform that does not require them to have any coding skills. There are several popular platforms to consider, like Unity, Construct, Stencyl, GameSalad, and GDevelop. All of them have simple dashboards and tools for game creation. These platforms also do not require game developers to be coding experts. So, developers only have to focus on the gameplay, game balance, characters, and so on without worrying about coding.
6. Test the game
Once the game is developed, it is time to test it for bugs and fix them as soon as possible. One can do that by releasing the beta version of the game. This version, which is designed for testing, is released to a limited number of users. Ideally, the beta version of the mobile game should be played on different phones and operating systems like Android and iOS. This can help one discover various bugs in their mobile game. Following these discoveries, one can fix the known bugs to ensure that the game offers users a smooth gaming experience.