Game apps for Androids have become an integral part of the population’s entertainment, and obviously, people love to invest hours in their favorite games on mobiles.
Being a lover of gaming, one must be eager to know how someone can develop a game app that attracts millions of customers.
Although the process of game development may seem a bit difficult with the involvement of all these daunting technologies and software, it’s not that difficult if you discover everything about it.
Creating a mobile game can be a satisfying experience if you’re interested in it. Moreover, it can be potentially very profitable business-wise.
This article will take you through the main steps that concern how you can successfully create your own mobile game.
Table of Contents
What are Android Game Applications?
The Android games are targeted at compatible devices running on the operating system of Android. These devices include smartphones, pocket PCs, tablets, and more. The most commonly used devices for game app loving communities.
Everything from very simple games to much more ambitious 3D and AR experiences is available on the Google Play Store.
The hunger for Android mobile games in the market can be sensed from the statistics revealed about how Android has been leading as the mobile operating system worldwide.
Statista revealed that Android holds a 71% share of the mobile OS Market.
Nowadays, more and more investors and developers are interested in mobile game development, and soon mobile gaming will bring lots of business. It is estimated that the Google Play Store’s major earnings will come from mobile games in the year 2025.
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Benefits of Game App Development
You can turn this development into a huge commercial success as a mobile gaming app developer. By investing just a small amount of money, you can create a huge project in the gaming industry.
Here are some of the benefits of creating an Android gaming app:
Larger Audience
Android is currently the most used operating system in the world, holding a major market share in smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices.
These games can be played on so many different devices, not just one kind. This means it opens a big market for mobile game applications throughout the globe without being restricted to just one phone brand.
The larger your audience is, the more users your android gaming app will have.
Better User Experience
The Android game app platform promises its users a very colorful and exciting mobile gaming experience.
With the user-friendly interface, along with lively graphics and quick controls, it is very easy for players to interact with their favorite games. The interactive gaming experience has always gotten a green signal from gamers.
Be it light fun or serious gaming, Android games have ensured that every user's experience is interesting and enjoyable. This can be achieved by targeting different interests of the demographic.
Increased Return On Investment
Designing an Android game app can be less expensive and give better returns on investments.
Unlike other platforms that require a lot of investment, it requires a small budget for its production overall.
This affordability makes it accessible even for the smallest entrepreneurs or startups of any size. Android game app development is not only cost-effective but also promising.
Also, the number of users that can be targeted with the gaming platform is huge, and this increases the opportunity for higher revenue generation.
Submission Process
It is a quick and easy process to get an app submitted to the Google Play Store.
Basically, with Google, the environment is much more flexible and not so strict, making it easier for game developers to upload their apps.
Without a long review or extremely strict rules, it’s easier for the whole process to be done faster.
The Google Play Store, with fewer hurdles to cross, makes it more open to easier submission of all kinds of applications.
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How to Create a Game App for Android?
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to develop a game app for Android:
Step 1: Define Your Game Concept
The first step in making an Android game is finding a good idea you want to work on. Start with choosing what kind of game you’re planning on creating.
This might seem like an easy task, but the choice of your gaming app will affect the platform, tools, and creation process of the game.
The whole planning process will require you to brainstorm, but once the direction is clear, the other steps will be much easier.
This involves coming up with the game ideas, designing unique characters, creating an engaging plot, and determining the gameplay mechanics to make the game interactive and exciting for the users.
Step 2: Choosing the Best Platform
The next step will require you to find the most suitable Programming Language and Development platforms for your game app once you've decided on what kind of game you want to make.
There are lots of platforms and programming languages, each for different skill levels and project needs such as Unity and Unreal Engine; some of the most powerful engines.
Java is a favorite among many developers for programming due to its flexibility with multiple systems. However, depending on the complexity of a game, different languages and tools may be required.
For instance, smaller gaming mobile app development might require less powerful technologies compared to larger, more computationally heavy projects.
Step 3: Game app development
After you have chosen your programming language, the next step is to finally start with your project. The development process will start when you have selected the languages.
To keep your development on track, start by concentrating on the main mechanics and basic principles of your project.
You need to have familiar knowledge of how the game development process works before starting anything. A blank page can be daunting, but with proper knowledge of the process, you can overcome any difficulty.
Step 4: Development of Graphics and Sound Effects
During this stage, you have to decide whether your game will be in 2D or 3D format. Though at times creating game graphics and music may be fun, generally it requires time and also much more effort than you expect.
This process will include the visual design for your gaming app. If you have creative skills graphically, you can design the game yourself.
Otherwise, you have the option to outsource a design team. You can hire a company that does game design or freelance graphic designers doing the work.
It is essential to start working on the main mechanics and rules that will keep your development on track.
Step 5: User Interface (UI/UX)
The next step in your game app development will require you to create a user-friendly interface (UI/UX). The interface should be functional, straightforward, and easy to navigate for the users.
This includes creating an attractive title screen that reflects the mood of your game, and a menu screen with clear options for easy navigation: create a new game, load the game, change settings, and so on.
Additionally, there should be a facility for saving and loading for the players so that they can continue where they had left off.
Step 6: Coding Process
Coding is how you make your game real by creating its logic with programming languages. If you don’t know how to code, think about hiring someone who can do it for you.
The time it takes to code depends on how complicated your game is, but you can speed it up by using ready-made code libraries or getting help from a good developer.
Here are some important tips for coding a mobile game:
- Breaking your game can help you maintain the difficult codes and make it easier to test each part separately.
- You have to be open to suggestions and feedback from the players and even the investors. Constructive criticism will help improve the interface and overall quality of your game app.
- You can incorporate quality features into your game, such as health bars, inventory screens, and in-app notification alerts.
Step 7: Run Tests
Testing is a crucial part of the whole game development process. Testing your code will ensure it is compatible with several devices and platforms.
Every game needs careful testing before it is released. After the development process is done, it is important to improvise the game. It gives players a fun and unforgettable experience.
This is where QA testers come into play. They check the gameplay from a technical point of view, writing detailed reports on bugs and noting any crashes or other errors.
To ensure that your game is appealing to players, consider these typical changes:
- Fix any problems with pixelation errors.
- Controls should be simple and intuitive. Users shouldn’t find it difficult to handle.
- You can add discreet and subtle music options to keep the atmosphere engaging.
Step 8: Launch The Game
Many game developers or creators delay the launch of their game due to the perfection factor. However, you could launch it timely and make adjustments and improvements based on users' feedback.
Though testing and refinement are important, it is generally smoother to launch sooner and update it with the gamer community’s replies.
You can use various ways to market your game app, or you could even think of hiring a digital marketing agency to promote your app online.
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Factors Affecting the Cost of Mobile Game Development
The cost of making mobile games development in India can change a lot based on several factors, including:
Complexity Level
The complexity level of your game affects the development cost the most. Simple games with basic features will cost less than complex games with advanced graphics, animations, and gameplay mechanics.
Some cost-inducing features could be advanced graphics, multiplayer options, and technologies.
On the other hand, a simple game, let’s say an arcade game, will have less development cost than a complex game like PUBG with advanced features and functionalities.
Platform
The platform you’re building your game app for matters. The platforms most commonly include iOS, Android, and Windows (web).
Choosing the right platform for mobile game development is important and should match the expectations of your target audience.
Note that iOS app development generally incurs higher costs compared to Android and Windows, as the quality will be much better for the users.
Layout
The design and layout of the game app affect the overall cost a lot. It depends on how you planned out the entire game. Is it going to be 2D or 3D? What kind of levels or characters would it have?
These kinds of additional features require a skilled team. Either you have such skills yourself or you would be outsourcing assistance. Either way, the high-quality game needs expertise.
Game Development Team
The overall cost will also depend on the development team's size and years of experience.
If you don't acquire the skills for the entire development and design process, you’ll need to hire an expert team to complete these tasks.
Duration
The longer duration of the overall development process will increase the cost. The more time it takes, the more staff salary you’re due to pay. These services are some of the best-paid services in the market.
Therefore, efficient project management is necessary during the gaming app development process to control expenses.
Location
Generally, India is known for providing less expensive development services. However, the pricing for certain services or resources may vary depending on the certain regions of the country.
Improvisations
As much as testing and making revisions is crucial for any game development process, it may add to the additional cost.
However, it is an investment that is necessary to avoid ruining the reputation of your application from the start.
Recommended Read: 10 Must-Have Skills To Become a Backend Developer in 2024
Most Used Platforms For Mobile Game Development
Here are the top most used platforms to develop a gaming app:
1. AppGameKit
AppGameKit is one of the most popular choices to create an Android game app. It provides every type of solution possible to the game developers.
If you are a development expert, you can use this platform to its full efficiency.
2. Unity
It is the most used platform for the development of a game app. The platform supports the users by assisting them in developing their own games.
Unity is highly ideal for those making a game application for the first time.
3. Unreal Engine
Unreal Engine is a highly popular platform for Android game development. Most of those who are interested in learning Android Studio choose this platform.
This platform doesn't require one to be skilled in programming to navigate this engine.
One can even learn to create 3D visuals and effects.
4. GameMaker Studio 2
This is a game development platform that is compatible with 2D game development. GameMaker features an option to drag and drop functions, making it highly time-saving for the developers.
Final Words
So we have finally reached the end. We have gone through the essential topics of mobile game app development, along with its benefits and the steps to create a game application, the costing factors, and the platforms.
The mobile gaming industry is on the rise and you can definitely take advantage of the profitability this business could bring you.
If you need any assistance with your mobile app development or even software development. Arramton Infotech will be pleased to provide you with our expertise in the matter.
Our developers are highly skilled in the field with years of expertise, and the vision for your dream app can come true with their direct assistance.
Hopefully, this has been an interesting read for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which is the best language for game app development?
Ans: The entire procedure depends on the type of your game, the platform you’ll be using, and the outcome. However, some of the best languages currently are JavaScript, Unity’s C# for inter-platform development, C++, and more.
Q. How much does it cost to create a gaming app for business purposes?
Ans: A gaming app could cost you between 10L INR and 15L INR in India. However, the cost may vary depending on various factors, as we have discussed above in the blog.
Q. How much time will it take to create an Android App?
Ans: The app could take several months to develop. It all depends on the complexity and the quality of the app. A basic application will require less time in comparison to a more high-quality application.
Q. Is Unity a good platform to create a mobile app?
Ans: Yes! Unity is one of the most popular choices among developers to create gaming applications. This platform saves a lot of time with its advanced features.
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