Mobile Game Development

A Step-By-Step Guide To Creating Your First Game App

January 19, 2023 5 Mins Read

January 19, 2023 by Sakshi Aggarwal
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The world has dramatically changed when it comes to the technology and tools available to developers. Earlier, when creating an app for a single platform was the norm, developers now have access to multiple platforms. Making a game application for iOS and Android has become more feasible than ever.

So, do you also want to know how to develop a game app for iOS and Android? Well, you have come to the right place. Today, we will discuss all the things you must know while developing a game app for both platforms. But before that, let's have a look at the market scenario.

Table of Contents

How Big the Mobile Gaming Market Is?

The mobile gaming market is booming, making it one of the most profitable industries in the world. Both businesses and mobile app development firms are taking advantage of this growth.

According to a survey conducted by Global Mobile Game Confederation (GMGC), the mobile gaming market is predicted to rise to $209.12 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 15.77%.
The revenue in the Download Games segment is expected to display a yearly growth rate (CAGR 2020-2024) of 5.2%, resulting in a market volume of US$18.04B by 2024.

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The global game apps market size was valued at USD 100.36B in 2021 and is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 13.3% from 2022 to 2028.

Why Designing is Crucial for Gaming Apps?

Designing is significant when creating a game app for iOS and Android. It's the foundation of any successful mobile game, as the user interface (UI) plays an integral role in how players interact with your product. Here are five reasons why designing matters:

Design Helps Create a Better User Experience: When users play a game, they want to feel immersed in your world. With great design, you can provide an end-to-end experience that keeps players engaged and encourages them to keep coming back for more. This could include intuitive navigation options or visually pleasing art assets that excite people about exploring your world.
The Design Makes it Easier to Market your Product: A well-designed game app stands out from competitors because it looks polished and professional. It will help drive downloads through SEO rankings or word-of-mouth advertising campaigns where people share screenshots of their gameplay experiences on social media platforms such as Instagram or Twitter.
Good Design Increases Engagement Rates: Intuitive designs allow users to quickly pick up on how things work within the app so they can promptly play without having to spend time learning complex controls or interface elements first. As a result, engagement rates are increased because users can quickly get into the game.

How to Begin the Design & Development of a Gaming Mobile App?

You can hire a gaming app development team to design and build your gaming app, or you can do it yourself.

Step 1: Understand Your Market
Before you start designing and developing your mobile game, it's essential to understand the market for your product. Research current trends in the gaming industry and look at what other successful games have done well.
Step 2: Develop An Idea & Understand Your Audience
Before you can even start designing and developing your mobile gaming app, you need to first have an idea for it. You also need to figure out who your target audience will be so that you can tailor the features, user interface, and overall gaming experience to those people.
Step 3: Research Aesthetic & Technical Requirements
Now that you have a good idea of what type of game it will be and who its intended players are, it's time to research both aesthetic requirements (such as graphics or animations) and technical requirements (for example, programming languages used).
Step 4: Create a Story
A successful mobile gaming app requires more than just well-designed graphics and intuitive controls. You need an engaging story that motivates the user to keep playing the game. Start by briefly describing your game's plot, characters, objectives, and other vital details.
Step 5: Work on an Amazing Design
The next step is working on a fantastic gaming app design. You want to ensure that the user interface of your mobile game is eye-catching, intuitive, and easy to use. This means you should think about how users will interact with the different elements in the game and create a look and feel that works best for them. You can use several tools to create a dynamic user interface and experience, including Adobe Photoshop, SketchApp, Figma, and more.
Step 6: Have a Monetization Strategy

You need clarity on how your game app will generate revenues from the beginning. Creating and placing ads in strategic places, along with incentivizing players to complete tasks through rewards or challenges, is one way to monetize.
You should also consider a subscription-based model or in-app purchase options that can help you earn money over time. Lastly, ensure that the ad placements are not intrusive, as they can turn off most users and affect your numbers adversely.
Step 7: Develop Your Mobile Game
The next step is to develop the mobile game. This involves writing code for the different elements in your game—characters, enemies, levels, etc. You can use several programming languages like Java or C# for Android apps and Swift for iOS apps. It's essential to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies to have an advantage over competitors when developing your gaming app.
Step 8: Test & Release
After you finish coding the features of your gaming app, it's time to test it thoroughly before releasing it on the respective platform store. Use a testing tool such as Appium or Calabash to make sure everything works perfectly before publishing your application online. Finally, once all tests are positive, submit your app to Google Play Store or Apple App Store and start getting downloads!

Technologies You Should Consider While Creating a Gaming App

The tech stack of a gaming app is an integral part of the development process. When selecting the right technologies for your gaming app, there are several options available for you to consider. Here are some core technologies that you should keep in mind when creating a gaming application:

Unity 3D
Unity 3D is one of the most popular platforms developers use when building games for mobile devices or computers. It allows you to quickly build games with high-quality graphics and features such as a real-time physics engine, advanced lighting effects, and animation tools, which make it easy to create visually stunning visuals while developing complex gameplay mechanics.
Construct 3
Construct 3 is a powerful development engine that enables quick and easy game build and deployment. It also has a built-in physics engine, animation tools, and other features that can help you create immersive experiences for your players.
HTML5
HTML5 offers various options for creating games for the modern web browser. With this technology, developers can leverage the power of Javascript to create highly interactive experiences with rich visuals that run across all devices without any additional plugins or downloads.
Godot Engine
It is an open-source game engine that can be used to create 2D and 3D games for mobile devices. It has many features, such as a built-in physics engine, audio support, asset streaming, and more, making it ideal for both indie developers looking to experiment with creating a game or large studios seeking to produce high-end professional titles.

What Kind of Games Can You Build?

The sky's the limit when it comes to building games. Whether you are a novice or an experienced game developer, there is something out there for you.
Anything can be created with the right tools and knowledge, from basic arcade and puzzle games to full-fledged virtual reality experiences. If you are starting out, simple 2D mobile games might be an excellent place to start, as they require less complicated coding knowledge than 3D console titles or VR projects.
Those who have more experience may want to explore creating interactive narrative adventures or realistic simulations that take advantage of physics engines and other advanced software development techniques. The possibilities are endless!

How CodeAegis Can help You to Create a Successful Mobile Game App?

CodeAegis is a team of experienced mobile game app developers that can help you create a successful and engaging mobile game. We understand the importance of high-quality game design and programming, and we have the skills necessary to build an app that will be successful. Our experts help you develop a fully-featured mobile gaming experience that combines stunning visuals with engaging gameplay.
We also work closely with you throughout the process, ensuring your vision is translated into reality. Our team has experience working on 2D and 3D mobile games, so we can create any experience you need.

Final Thoughts

Creating a game app can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it requires a lot of hard work and planning. In this article, we will discuss the basics of game development, including how to create an iOS or Android app from scratch. By following our tips and guidelines, you will be on your way to creating a successful game app! You can hire a gaming mobile app development company for a smooth process.

FAQs

How can I create my own gaming app?

Creating a gaming app requires knowledge and experience in coding, development, design, monetization strategies, and more. The best way to create your own gaming app is to find a reputable game developer with the necessary skill set. You can also enlist the help of an experienced software developer who specializes in mobile application development.
Additionally, there are several online game-building platforms that provide tools for customizing games and creating them from scratch. For those interested in learning how to code their apps, many online courses offer step-by-step instructions on building a mobile game from start to finish.

How much does it cost to build a gaming app?

The cost to start a gaming app varies depending on the complexity and features that you want your app to have. A basic gaming app could cost anywhere from $5,000 – $50,000, while more complex apps with multiple levels or game mechanics can easily exceed this range. Additionally, ongoing maintenance and support costs should also be factored into the overall budget.

How long does it take to develop a gaming app?

The development time for a gaming app largely depends on how complex the game is and how many developers are working on it. On average, it takes 3-6 months for an experienced team of developers to create a sophisticated game with numerous levels or functions.

About Author

Sakshi Aggarwal

co-CEO

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Sakshi is co-CEO who started the company back in 2016 and has been leading our team ever since. She personally handles the partnership with our key customers and invests lot of time and effort to make sure that CodeAegis provides exceptional quality of services and offer cutting edge tech solutions across the board. Sakshi is a fitness enthusiast and food lover.