Posted on May 7, 2009 - by Eric

Tips on Creating A Great Iphone Game

So many crapp

The most common thing you hear about the games for the Iphone is how most of it is crap. Well, in the hopes of NOT contributing more to the crappy pile of apps, here are several points that Iphone game developers should keep in mind when developing their apps;

1. It has to be a conversation starter – given how word of mouth is the most effective way of spreading awareness of your app, it has to have something that will make players want to talk about it with their family or friends.
2. It has to be familiar – have some major element in the game that everyone can recognize. This helps customers have that familiarity base to help them explore further your game. This can be words or objects in the game. Zombieville USA had zombies, Flight Control had airplanes, Glyder had the glider.
3. It has to ‘elevator pitch’ friendly – this relates to the 1st one on this list. The more people can easily explain your app the less time it takes for them to decide if they like it or not.
4. 2d gameplay is most recommended – due to size of the screen and the mobility of the device, it helps to have a game environment that has minimal reorientation time. 3d games require more time to get to the state of play.
5. The game has to revolve around a single (or two) concept only – Most users use the game apps as time wasters and won’t want to ‘think’ about the game.
6. Novelty is good. iBeer, iDare, Ouch! all revolves around things that are quite exciting to try.
7. Do not use non-simplistic words in your title. While it might be cool to use Incendiary or Scorch. Try using Flames or Fire(if its not too crowded). they are much more commonly used hence browsing users are able to understand your game more quickly.
8. Design the experience for an interrupt-heavy sessions. No long-winded dialogues, cutscenes, or non-controllable periods. Users has to have the option of pausing, or quitting the game as often and as quickly as possible.
9. Substance – if possible have the game offer real world value or uses (even if its just a percieved one, like in Idiot test).
10. Polish is important – sweat the details and it will reward you exponentially, by leaving players a pleasant and comfortable experience.
11. Have visual clarity – the game has to be easily understood just by its title+screenshots. And if possible have an art style that is not generic but not too radical.

These are just based off of my personal observation using the iPhone and trying out EVERY notable games and analyzing successes in the later charts. If i missed some more important points, let me know.