tapsteroids: development tips - code, graphics and marketing
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Tapsteroids: development tips
Code, graphics and marketing
UNAgames
http://www.unagames.com
Game engine design
Game & engine
Custom C++ game engine (Component Based Entity System)
Languages:C++
Objective C
Core libraries:Cocos2d-iPhone
OpenGL
Box2D (http://www.unagames.com/blog/daniele/2010/06/fixed-time-step-implementation-box2d)
OpenAL
Assets & tools
Open source:Audacity
Blender
Gimp
Inkscape
Customs:AtlasBuilder
Automated asset pipeline
(http://www.unagames.com/blog/daniele/2010/04/video-game-asset-pipeline-cmake)
Component Based
Entity System
CBES in Tapsteroids
Entities in Tapsteroids
newMissileTargetBuoy ()
Graphics & details
Problems with sprites
All graphic elements have little dimensions in px
Game is a fast tapping shooter
Player uses his peripheral vision
For a good user experience:Player must distinguish key elements of the gameplay at a glance
create BIG, render little
First & Last
Asteroids shape & color
Asteroids shape & color
Deeper holes to create a chiaroscuro effect
Uniformed colors to give an homogeneous look
Rough surface to emphasize lights and shadows
Enlarged sizes (16, 20, 24 -> 18, 21, 24; 20)
Animation & 3-point light
Animation & 3-point light
Uniformed style and color of the fleet
Gave a roll movement to all elements
Added blinking red lights
3-point lightning system (key, fill, rim)
Icy effect to asteroids
Bright colors to dangerous asteroids
Enlarged sizes (18, 21, 24 -> 18, 24, 30)
Additive halo to spaceships
3-Point Lightning
Sprites evolution
Tips
Create a guideline with a homogeneous style
Use vector graphics whenever it is possible
Proceed step by step and work in very close contact with developers
Use friends as testers without giving them hints
Enjoy!
Past & future
New & Noteworthy (Games US, 2011-09-03)
New & Noteworthy (Arcade IT, 2011-09-03)
Reviews
148Apps.com
AppAdvice.com
iPhoneItalia.com
iSpazio.net
CrazyMikesApps.com
NineOverTen.com
iPhoneAppCaffe.com
Multiplayer.it
...
Rankings
Source: iTunes Connect
Paid vs Free
Up to: 2012-10-18; Source: iTunes Connect
Original vs Pirated
Up to: 2012-10-18; Source: custom analytics
Geographical distribution
Up to: 2012-10-18; Source: iTunes Connect
Tapsteroids as F2P
Doesn't fit the F2P business model: no consumable items!
We don't want a lite + IAP freemium solution.
...advertising...
We want to monetize all user-base, but better than using ad-banners.
Advertising made useful...Score multiplier...
Extra life!
Thanks!
UNAgameshttp://www.unagames.com
Daniele [email protected]@UNA_daniele
Erika [email protected]@UNA_erika