In today's competitive mobile gaming landscape, developing hit games that captivate audiences requires a deep understanding of what makes them tick. As a seasoned game developer with over 13 years of experience, I'm excited to share my blueprint for success, highlighting the importance of research, team collaboration, and creative problem-solving.
As someone who has managed development teams at Kwalee, working on new IPs in the Hybrid Casual space, I've had the privilege of developing hit games such as TENS!, Jetpack Jump, and Draw it. These games have resulted in over 1 billion downloads – a testament to the power of AI-powered mobile apps.
Considering Your Competencies
Before diving into game development, it's essential to consider your competencies and what makes you unique. Avoid getting ahead of yourself by underestimating the challenges of breaking into certain genres. Instead, focus on leveraging your strengths to create games that showcase your passion and creativity.
Ask yourself key questions: Do you understand complex economy balancing? If not, perhaps idle empire mobile games aren't the best fit. Are you able to produce hyper-realistic art at a fast rate? If not, hidden object picture games might be challenging to sustain. Be honest about what you'll need to create to ensure players have enough content to enjoy for weeks, months, and years.
Doing Your Research
Investigating the market is crucial when developing AI-powered mobile apps. Utilize tools like Sensor Tower and Game Refinery to gain insights into player preferences and trends. However, don't rely solely on these tools – play the competition extensively to understand what makes them tick. Break down how games operate, influence player decisions, and manipulate emotions.
Think deeply about why game designers made certain design choices, how they've manipulated your interactions, and which features keep players engaged. This hands-on approach will help you identify opportunities for innovation and improvement.
Focusing Your Efforts
Once you've considered your competencies and done your research, focus on the games you're capable of making. These are likely to be games that excite you, as well as games that show opportunities for newcomers to gain market share. Respect your time and those of your fellow developers – nobody wants to work on a game that players don't want to play.
Be honest about what needs to be true for your initial idea to hold up. Don't go in blindly thinking you'll solve every problem. Instead, question your decisions and prioritize confidence in your creative vision.
Hiring the Right People
Building a team capable of creating hit games requires a keen eye for talent. Look for individuals with a strong work ethic, humility, and a willingness to collaborate. A motivated, enthused, and talented group of people can drive innovation and success – as seen in our own billion-dollar downloads at Kwalee.
Conclusion
Developing successful AI-powered mobile apps requires a combination of creativity, research, and collaboration. By considering your competencies, doing your research, focusing your efforts, and hiring the right people, you'll be well on your way to creating games that captivate audiences. While success is never guaranteed, following this blueprint can optimize your chances of landing a hit – and help hedge your bets.