Mobile Game Development for Beginners: Code, Design, Launch. A Step-by-Step Guide to Developing Mobile Games

By Tom Lesley

Mobile Game Development for Beginners: Code, Design, Launch is a comprehensive guide to developing mobile games from scratch, even if you have no prior experience in game development. With step-by-step instructions and practical examples, this book takes you through the entire process of creating a mobile game, from choosing a game engine and designing the game mechanics to coding the game and launching it on the app store.

 

In Part 1, you will learn about the different mobile platforms and tools needed for mobile game development, as well as an introduction to the programming languages commonly used in the industry. Part 2 covers the game design process, including brainstorming, prototyping, and user interface design. Part 3 dives into the coding process and programming concepts, with examples of how to implement game mechanics and optimize code for performance. Finally, Part 4 provides guidance on launching and marketing your mobile game, including the app store submission process, marketing strategies, and monetization models.

 

Whether you are a hobbyist or aspiring game developer, Mobile Game Development for Beginners: Code, Design, Launch provides a practical and accessible approach to creating mobile games that users will love. With this book, you will gain the knowledge and skills to turn your ideas into a reality and launch your own successful mobile game.

• Language: English
• Publisher: May Reads
• Release date: Apr 19, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224651801

Book preview

Tom Lesley

Table of Content

Introduction:

  Explanation of the importance of mobile games and how they have become an integral part of our daily lives.

  Overview of the book’s content and structure.

Part 1: Getting Started with Mobile Game Development

  Explanation of the different mobile platforms (iOS, Android) and their market shares.

  Overview of the tools needed for mobile game development, including game engines and development environments.

  Introduction to the programming languages used for mobile game development, including Java, C++, and Swift.

Chapter 1: Choosing a Game Engine

  Overview of popular game engines for mobile game development, including Unity, Unreal Engine, and Godot.

  Comparison of the features, strengths, and weaknesses of each engine.

  Explanation of how to download and set up the chosen game engine.

Chapter 2: Understanding Game Mechanics

  Explanation of what game mechanics are and how they work.

  Overview of different game mechanics commonly used in mobile games, such as physics, collisions, and AI.

  Examples of how to implement these mechanics in the chosen game engine.

Part 2: Designing Mobile Games

  Explanation of the importance of game design and its impact on the success of a mobile game.

  Overview of the game design process, including brainstorming, prototyping, and playtesting.

Chapter 3: Brainstorming Game Ideas

  Explanation of how to generate and evaluate game ideas.

  Tips for finding inspiration and coming up with unique ideas.

  Examples of successful mobile games and their core mechanics.

Chapter 4: Prototyping Your Game

  Explanation of how to create a simple prototype using the chosen game engine.

  Tips for iterating and refining your game idea based on user feedback.

  Examples of successful mobile games and their prototyping process.

Chapter 5: User Interface Design

  Explanation of the importance of user interface design in mobile games.

  Overview of different UI elements commonly used in mobile games, such as menus, buttons, and HUDs.

  Examples of how to design and implement these elements in the chosen game engine.

Part 3: Coding Mobile Games

  Explanation of the coding process and how it relates to game design.

  Overview of programming concepts and how they apply to mobile game development.

Chapter 6: Introduction to Programming

  Explanation of programming concepts such as variables, data types, and functions.

  Overview of the programming language used in the chosen game engine.

  Examples of basic programming tasks in the chosen game engine.

Chapter 7: Implementing Game Mechanics

  Explanation of how to implement game mechanics in the chosen game engine.

  Examples of common game mechanics and how to code them.

  Tips for optimizing code for performance.

Chapter 8: Debugging and Troubleshooting

  Explanation of the debugging process and how to identify and fix common issues in mobile game development.

  Overview of debugging tools and techniques.

  Examples of common errors and how to fix them.

Part 4: Launching Mobile Games

  Explanation of the importance of launching and marketing your mobile game.

  Overview of the app store submission process and requirements.

Chapter 9: App Store Submission

  Explanation of the app store submission process.

  Overview of the requirements for submitting a mobile game to the app store.

  Tips for optimizing your app store listing.

Chapter 10: Marketing and Monetization

  Explanation of the different marketing strategies for mobile games, including social media, influencer marketing, and paid advertising.

  Overview of different monetization models, such as in-app purchases, subscriptions, and ads.

  Examples of successful mobile games and their marketing and monetization strategies.

Conclusion

Introduction

Explanation of the importance of mobile games and how they have become an integral part of our daily lives.

Mobile games have become an integral part of our daily lives, and their importance cannot be overstated. They are not just a source of entertainment, but also a means of socializing, learning, and relaxing. In today's fast-paced world, where people are constantly on the go, mobile games provide a convenient and accessible way to pass the time and stay connected with others.

One of the key reasons why mobile games are so important is their ability to reach a wide and diverse audience. Mobile devices are ubiquitous, and almost everyone has a smartphone or tablet. This means that mobile games have the potential to reach millions of people around the world, regardless of their age, gender, or location.

Mobile games also provide an opportunity for creativity and self-expression. Game developers can create immersive and engaging experiences that allow players to explore new worlds, solve puzzles, or engage in strategic battles. At the same time, players can express their personality and identity through their choice of games and game avatars.

In addition, mobile games are a powerful tool for learning and education. Educational games can be used to teach everything from math and science to history and languages. They can be designed to engage and motivate learners, and to reinforce key concepts in a fun and interactive way.

Finally, mobile games provide a much-needed break from the stresses and demands of daily life. They allow us to escape into a different world, to relax and unwind, and to recharge our batteries. In this way, mobile games play an important role in promoting mental health and well-being.

In summary, mobile games are an important and integral part of our daily lives, providing entertainment, socialization, learning, creativity, and relaxation. As the mobile gaming industry continues to grow and evolve, it is clear that mobile games will continue to play an increasingly important role in our lives, connecting us with each other and the world around us in new and exciting ways.

Overview of the book’s content and structure.

Mobile Game Development for Beginners: Code, Design, Launch is structured to take the reader through the entire process of creating a mobile game, from concept to launch. The book is divided into four parts, each with its own set of chapters that build upon the previous ones to provide a comprehensive guide to game development.

Part 1: Getting Started introduces the reader to the world of mobile game development. This part covers topics such as the mobile gaming landscape, different mobile platforms, game engines, and programming languages. The chapters in this part are designed to provide a foundation for the rest of the book and give readers an overview of the tools and technologies needed to create a mobile game.

Part 2: Game Design covers the process of creating a game concept and designing the game mechanics. This part covers topics such as game ideation, storyboarding, character and environment design, and user interface design. The chapters in this part are designed to give readers a solid understanding of game design principles and the process of creating a compelling and engaging game.

Part 3: Coding the Game dives into the programming process and covers essential programming concepts such as game mechanics, game physics, and optimization for performance. The chapters in this part are designed to teach readers the practical skills needed to create a mobile game using popular programming languages and game engines.

Part 4: Launching and Marketing the Game covers the process of launching a mobile game on the app store, marketing strategies, and monetization models. The chapters in this part are designed to help readers understand the app store submission process, create a marketing plan for their game, and choose the best monetization model for their game.

Throughout the book, readers will find practical examples and step-by-step instructions that guide them through the process of creating a mobile game. The book also includes exercises and quizzes to reinforce key concepts and ensure that readers have a thorough understanding of the material.

By the end of the book, readers will have the knowledge and skills needed to create a mobile game from scratch and launch it on the app store. Mobile Game Development for Beginners: Code, Design, Launch is an essential guide for anyone interested in creating mobile games, whether they are beginners or experienced developers looking to learn new skills.

Part 1: Getting Started with Mobile Game Development

Explanation of the different mobile platforms (iOS, Android) and their market shares.

When it comes to mobile gaming, two main platforms dominate the market: iOS and Android. While both platforms have similarities, there are also significant differences in their market shares, user demographics, and technical specifications.

iOS is the operating system used on Apple's mobile devices, such as the iPhone and iPad. iOS devices are known for their high-quality hardware, user-friendly interface, and emphasis on security and privacy. iOS devices are popular among high-income and tech-savvy users, making them a lucrative market for game developers.

According to recent statistics, iOS currently has a global market share of around 23%. While this is a relatively small share compared to Android, iOS users tend to be more engaged and willing to spend money on mobile games. In fact, the average revenue per