App games have changed the way we interact with our smartphones and tablets, transforming moments of boredom into opportunities for engagement and entertainment.
These games, which range from simple puzzles to complex simulations, engage millions of people every day.
The app games don’t owe their success solely to fun gameplay. They allow creators to tap into a booming market, making them an appealing opportunity for both experienced developers and those new to the field. In this guide, we’re going to walk you through various tips and tricks for making your own gaming app without any coding knowledge.
App Game Creation: Average Time & Cost To Build A Great App Game
When you consider developing an app, one of the first questions that arises is, “How much time and money will it take?” As you might expect, the answer varies based on your chosen approach—whether you build it yourself or pay an app developer. If you go with an app developer, you might have to consider developer productivity. It measures the efficiency and effectiveness with which software developers can complete their tasks
Professional App Development – Estimated Time and Price
Hiring a professional developer or a team to build your app game can ensure a polished final product tailored to your vision. They bring expertise in design, user experience, and technical execution, ensuring your game stands out in a crowded market. However, this approach often comes with a higher price and longer development time.
On average, a custom game developed from scratch can take anywhere from three to six months, depending on the complexity and features. Simple games, on average, take up to four months, while the estimated time for complex app development can be over nine months.
The cost can range from $20,000 for a basic game to $80,000 or more for a more intricate and detailed game. These costs account for design, development, testing, and launch.
DIY No-Code App Creation
Opting for a no-code platform to create your game app is a more affordable and less time-consuming option. These platforms are designed to be user-friendly, allowing even those without a technical background to bring their game ideas to life.
Typically, a no-code platform can reduce the development time to a few weeks or even days, depending on how quickly you can design and test your game. The cost is significantly lower, with many platforms offering subscription-based pricing starting at $20/month or one-time fees ranging from $100 to $1,000, depending on the platform’s capabilities and features.
How To Make An App Game With No Coding: 8 Steps To Make It Happen
By following these steps, you can navigate the world of no-code game development with confidence and bring your game idea to life:
1. Ideation and Market Research
Every great game was, at first, a compelling idea. Before diving into the design and development, take a moment to brainstorm and solidify your game’s concept. Consider what’s trending in the app stores and identify a niche or gap your game could fill. Also, be aware of the rising trend of gamification in the consumer web3 space, which offers new avenues for engagement and monetization.
Remember, the most successful games often bring a unique twist or innovative mechanic. Research competitors and think about how your game will stand out.
2. Selecting a No-Code Development Tool
Platforms like Gamify, Gizmo, GameMaker Studio 2, Unity, and GameSalad offer robust game-making capabilities without coding. Evaluate each platform based on features, user-friendliness, pricing, and the support it provides regarding tutorials and community forums to find the best fit for your project. For those looking to connect with a broader community of developers and gain insights, consider checking out some online communities for software developers to join and potentially broaden your network.
3. Decide on the Game’s Dimension: 2D or 3D
The choice between 2D and 3D will significantly impact your game’s design and the player experience. While 3D games offer depth, realism, and immersive environments, 2D games can also captivate with simplicity, artistry, and often lower development demands. Consider your game’s storyline, intended audience, and the capabilities of your chosen development tool when opting for 2D or 3D.
4. Choose Your Game’s Platform
Decide where your game will be available because its platform determines its potential audience. While Android dominates the global market share, iOS users often showcase higher engagement rates.
If you’re aiming for a broader audience, consider cross-platform development, but be prepared for the challenges it brings, such as ensuring consistent performance across different devices and operating systems.
5. Template Selection
Templates are the basic structure on top of which you can build your game. They provide foundational mechanics, level designs, and sometimes even narratives. When selecting a template, ensure it aligns closely with your game’s concept to minimize extensive modifications. A well-chosen template can save you time and provide a solid base for further customization.
6. Customization and Personal Touch
Once you’ve selected a template, it’s time to make it your own. While templates provide a foundation, your game’s unique elements—a novel gameplay mechanic, captivating storyline, or standout visuals—will set it apart.
Invest time in refining character designs, level layouts, and soundscapes. Customize the game’s visuals, including logos, color schemes, and assets. This step ensures your game stands out and resonates with your target audience. Also, these personalized touches often transform a good game into a great one. Stay on top of popular web design trends to ensure your game’s design is current.
7. Publishing Your Game
After all the hard work, it’s time to share your game with the world, but before hitting that ‘publish’ button, ensure you’ve adhered to all guidelines set by the app stores.
No-code platforms typically offer straightforward publishing options to various app stores and platforms. Consider factors like optimal release times, regional preferences, and potential monetization strategies. A smooth launch can set a positive trajectory for your game’s success.
8. Promotion and Monitoring
Once your game is live, the journey doesn’t end—this is where the real work begins. Promote your game using social media, influencer partnerships, and other channels to increase visibility and attract players. Sending them online invitations would come in handy. Utilize built-in analytics tools in your no-code platform to track performance, user engagement, and other vital metrics.
If you’re considering integrating a business intelligence (BI) tool to analyze your game’s performance further, ensure you consider key criteria before making a decision. Gather player feedback, and be ready to iterate. Regular updates, bug fixes, and new content can keep players engaged and attract new ones.
No Code App Creation: Hiring A Developer vs. Doing It Yourself
Choosing between hiring a developer and DIY no-code app creation is a significant decision. You can select the option that aligns with your goals and resources by weighing the pros and cons. If you’re wondering whether or not a single person can handle the entire app development journey, consider the pros and cons of individual app development.
The Pros of DIY No-Code App Creation
- Cost-effectiveness: Using a no-code platform is more affordable than hiring a developer, primarily for simpler apps.
- Quick turnaround: With pre-built templates and drag-and-drop features, you can develop and launch an app much quicker than a developer who builds it from scratch.
- Full control: DIY means you have complete control over every aspect of the app, from design to functionality, without having to communicate your vision to a third party.
- Flexibility: No-code platforms often allow for easy updates and iterations, allowing you to swiftly adapt to user feedback.
- Learning experience: Even without coding, these platforms can offer valuable insights into the app development process.
- Scalability: Many no-code platforms offer tools and features that allow your app to grow and evolve as your user base expands.
The Cons Of DIY No-Code App Creation
- Limited complexity: No-code platforms might not support highly complex app functionalities or custom features.
- Generic results: With many users leveraging the same templates and tools, your app might be similar to other DIY apps on the market.
- Performance issues: Some no-code apps have slower load times and more bugs than “traditionally” developed apps.
- Long-term viability: As your app grows and needs more advanced features, you might outgrow the capabilities of a no-code platform.
- Dependency: You’re reliant on the platform’s continued support and updates. If the platform shuts down or changes its policies, it could impact your app.
Deploying Your App Game: How To Host And Maintain Your App
Once your app game is developed, the following steps are hosting and maintenance. Deploying your game ensures it’s accessible to users worldwide, while regular maintenance guarantees a seamless gaming experience.
Key Tips for Hosting and Maintaining Your App Game
- Choose a reliable hosting provider: Opt for hosting services known for their uptime, speed, and security. Providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure are popular for their reliability and scalability.
- Regular updates: Keep your game updated with fresh content, bug fixes, and performance improvements to enhance user experience and encourage players to revisit your game.
- Monitor user feedback: Actively monitor reviews on app stores. Addressing user concerns promptly will lead to better ratings and increased trust.
- Backup regularly: Ensure you have regular backups to protect against data loss due to unexpected issues or server failures.
- Optimize for different devices: Responsive design ensures your game performs well across various devices and screen sizes. Additionally, consider translation and localization software to make your game accessible and appealing to a global audience.
- Invest in security: Protect your users and your game’s integrity by implementing robust security measures: encryption, secure coding practices, and vulnerability assessments. Understanding concepts like authorization ensures user data protection and manages user roles within your app.
- Cost management: Monitor your hosting expenses and optimize based on usage. Many hosting providers offer tools to track and manage costs, ensuring you only pay for what you use.
App Game FAQs
How Much Does It Cost To Make A Game App?
The cost of a game app can vary between $20,000 for simple game apps and $80,000 for complex ones. On average, game app development costs around $44,000.
Factors influencing the cost include the game’s complexity, the platform(s) it’s developed for, the quality of graphics, and whether you’re using a DIY no-code platform or hiring a professional developer.
Is It Expensive To Run An App?
After the initial development, running an app can cost app owners between $250 to $500 per month. It’s also suggested to reserve about 20% of the initial development budget for ongoing maintenance.
The cost to operate an app varies based on hosting, upkeep, and periodic updates. While starting might be cost-effective, continuous expenses like server fees and updates can accumulate. With careful planning, you can control these expenses. Monitoring and adjusting user activity is crucial, especially if the app gains more users.
Are App Games Profitable?
Yes, app games can be highly profitable, but their profitability depends on marketing, user engagement, and monetization strategies. You must have a strategy to gain new gamers like what restaurant marketing does to gain new customers.
Some games earn significant revenue through in-app purchases, ads, or premium versions, while others might struggle to break even. The key to profitability lies in understanding your target audience, offering compelling content, and continuously iterating based on feedback and market trends.
What Are Native Apps?
Native apps are built specifically for a particular platform or device, utilizing its native development language. These apps are optimized for their designated platform, offering faster performance and a better user experience than non-native apps.
For instance, a native iOS app is written in Swift or Objective-C and is designed exclusively for Apple devices. In contrast, a native Android app might be developed using Java or Kotlin. Check out this comprehensive guide to creating native apps if you’re interested in diving deeper into the tools and resources you’ll need.
Conclusion
We’ve revealed the complexities of professional app development and the DIY strategy. While hiring an experienced developer has its advantages, the app production environment has transformed, allowing individuals to take the wheel.
