Answers to Common Questions or How Come I'm Not Rich Yet?

[Sinecure Industries]

I don't know if anyone has even noticed but I haven't been posting nearly as much as I used to, and every time I wander into the developer forums it seems to be the same standard topics. Maybe we should make a developer forum wiki/ FAQ to curb them? Just a thought.

Here's the list:

1. How do I make an iPhone/iPad game?
2. How do I market my app?
3. How do I make more sales?
4. How or Where can I get my app reviewed?
5. How do I do a PR?

Answers:
1. Objective-C or an engine such as Unity or Game Salad. If you don't know what those are, drop by your local bookstore, there are tons of books on programming for the iPhone. If you want to hire a developer, there is a specific forum for that.

2. Any way you can. In your signature here, on Twitter, on Facebook, request reviews from sites, make a trailer/gameplay video, release a press release. Even making a thread and giving out promo codes (not a random, have people PM you and politely ask them to review it) is a step in the right direction. Ask yourself how you hear about apps!

3. See #2. If the response to that was bad, you either need to update/retool your game or start over wih a new game. Not ever game is a hit and not ever hit starts out that way.

4. Just about anywhere, but you have to ask. Check out www.gotoats.org for a pretty sizable list. Just because you don't hear back right away isn't a bad sign. Try to contact review sites about previewing your game, you'll get one eventually.

5. Prmac.com is cheap, but it's the quality of your review that counts. There is a ton of info out there on writing interesting copy

There. Feel free to add stuff and I'll out it in!

[moidoka]

4. Just about anywhere, but you have to ask. Check out www.gotoats.com for a pretty sizable list. Just because you don't hear back right away isn't a bad sign. Try to contact review sites about previewing your game, you'll get one eventually.
Hi, you might want to fix the URL, it's actually www.gotoats.org (http://www.gotoats.org).

[Sinecure Industries]

Hi, you might want to fix the URL, it's actually www.gotoats.org (http://www.gotoats.org).

Fixed, thanks.

[Registeel]

Is there any free game makers? I know Unity has an free trial, but do you need to pay, and how much??


1. Whats the cheapest game creater
2. What's the best to start off with, 2D or 3D game making..

[soggy]

Is there any free game makers? I know Unity has an free trial, but do you need to pay, and how much??


1. Whats the cheapest game creater
2. What's the best to start off with, 2D or 3D game making..

would like to know this as well

[polyfonken]

2. What's the best to start off with, 2D or 3D game making..

Everything is dependent on the original game idea – if it's a 2D puzzle, don't bother with 3D. In case it's a 3D exploration game, here's hoping you have a good 3D team, proper programmers and some idea for the controls that doesn't involve virtual d-pads. And if you are asking because you have no idea of the game yet, there's no reason to choose one over the other just yet, just remember that making a good-looking 3D game is much harder and requires a wider skill set than a 2D one, and usually controls in 3D games end up being harder for the average user.

[Deth4U2]

would like to know this as well

Cocos2D is free and open source.

[OneEye]

6. Will I get rich off my App?

Answer

6. A majority of Apps don't make back the cost of creating them. Some people have gotten rich from their apps, just like some people get rich in the stock market or sign big contracts after getting drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft. Even with a solid app, don't expect the money to roll in - ie don't quit your day job (or stop training for the NFL).