Need pricing advice

Can you define Tier1/Tier2?

My general rule is that for games that are 'silly' -- stickmen game, fart apps, games with general mass market appeal, you should price very low, if not $0.99. If I just want a quick fix or want to try some zany concept, I don't want to pay much more than 99 cents.

For games that require thinking/strategy, you can charge higher prices because the type of person that plays those games is probably more mature, and willing to accept a higher price. The example I like to use are the "Rogue-likes" on the app store: Rogue Touch and Sword of Fargoal. The 'type' of person likely to purchase that game is more likely to accept a higher price point. Both of these games have done relatively well, but would probably not benefit significantly from having a lower pricepoint. These games are also more niche, meaning you don't really have a choice.

 

For a game like yours, I suggest tier 2.

 

I would agree with $1.99; it will also give you some pricing room. If you start at 0.99, you can never go lower.

 

That's a pretty insightful analysis. As you note, the core audience for retro games like Rogue Touch and Sword of Fargoal tends to be older, have more money, and be more willing to spend an extra buck or two for something that will last them a very long time. Not to say that these games are only for people who played them in the 1980's as teens! I personally know of people from age 10 to pushing 70 years old that are playing, based on e-mails and forum comments.

The people who enjoy these sort of games are definitely limited in number, so lower prices would simply mean less money made. You would never hit that critical mass to go up the charts and stay there. So Jeff, Paul, and I certainly would never get rich with games like these, but can find a moderate level of success that makes us keep trying harder for the next update and next game

Either way, I recommend never starting at 99 cents if you've got any sort of decent game. There's no headroom if you need to make a price adjustment. Free is not an option if you've put a lot of time and money into something.

 

If you think your game has mass market appeal, price it at 99c and *HOPE* you get in the top 100. If your game is a bit more "niche" oriented(which I think your game is), then price it higher(1.99 or 2.99) and slowly build sales. You'll probably never reach the top 100, but over time you'll create a solid user base that'll buy sequels and any IAP that you provide.

For more info, read this post by Marco Arment: http://www.marco.org/208454730

PS: I think your game looks awesome, especially since the iPhone is really well suited to turn-based games. I've actually thought about making a turn-based driving game, but never got nearly as far as you got

 

Agreed.

 

99 Cents

First post =P
Anyway, I would do this:

Free version: Includes 1 map and no multiplayer. Thats it. This will get people to think about buying the game. Everyone relays on graphics and not gameplay. Its quite sad, but it is true.

Second. Make a 99 cent version. The game doesn't look like it will cut the 2 dollars. But hell, you managed to make a game? And who knows, it might be another big hit!

 

This coming from a guy named 99CentApps ;P. I think the forum user dollar99Apps would disagree with you.