App Reviews

[qpawn]

Originally Posted by Calvini

Thanks for sharing qpawn. I'm probably going to be posting something in the upcoming games thread quite soon. Hopefully it'll garner some interest prior to releasing the game. I'd like to invite you guys to check it out once I have something to show.
...
Did you guys create your upcoming games thread before submitting your game to apple?

We created a thread with a sneak peek trailer and game details a little over a month before we submitted.

[Calvini]

Originally Posted by Blackharon

You also have to have at least one app already on the app store.

Ah, that's probably why I can't get in.

Does anyone else know if there are other forums out there that are similar to Touch Arcades developer's corner?

I'm trying to find other websites similar to Touch Arcade, where I could promote my game on their "Upcoming games" forum.

[pat3ck]

I would suggest if you could contact a number of app review sites. Here's a list of different app review sites: http://maniacdev.com/2012/05/ios-app-review-sites/

Make sure you pitch your app well so that they'll consider it for review.

Hope it helps!

[FlowStudioGames]

I have recently published on our blog couple of tips gathered from 3 interviews with games reviewers. Maybe you find it useful:

1. Be sure you offer the right information to the right journalist. Do some research and contact only those who are covering your business. Don't expect response. If your topic is interesting the journalist covers it often without contacting you back.

2. The first 5 seconds are essential to get the journalist to pay attention to your message, so put some extra effort to email subject and the first sentence of text. This is a one time chance.

3. Press releases and emails should be localized in journalist's language with his/her name in the greeting. Don't be lazy and get your press release translated!

4. Be very, very brief, a few sentences are usually enough to deliver the key message. The maximum text length should be three paragraphs, also avoid PR bullshit (“We are the one and only, best, great, epic story, etc.”).

5. No image attachments, please! 2 Mb pictures will definitely get you on a spam list. Add only a link to your website gallery or attach one small low-res image if it is essential to communicate some features of your product.

6. No press releases in PDFs! The best way is to insert your press release to email body or to send it as Unformatted Word document. Journalists won't be impressed by even the most creative and colorful Word template. They've already seen (almost) everything. And they need good information, not coloring book.

7. If you are iOS developer and you have a paid app, use redeemco.de to distribute promo codes. Only the most desperate journalists will ask you for a code. Save their precious time and send the link for instant promo code download right away.

GOOD TO KNOW

Journalists are looking for trends. If you fit into a trend, tell them. Journalists are looking for interesting people. So, if you've done something interesting, something that is really worth reading, tell them.

Journalists are looking for interesting stories. So, if your app is being used by American Idol, tell them. You may also try to create truly interesting story, find some unusual connection, create anything unique.

If you can tell the journalist something interesting about the marketplace / the pond you're swimming in, it will definitely make you more interesting.

Passion goes a long way. Persistence helps, but there's a line. If you push too hard you might get blocked.