AppStore Release timing

Discussion in 'Public Game Developers Forum' started by Columbo, Sep 13, 2014.

  1. Columbo

    Columbo Well-Known Member

    Sep 1, 2014
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    We're gearing up to release our app very soon. I wondered if anyone had any experience with respect to timing the release.

    I'd be interested to hear any opinions about the right time of year, or the right day of the week.

    However, the particular thing I'm wondering about is whether it's a good idea or a bad idea to release at the same time new devices and OSs come out (iPhone6 and iOS8).
     
  2. Destined

    Destined Well-Known Member

    Aug 11, 2013
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    Probably bad because I imagine some blockbuster games are coming. The only thing I can think of is just avoid the big releases if you can, although it is getting harder too with so many releases.
     
  3. I think it's a bad idea, because Apple will focus big games that take benefit from iPhone6 power and iOS8 features.

    If I could give you an advice, it's to wait for your app to be approved (it can take up to 3 weeks lately with IOS8), then set your release date 1 or 2 weeks after. And during that time send promo codes, go to the forum, make videos, etc. so that the game does not come out of nowhere.

    Anyway good luck!!
     
  4. Columbo

    Columbo Well-Known Member

    Sep 1, 2014
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    In the end, we decided we couldn't wait, and have released worldwide today. Gives us a day or two before news sites are swamped with iOS8 coverage, and a couple more days before the new devices dominate the news.

    iTunes link
     
  5. Destined

    Destined Well-Known Member

    Aug 11, 2013
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    Is there a demo or anything, looks interesting but from screenshots I am not really sure what to expect.
     
  6. psj3809

    psj3809 Moderator

    Jan 13, 2011
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    England
    I would have released midnight on Tuesday (weds) NZ time.

    All the new releases seem 'mostly' to come out late Tuesday night, they always seem to get most coverage
     
  7. NeWa_Studios

    NeWa_Studios Active Member

    Oct 27, 2013
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    We sent our app at a bad time when Apple was preparing to announce the iPhone 6. It took over 2 weeks. It's approved now but it's still not showing up in the App Store :confused:
     
  8. Destined

    Destined Well-Known Member

    Aug 11, 2013
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    Takes up to a day. Doesn't happen immediately.
     
  9. NeWa_Studios

    NeWa_Studios Active Member

    Oct 27, 2013
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    Ha! It took 3 days for me
     
  10. DonKirkland

    DonKirkland Member

    Sep 18, 2014
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    Games Designer & Programmer
    Brisbane, Australia
    Apple do their feature changeover late in the week, and I figure they need a day or two to decide what they're going to feature.

    If they're looking specifically at games that are live, it means the best time to launch is late Tuesday or early Wednesday so you can be hot and new when they're deciding what to feature that's hot and new.
     
  11. Jez Hammond

    Jez Hammond Well-Known Member

    Oct 20, 2012
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    I would imagine the iTC reviewer would put forward any recommendations for being featured.
     
  12. Touchmint

    Touchmint Well-Known Member

    Oct 19, 2011
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    Phoenix
    Anyone know the best times to price drop? Is there a certain time app sites pickup price drops or anything like that?
     
  13. PrototyperGame

    PrototyperGame Active Member

    Sep 21, 2014
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    Congrats!
    From our experience. We should publish ASAP.
    To make sure the build is all stable.
    Pick a more confident date for App Store feature.
     
  14. Benjonesdesign

    Sep 18, 2014
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    Mobile app and games designer
    London, UK
    We definitely learnt from this one! We release at the same time as iPhone 6 release. Had a lot of delays and in the end the market was saturated with new content as well as updates for iOS8, timing really is everything.
     

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