Hi there, it's been a month since my last post here on my blog. I have so many topic to share here. However I'm pretty much busy nowadays with my thesis. Yes, it's a though life for a final year student like me :p. Anyway, I need your help to fill out my questionnaire here. The questionnaire is about freemium monetization model. Bit leak information, me and my friend are developing a freemium game right now. We're in 'tough' position where it's bit impossible to change about the gameplay for this time. So we decided to make a little research to discover the best combination of freemium element for a free-to-play game. This isn't applied just for our game only but I believe it'll be much helpful for other indie devs too who decided to go with freemium model.
If you're a developer/ publisher want to fill out the questionnaire, that's okay and I really grateful for you. However, I hope you can place yourself as a consumer/ player position here. We try to discover the best free-to-play design element together, and I will share the result once it got at least 100 respondents on this blog also Touch Arcade forum since I ask much help from its community. I don't know how much respond will I got by posting this on my blog, since this is a tiny and bit under radar blog hehe. Well, at least I need to try my best for my thesis. So far, I've got about 70 respondents and more than 50% respondents live in Asia. I wish all of you can help me spread about this news. The deadline will be in December 2015, but it'll be much better if I can get the data asap. Thank you so much for your time.
life is strange review - because life is too complicated to be told
Disclaimer: Since the game is episodic, I'll update the review each new episode comes out. The review here based on PC version.
Life Is Strange - Episode 1: Chrysalis Review
Life is already hard, life is already strange, but it becomes more complicated when suddenly you realized you got a 'gift'. A gift that probably wanted by everyone. Well, at least that was my first thought when I see this game. An eighteen years old girl who has an ability to rewind time. Wow, how cool is that, who doesn't want that :p? I believe if I have that ability, I don't need to study anymore before exam :p. I can fix all of my faults and probably my life won't be like this? Alright, just abandon my crazy opening.
Ah, before I write too far, I'm gonna say if I rarely play games on PC (mostly I play on mobile - iOS) and I don't like to play story driven/ point n click game too much. FYI, I just ever played the first episode of The Walking Dead. In addition, I never played Heavy Rain nor Gone Home before too. So, probably my review here doesn't 'match' enough for you, who already play all of those games and like to compare this game with them.
Life Is Strange - Chrysalis is my first PC game which I play on this year. Well, I sold into this game since my first sight :o, already pre-order the full episodes just after watched the trailer since December 2014. Yes, I'm not lying about that. To be honest, I'm still on exam now and the game just out one day before my exam. So, I decided to download it first, then play it later after exam in the next day and today, I'm gonna write the review why you should try to play this game too.
You're Max, an 18 y.o girl who geek enough to be said. You're a photography enthusiast and you got a scholarship on 'Blackwell Academy'. The story began when you woke up on your class from your extraordinary dreaming, but first let me take a selfie. Wut? No, that's not a joke. Okay, so you made your teacher mad on you and you couldn't answer his question. Oh man... In conclusion, you just made a trouble this morning. Well, let's forget about this... Probably washing your face will helpful to clear your mind too... Yes, may be...
You walked through the class corridor, it's too crowded so put your headset on... You entered the girls bathroom, tore up your photo, then washed your face. When, suddenly... A beautiful blue butterfly flew in and picked up your interest. You decided to take a picture of it, when again suddenly you hear something.... Psst... be quiet, Max. Don't make any noise, keep silent like a ninja. You just wait and hid in the toilet corner and peek a bit to see what's happening and boom... a bullet shot. You showed up and screamed NOOO.... and asdfghjkl, you just woke up again in the class. Repeated the same process. So, what's happening with you?
To make it brief, you Max, you have a power to rewind time and thanks to Nathan who help you to discover that accidentally. Gladly, you choose to help that blue hair girl, though you have no idea who is she at first. Then you meet Chloe, your old friend all of sudden. Both of you will try to reveal a truth what's happening in Arcadia, why Rachel is missing? I'll let your head full with all of those questions for now. However, since it's a story driven game, every choice will have a consequence here. Some may impact your future, some might not. I just wish it'll be impact not just the future on one episode only but will impact the whole episodes too.
The game feels like you're watching a movie and you become the director of it. Though there's already a static script, but you still can change Max's destiny like what you want. Some action require trial and error first before you can use your rewind power. In fact, that's the point, if you already know how you should make a movement, what's the need of rewind power? For example: When you want to take the tools box on the top of washing machine, you just turn on the machine without thinking about the next result. Well, the tools drops onto the floor, but nobody can reach that. So, you should thinking what should you do by rewind the time. You need to push cardboard, then drop the tools box, and take it using the cardboard. Wow, how smart you're, Max.
Unfortunately, things getting more complex when you realized David is Chloe's stepfather. It's been a tough day for you, Max. I can't believe all of this happened on you just in one day only :o. You got to choose here, following the straight rule here or go by your curiosity. Make Max a good kid or a bad one, make her going with her own benefit or help the other one. It's up to you, you're the boss here.
In this first episode not much clue revealed here. Since the game has 5 episodes, I believe more clues will be revealed on the next episode. Sigh, I still need to wait about six week again to play the next one. You know what, there're many question marks stuck inside my head... this, why, what, how... all of them just popped up inside my brain and the severest one is that soundtrack, even I'm sleeping the guitar music just played inside my mind :|.
Okay, in conclusion Life is Strange - Chrysalis is a good opening on the series. I only face one bug here, the repeating voice acting. Thanks to Steam user (forgot his/her username) who mention to change the NVIDIA setting to the high one, I glad the problem was fix. For the graphic, I love how beautiful the lighting were set off, the hand-drawn pictures, cultural pop art style, tumblr style on Max - Chloe's room, and especially how the rewind effect was played. Only one thing I kinda dislike here, the tree looks bit crisp and feels weird on my eyes but since life is strange indeed, what can I say ;). The soundtrack one also the best part among all this time. Two thumbs up for the soundtrack only :p. If you like to listen the soundtrack just click this link on YouTube.
You can purchase Life is Strange - Chrysalis on Steam, PS3, PS4, XBOX 360, and XBOX One. The first episode of the game costs $4.99 and has cheaper price in Asia region about IDR 48.000 only, and lucky me got all the season pass for only IDR 171.000 or about $13.5 ;).
Graphic/ Sounds: 4 out of 5
Gameplay/ Story: 4.5 out of 5
Game Control: 4 out of 5 Replay Value: 4.5 out of 5 (You can replay the game to collect all of the optional photos) Overall: 4.25 out of 5
[opinion] how much actually a mobile game should be priced?
I know this question may sounds weird and unimportant for some people. However, sometimes I'm wondering what's on your mind when you buying a mobile game. Do you always compare the playtime/ quality/ other thing with the money that you spent on it? Or you just let it go and feels like a little way to support indie developer? May be yes, may be no. So actually how much does a mobile game should be cost? Here is my opinion about how much a mobile game (iOS/ Android) should be priced.
First, let's see how much in average a PC game cost.. Five until ten dollars. Then, see how much a mobile game cost in average... one until two dollars. Actually I don't see any difference why the mobile games are being so cheap in price? I believe the development cost may cheaper than a PC game did, but while we talk about effort, doesn't it feel same? The value (not money) but the game's soul, the heart which given by the developer on it. However, still most of mobile user think if a mobile game which cost more than two dollars is too expensive. That's why I'm wondering how much actually a mobile game should be cost. Talk in my point of view, I divided them into 3 kinds of mobile game with how much they should be cost.
First, an usual endless runner or other game with mainstream genre can't be a premium app if there's nothing new from your game. The reason are:
Your game has too many opponents which can be better or worse than yours
Gamer/ people already sick with the same endless runner or those genres, over and over again
You make your game with IAP style related, double or triple kinds of currency, energy, etc
Your game doesn't provide more than 3 kinds of core gameplay. For example: Your endless runner game just focusing on customization, power ups upgrade, and has similar gameplay like Temple Run/ Subway Surfers or other similar runner on the App Store/ Google Play.
I know it's not easy to make any games, but please if you want your game to be success, you should prove it with something better than that.
Now, you make something new with your kind of endless runner game but your game has one new feature only, no more. Except you believe it'll be fun for anyone who play it since the first time, I suggest you not make your game premium. Trust me it won't work so well.
So what's the solution?
Any endless runner game without something really new/ fresh should be free to play (at least for now), to be honest. Except back on my statement above, you trust that your game will engage everyone since their first play, nah you can go with the paid model.
If I made it free to play. How can I get the money?
You can add some IAP or put ads inside. To be honest, I got a project too from my school and we like to make such kind of action platformer game for mobile. I won't make the game endless, but I try to make it level based. Then I just realized if the game can be completed in one hour or less (since not many levels on it), probably there's no more reason for people to back and play it.
Then before I continue I want to ask a you a question, what's the reason behind a developer make a game beside for money of course?
Yes, money is the first answer but the second answer is because only with a game we as developer can pour our dream, childhood, fantasy on it. It's same like an artist who loves drawing, carving, etc. The developers are same. When you're not a full time developer, sharing your fun with others is more wonderful than how much money you got from it in actual.
So how can you make any money from your game?
In this case, I'll answer based on my project. Currently I plan to make it free with optional IAP to remove ads and unlock more levels in the future update. Why don't I make it as a paid game?
Being indie especially if you're new into this world (Google Play) is so hard. There's already built a high barrier with thorn surrounding it, and they feel like saying if your game will be overlooked. Sure nobody wants that, but anticipation is better than regret in the next days. That's why the easy way right now is giving people chance to try out your game for free. Most of game developers also a gamer, just see it from gamer's point of view and imagine if you're got an offer from a stranger developer which you never hear before. It's different from buying a game from Ubisoft, Square Enix, etc. Right now, we have no name and all we can do just giving out our best to build the player's trust.
Second, a game about experience, feel, and more experimental game should be cost at least $3 or more. Why?
Well, let's take some example: talk about Monument Valley, Spirits of Spring, Botanicula, Unmechanical, etc. All of them are smart games which didn't talk about a game only but sold other aspect like life value, eye pleasure, fun experience, beautiful environment, and other things not just the unlimited replay value. If you feel your game consists of those aspects, there's no need to think twice to price your game more than $3. Why don't price it more than $10?
Hmm, it's quite hard to be answered.... Like what I said above there's stereotype that already built in mobile gamer's mind though not for everyone. Though it's more than a pleasure while knowing iOS gamer has open mind than android user did in actual. While a comic below show that Android users always prefer free games, unlike the iOS one. #Well, I know it just sarcasm picture, though in fact it's kinda true ;) However, mostly developer nowadays is easy to get panic while the sales doesn't go well as they expected.
What should you do then?
Make your game paid on iOS, or free-to-try on Android with IAP to unlock the full version. Don't sold the premium one or it's easier for your game to got pirated on Android platform (iOS too, but harder because you need jailnreak the device). Other way, both (iOS and Android) of your game are using the same method (free-to-try). However, please make sure if you gave the core play of the game that was not a silly teaser only. The free levels should represent the prolog, gave the tickle feeling before player can reach the main story or it won't work.
Most of developers made a wrong thing, playing 3-5 levels of games which feels like a tutorial doesn't enough to encourage us for buying the full game. Make your teaser levels appealing enough for player to know more about your game, don't make them stop because they think the game is suck, too easy, too hard, or uninteresting. If you confidence enough with your game, just go with premium version only, but like my first said, please make sure if you have take the right decision; spread the word about your game, spent your promo codes for press media/ review sites, make a cool gameplay trailer for your game, and keep in touch with your buyer's feedback.
Third, an instabuy game along with a free to pick game
Both of this kind of game are quite easy to be got on the App Store. An instabuy game definitely a game with reliable/ reasonable price all at cost. Basically, the game already has name and is "a worth long-wait game". The developer of the game already smart enough to introduce their game before its released along with all the development stage. So as an 'upcoming' buyer, we already know how much effort they've put into their game. No matter it'll be free to play or paid, the game will definitely got a download.
Before we think about our revenue, let's compare it with the download. The number of download also a significant measure for your game, not just your sales revenue only. Okay, let's abandon what pirate said. They're everywhere, but what you should do is make sure that your game is worth to download and to be waited for, even when you finally decided to use the free-to-play method.
Personally, I like both premium and free games. Free games can be the best option to be played while I have no credits left on my iTunes account. Moreover, I don't need to think twice to download the game while there's no clear information about the game. Just hit the download, play it for 10 or 15 minutes, then decide if I should keep it or delete it. While with a premium game, I have to make sure first if I don't make a wrong decision, because there're so many scam/ fake apps on the App Store too. I should search some information regarding the game, check the site, watch the trailer, etc. Though, of course you can ask for a refund if you don't like the app. Hope this help, if any of you have other opinion about this, let me know in the comment section :)
No credit card? Check, No PayPal? Check, No money? Check. Uh... this is so bad, I really want to help a game in KS/ IndieGogo but I don't have those kind of things. What should I do for helping them? Well, I just found Epocu accidentaly while browsing over the internet. Then I found this site is really interesting and helpful for supporting indie developers. Unlike KS or Indiegogo or other similar thing, Epocu is free way to hype upcoming games and test new games concept.
How Does It Works?
In Epocu you can start your own game campaign. However, only game concept and upcoming games which eligible to start a new campaign. In fact, if your game still in alpha/ beta phase, they're valid too. The best thing you can make as many campaign as you like, but remember be responsible! Epocu will allow you to share your game concept for free, if we (as supporter) loves your game concept, we can use the social button to share about your game campaign. The post will be shared once you got 100% supported. How does it counted? Calm down, let me tell you later.
Why You Need Epocu?
Making games require much money. So here in Epocu, you can share your game concept first before decided to work more on it. Well, though the last decision depends on your hand, but by using Epocu you can know what users like, what users dislike. As developer you can also get in touch with us (supporter) by using Disqus comment section. Epocu is an easy way to help you getting early feedback for your game concept/ upcoming games.
Any unreleased game can use Epocu too. For example: Size DOES Matter used Epocu several weeks before the game release worldwide and the campaign got funded. When the campaign got 100% supported on the end of the scheduled date, the supporters will post automatically about the game on their social media page (can be twitter or facebook or tumblr) and it means that you can expect more people will knowing about your through those supporters.
How To Start A Campaign In Epocu?
1. Choose + AddGame button
2. Write your upcoming game title
3. Write brief description about your upcoming game/ game concept 4. Add your game website, can be dev log or official website. You can write it directly or use shortening url service such as bit.ly or goo.gl
5. Upload the 'most eyecatching' image of your game. This will be used as the feature image of your campaign preview 6. Pick your game category (genre)
7. Write your game description. Tell about your game concept (story), key features, what platform your game will be available, status of your game (game concept, early alpha build, or beta build), company history, what you hope from this campaign, etc. Don't forget to add more images (artwork, in-game screenshot (if available), character sketches, etc) along with video of your game progress. Make it brief but clear and easy to understand.
8. Select the minimum number of supporters you want to share your game. Remember be realistic here! You can reach unlimited supporters here no matter what number you choose. 10 is reasonable number for game ideas/ concept, 25-50 is recommended for small game company, 75-100 is suitable for medium size game company, and 200-300 is recommended for large game company. Be careful to choose your number of supporter, always remember if you can reach unlimited supporters here. So please consider it carefully before you choose the number. 9. Schedule your game campaign. I recommend you to end your campaign 3 days until 1 week before your game be released. If you reach the number of supporters you were aiming for, your supporters messages will be shared on social media on that day.
10. Add your personal email, so Epocu can use it to contact you
11. Add your company/ personal twitter account. It's easier for us (supporters) to contact with you
12. That's it. You done. Click publish, but remember you can't edit your campaign once you clicked publish. So read everything carefully, make sure you have wrote everything important inside. It usually took about 2-3 business day for your campaign got approved by Epocu. Please be patient, embed the epocu campaign on your website and share the link to your friends, social media, family, etc. Good luck :)
Disclaimer: I'm not affiliate with Epocu. I wrote this because I care about game development, and I think Epocu is a great way for gamer also developer to support indie games :). More info about Epocu, please click here.
All screenshots were made by me for example purpose only. No copyright related and if there's a copyright, that's the mustache which made by me :p
It might be funny when I talk about this topic, but seriously I'm feeling bad with this kind of label as a gamer. If you take a look into wikipedia or search about 'female gamer' on google, the result comes with; girl gamer was such kind of sex material only. Even there's a difference between girl gamer with gamer girl, which to be true, I don't see any necessary for doing that. I won't post any pictures of that, you can search it by yourself. In fact, I also read if so many people said gaming world needs more women, but what should we do if we're just 'used' as 'sexism symbol' only. Do we want for that? Of course, Not. To make it brief, there're 2 different type of female gamers in this world in my opinion. First, the one who actually play games. Second, the one who only act as a gamer and feeling great because of that.
So, you're asking how about me? I'm playing games, because I like them, I won't say... hey I'm playing games, I'm cool right?... Wut.. I might be crazy drunk if I said like that. I play games a lot, mostly mobile games. Only have few games on my laptop. However, I'm not a console gamer, I even don't have them. Well, to be honest I have the first nintendo console, but never play it more than twice a year... Yes, a year.. so pity right? My mom doesn't allow me, she's afraid I'll become stupid and lazy because of that. So why now I'm playing games? Okay, playing a game is like a love. It's hard to be described and came anytime without notice. Once you fall into it, it's hard to stop, but it's different from drug. You can control love, but not drugs, right? Same, with choose your game style. Alright, back to topic.
I think to be a gamer, we don't need to call ourselves as female gamers just because we are female. We are same, but you know there're so many bi&&&& outside there who took and post her photo, pose by bitting her controller like piece of **** or put it between her 00, think if they're acting like that will attract more guys.... Beeaccch, pleaseee... You made us (the true player) got a new identity (label) as a fake gamer and it suck. WTF.
The worse thing, I ever watched video about female NPC inside games, and it's so pitiful. How can? It showed if most of female inside games who plays as NPC will act as bitches or sexism symbol or toy only. Not just one, two, but so many games having those scenes, where woman as cheap offering pleasure to man. I know if it might part of the story line, but come on.... why female should act like that in most of games? Still, there're so many female characters outside there who are doing greatly, said Tomb Raider Series, Mirror Edge, etc.
Why the disparity between male and female still exist in this world? Do you ever read a meme comic, where the less armor (outfit) that wore by a female character, the more defense she will got.... Funny, but that's the fact especially in MMO games. Actually, I'm bit confused here sometimes I feel bad why so hard for being a female. When we are truly gamer, man said we are fake. Does being a female gamer, we should become a sexy, cute person too? Who made this stereotype? Who is the first person that think being a female gamer can attract more guys? Come on, stop this viewpoint, enough for that!
The last thing, it might happened only twice on me (so far), but may often happened to other female gamer (actual-real female gamer) outside there. What is that? "The capability", well.. most of people think just because we are female, we don't have enough capability for playing games. We just play girly games such as Candy Crush Saga, Cooking Mama, Hay Day, etc. To be honest, when I should wrote about 10 mobile games which was liked by most girls, I should ask to my girl friends one by one, doing a small research on it.
I'm not saying if I never playing those games, but I prefer to play twitchy arcade games such as Boson X, Super Hexagon vibe, etc also puzzle, platformer, and action adventure games. I play other genres too, but not much intensive as those genres which mentioned before. So many female outside there who plays DotA, KF, CoD, HALO, etc and they're great at those games. Actually, what's the definition of gamer? Based on oxford dictionary gamer is, A person who plays a game or games, typically a participant in a computer or role-playing game. However, actually gamer is not someone who playing games in Computer only. There're so many other gaming platform outside there such as handheld games console, console, also mobile and we're deserve to call ourselves as gamer. Not female nor male, everybody is same. Don't that better, than divide us into two part who made high disparity? Let the time answer it.
Few weeks ago, I just shared my opinion about the IAP also opinion about being a mobile gamer. Today's topic may be feel bit silly and unnecessary. However, it keeps bothering me when I saw some silly reviews on the App Store because of stupid reasons.
- One star review just because the game was crash on their iOS device
Come on, everybody know about this. First, please make sure if you've read the app description about the compatibility of the app, either the minimum OS nor the device. Sometimes, it's annoying when Apple doesn't allow the developer to choose which device that can run their apps properly and put it directly on requirement area, not inside the app description. So, when it's not compatible with your device, though you've the minimum OS, you shouldn't be able to install it.
Second problem comes from the app which crash constantly. Have you try to restart your device first? Is that solve the problem? No? Then try to do hard reset on your device. Don't know how to do it? Then you should ask Google or you can check this link. Hey, this problem still exist and I'm so mad because I paid this game for $5. Calm down... Use the app support button to report your problem/ feedback to the developer. Usually, it comes 2x 24 hours for them to respond your email. So, be patient and let them solve your problem. However, if you don't have enough patient and you feel cheated, you might ask for refund. It's easy right, rather than you write your anger on the App Store Review.
FAQ:
Q: It's my right to write any review on the app store based on my personal experience, why you disallow it?
A: No, I'm not. I just want to clarify 2 things. First, does other person face the same problem like you? If not, you can't judge it too soon. Try to solve your own problem first properly before you blame anything in front public. Second, if you don't feel satisfied you might ask for a refund too, so the problem was solved right?and.. nobody incur loss.
Q: Why I shouldn't left a one star review, it will encourage developer to work an update for their game right? They need an honest review from their customer.
A: Yes, that's true. However, let's take a look where does the game comes from. If it comes from your local country, the dev might see all of those reviews, but if not, mostly selected countries only such as US, UK, Canada which will be used as reference for feedbacks. So your effort here just useless. Using the app support is the best option to solve your problem rather than left 1 star review.
Q: If it'll be like that. I don't think I need to left any review on the future.
A: No, you're wrong. Left any review on the app store can give 2 benefits. First, you'll help other people to decide before they purchase that game. Second, it'll improve your writing skill. Okay the second one is optional only, but let's think about other people (developer) who got more purchase because of your review. Don't you feel meritorious lol? Okay, it doesn't mean if you expect anything as reward but you've make some kindness, a real kindness from your heart :P, also you don't need to use English language to write every review on your App Store, just use your main language except if you live on English based country.
Q: So, what should I do when I found any bugs from the app?
A: Use the app support button and report it to the dev. I believe they'll be happy with your feedback and they'll working hard to improve their game.
- 5 Star when it's free (here means no IAP)
Do you ever read this kind of review:
"This game is great, but it forces you to pay after 4 levels to unlock the rest of the game. So, 4 stars only. I'll update it with 5 stars when you made all levels free."
Actually, this is the most weird review I ever read. Seriously, I'm wondering why people keep thinking that every games should be free. Well, I'm too tired to say this one, but I think most of us have been know that make a game ain't easy. It needs a hard work, time dedication, license cost, programming skill, and many more. However, still there're some dumb people who won't give 5 stars because of the game isn't 100% free though actually the game deserve for 5 stars. Is that mean if every game should be free to able get the perfect 5 stars? Are you kidding me? This game contains only one single IAP to unlock the full game, but you still complaint #sigh
On the same time, there's another group of people who dislike IAP or anything that related with freemium aspect. I think it's a hard problem to be solved. May be someday there'll be an better agreement between a freemium and paid aspect on mobile gaming story. I won't to talk about this today because it's too complicated to be discussed X_X
- SCAM SCAM SCAM
Before buy you any game, please check the basic info from the game itself. Apple might not contains as many junk as Google Play does, but that's doesn't mean if there's no SCAM app inside. So you need to be a smart buyer now. Let me give you some tips before purchasing any game.
a. Check the app description, the developer/ publisher, and the screenshots.
Make sure if all of them legit before hit that buy button.
b. Check the app size, if the screenshot looks AAA enough in your eyes.
Do you believe if it'll be only 30 MB or less in size for an AAA game? Hmm, I doubt with the quality if yes... Okay, let's think positive first... It's an online game or the partial data of the game will be downloaded after you installed the game (downloading additional data in the first launch)
c. Check the history of the developer itself by check their previous (published) apps
Also check the developer website will be helpful too. If too many suspicious thing which found inside, the app might be SCAM. So, be careful.
d. Take your own risk by buying the game
If the game was legit... Congratulation for that, if not go report the problem to Apple and tell your problem clearly.
I think it's enough for today. My advice, always be a smart buyer and be a smart gamer. Think first before take the next step :). Have other or different opinion? Sure, don't hesitate to post yours on comment section. See ya on my next post :D
I believe most of us have knowing about what's IAP. IAP or in app purchase definitely not a wrong 'thing'. In my opinion, there's nothing wrong with it. However, time goes on, people might changed and of course IAP too. In beginning, IAP was kind of micro transaction to download additional content from an app only. It also used for premium feature or full access (one time only) unlock, but right now there're so many type of IAP. Here is the list of IAP which might be found nowadays:
IAP for buying more energy (usually freemium, but now there's energy on paid game too)
IAP for buying secondary currency (freemium, paidmium)
IAP for buying costumes (freemium, paidmium)
IAP for buying speed timer (freemium, paidmium)
IAP for removing ads (freemium)
IAP for extra levels (paid and freemium)
IAP for unlocking all levels inside (in a paid game, usually on puzzle/ level based game)
IAP for buying cheat/ hint (freemium, paidmium)
IAP for buying skip level (freemium, paidmium)
IAP for unlocking full game (one time only for full access)
and more will be coming soon (I believe)
Some research said if freemium game gives more profit than premium games. Let's discuss of it from 2 different point of view. First from the developer:
- If that statement was valid, then let's make more freemium game because in fact it can give us (developer) more income than paid game
-------> Here is the rules:
Make a freemium app with ads or bunch of IAP (on free to play system)
Here, there will be a free app with ads banner nor a full screen ads (can be displayed during the gameplay or not. IAP is usually for buying coins, removing ads or secondary currency. It can be used for buying cheat, hint also costumes. Usually, this isn't necessary but once you fall into it... be careful, it can be so addictive. The well example of this game: Boom Beach, Dragon Vale, Temple Run and many more
Make a freemium app with many add-ons that you should buy if you want enjoy the full experience on the game. It's optional only but it's too grindy and need more patient.
This one is used for removing timer or unlocking premium content or unlock all levels. Sometimes it's good but sometimes it can be bad too depends on how the point of view on user. The well example of this freemium game is Smash Hit, the game can be completed without purchasing the IAP, but you can bought IAP to support this awesome developer.
Make a freemium app with ads for gaining energy or secondary currency for free
Ads not bad, sometimes it can be used as tricky trick. If you're afraid because user won't bother to buy the IAP, like on facebook thing, giving a review on the app store and best of all watching 15 seconds of ads video will be used on this kind of freemium game. User should watch ads then they get 1 energy or IAP currency for free or can be movement too (Disco Zoo is a well implemented a freemium game with in-game ads)
Well, as we can see there's nothing bad from IAP but then let's see from user's point of view
--------- We want a paid app without any single IAP. --------- We hate IAP, timer, ads --------- But we like free game --------- When there's a good free(mium) app but it has ads nor IAP inside, user will say..."I wouldn't mind to pay $5 on this game but that ads and IAP ruined it."
Then I'm wondering what should developer do: ====== Solution
Make premium app without any single ads nor IAP
BUT... BUT... Piracy everywhere.... Well, if we talk about piracy... It just too hard to be understood, I don't get it, when they (the one who pirate the game) wish for better and better game, meanwhile they don't want to spend any single penny on it. So, what should developer do?
--------Make a game free with single IAP for unlocking all contents. Right now, I think this one is the easiest solution of it. In the same time, as user we can try the game first, may be for 3-5 levels for free, then we should pay to enjoy the full content; as developer, this method can decrease the piracy on their game. However, will be user definitely buy the IAP on your game? Well, it depends on that user in personal, if they love and enjoy it, of course they will spend more time to play your game but if not, that's the risk. That's why prepare the best for your game. Reveal some power to tease the user on beginning isn't as bad as you might think.
The failure that often happen on some games, the first 5-10 free levels of their game didn't explain/ reveal any interesting thing about the game. It's too similar and didn't give us a "FUN" thing which was necessary for a game.
Back to freemium method, following the rules above... Choose one, yes only one... Don't give us (user) double IAP
If you implement it well, I don't think there's problem for being a freemium game
Some people said, if make premium and freemium version can be the best too
Not just a lite version, but developer can make two different version of their app separately, one for premium one, paid and doesn't have any IAP nor ads inside. Second, make the freemium version of it (can be for ads or other well implemented IAP elements) but always remember, the decision is on your hand, choose the best method of your game, think the best for your game, you, also the one who play your game, (us-gamer).
At first, I might think it's already over.... So basically, 4 kinds of games in general divided by payment (cost) method:
a. FREE Games : No ads, No IAP. Absolutely free. Usually a demo game, university project, introduction game, side project or just the kindness of the developer who make their game free..... My big thanks for you dev, good luck for your next project
b. FREEMIUM Games: An upgrade version of Free game, it has IAP for regular buying (not only one) or ads inside. For example: IAP for buying secondary currency, power-ups, energy refill, etc. Usually, it's consumable IAP.
c. PAID Games: Full experience, there's no disturbing ads, IAP, social integration inside. Some of them uses Game Center or Google Play Games feature and not a social leaderboard. Use Game Center/ Google Play Games integration are better than the social leaderboard.
d. PAIDMIUM Games: A paid game with optional IAP inside, not necessary but it'll make the game become 2x easier. Usually an unlock all levels IAP, some legendary costumes, etc. Of course, we can spent more time on the game to gain them all, this IAP only used by the one who dislike grinding.
The last one is might become a new trend on mobile games...
Okay, basically this is a paid game, but it has unacceptable freemium aspect. Here, you should pay (buy) to play the game first, then if you want to continue playing the game you should pay more on it. It's bit similar like paidmium, but in fact, pay to pay model is greedier than the paidmium games. You can watch the video below (original credit from Appspy.com) for more information.
In conclusion, again... I want to say if I'm not an anti IAP, but when it's went wrong too far, I don't think I can tolerate it more, though it's back to how us (user) face it. As I might said before, mobile gaming is a complicated world.... too many ironic and funny story inside at the same time, it's so complicated too for being a mobile gamer.... May be, if there's a change on mobile games (such as all premium games costs more than $3), more quality games for mobile, equality between PC/ console gamer and mobile gamer, etc then people's perspective on mobile gaming might be changed. Let's see how the mobile gaming goes on.... :) I'm a mobile gamer and someday, I believe there's no difference for being a console/ pc/ mobile gamer... because we are one, we are gamers :)
[opinion] what do you think about being a mobile gamer?
You're a gamer. I'm also a gamer, but what kind of gamer are you? Casual, mid-core or hardcore? Well, I won't talk about that this time. Today I want to share my opinion about being a mobile gamer, start from for buying games pattern on mobile world, basic mobile gamer's think, and more. Since there're so many unpredictable reality happened on gaming world nowadays, I think I need to write and list it all. However, like I said above, my main point here is for mobile gaming since I'm a mobile gamer.
What do you think before purchasing any game? What kind of aspect that decide you to buy any games? Gameplay, price, graphic, description? Okay, those are the main aspects that give you clear reason for buying a game. However, I feel something has been changed... changed so much on mobile gaming world. First reason, why I love mobile gaming because it's easy for me to play any games anywhere, anytime I want from my phone/ tablet. Time after time, mobile gaming grows bigger and better.... until one day... people start thinking about the price of mobile gaming and change the basic stereotype of mobile gaming. From easy access into cheap access. Yes, too many people start thinking that mobile games are always cheap. Well it's a reality when you saw any games on the App Store, mostly of them cost only $0.99 - $9.99 except for Final Fantasy Games and this is my second reason too why I love mobile games.
If you compare it with PC games, mostly of them cost about $4.99 - $59.99 even more. Could mobile games cost that much? Right now, it can... but the ratio of buyer will be 1:5 even less compare with one dollar game. I have seen so many people with a bad judging to mobile games on their mind. The worst thing, after the cheap access stereotype, people start to think that mobile games suck in quality too. Okay, I must admit if mobile games are pretty cheap. With $10, you can get 10 mobile games at once, meanwhile you only got 2 PC games. But, can we erase this stereotype? I hope so.
However, a cheap cost doesn't mean it doesn't meet the quality. Making game ain't easy, also it needs so many cost which aren't cheap enough. Developer needs money for making their games for production, license, programming, art, music, etc, but do we ever think about it? We just know when a developer making mobile games they should make it cheap, at least make it cost not more than a ehmm... 2 bucks.
Fortunately, not everyone thinking like that. Thanks for them, developers who brought quality game such as Oceanhorn,Badland, FTL, Monument Valley, X-Com Enemy Unknown, and more with premium price into mobile platform. Does it success? Yes, it does. How about a quality game which was cheap? Does it success? Yup, but not at all especially when it comes from unknown/ new indie developer. Too many people doubt about game from unknown developer? Should developer get chance? Of course yes. Nah here, the ironic story of being mobile developer begins:
I can say this because I've seen by my eyes so many people write like this into a game from unknown developer on the forum. The game definitely has beautiful appearance and it's really intriguing your eyes, but you said:
- "Wow, the game definitely intriguing my eyes but I don't know the developer. It cost more than a buck too ($2.99). I might waiting until someone TOFTT or may be a price drop. I doubt about this." This is what happen when a mobile games cost more than 2 bucks.
- "Hmm... it's a freemium game. I hope the IAP doesn't ruin it. Anyone here have try this? How about ads? Any ads inside? The game looks cool but I'm afraid it doesn't worth my download." Well, nothing wrong with this sentence okay you might don't have enough data package that's why you said like that. Just look for wifi then try it buddy
- "Anyone here try this game? It might cost a buck only, but it does have IAP inside. I think this will be free soon." This... what happen when a game costs a buck with IAP inside, though the dev have wrote about non-impulsive IAP but nobody care :|
- "Man, the game is so expensive. I'm wondering if it has a quality. How long the game was? I want to buy this but I'm afraid about the short playtime and replay value." and... this what happen when a game cost more than $4 especially when it comes from indie developers
So, what should indie developers do? Okay, they make their game freemium or a buck with some IAP inside, but why? Oh God, I don't think there's another reason for not making their games free after read those comments above. Unfortunately, user blames them.... "What are you thinking?", "F*** you, I won't buy any games from you again." That's why we got so many freemium crap and flappy bird/ threes clones everyday inside the app store. Aren't you sick with all of this? Me...? Since long time ago ]:[ . I have tired with all of them, and more ironic when knowing my friends know about 2048 game but they don't know who's the father of it.. Threes Threes Threes.... This game is 200% better than all of those clones. That's why make it free with ads and IAP are better. Sometimes it so hard for making a paid game. That's why make it free with ads and IAP are better, but user is never satisfied they always blame everything on developer. Developer also human, they need money for their family, they need to life. So, when someone said a game like Monument Valley for being free for a day, I don't know what's on his/her mind. That person said noone will buy a one hour playtime game which was cost $3.99.
Come on, dude.... PC games cost more than that and not few PC games which has a short playtime like MV did too, but are you complaining? No.. right? Back to my statement above. The Stereotype of mobile games are always cheap become worse day by day. From easy access to cheap access now become cheap price for high quality game with AAA graphic, 10 hours gameplay, and wonderful soundtrack.Seriously? Are you kidding me? You expect all of those aspect on a one or two bucks game? Dude, now I ask to you some questions: How much a starbucks coffee cost? It's more than 5 bucks and you pay it happily with no bargain. How long do you need to drink it? One hour :p? How much one beef burger cost? More than $5 and you eat it with no complain. How does it taste? Only last on your mouth for... may be 5-10 minutes long but you're happy because you're full right now. Am I right?
So what's happen with games? Well, when a game meet its quality, no matter how long is it. It will give a sweet deep feeling about its experience. Because a game isn't something for rush, it's a thing for us to be enjoyed. Game is like our life, sometimes it's short but it's sweet, sometimes it's long but it does give pain for the person itself :p. Got it? Okay, I'm not trying make any poem of games. Back to the topic...
In conclusion, back to ourself what we are expecting for mobile gaming in the future? If we don't want to change our point of view from now, mobile gaming world won't be success and it will be full filled of freemium crap and junk clones everyday. Is that what you want? Not, right..? Now the last question: How to change it, how to erase that wrong label of mobile game? Actually, it's easy when we respect the developer, appreciate their project/ work. They will made a good quality games too. Most developers are gamers and I believe they will make their game enjoyable for every gamer who play their games. As developer, you should respect for our feedback too. Open your mind, improve the game by giving regular updates and I believe mobile game can reach console and PC quality class. There's no barrier anymore between mobile games and PC/ Console Games. Being a mobile gamer isn't cheap nor suck. We are gamer, we are same, no matter what platform do we play our games on. We expect for a quality game. Yes, that's it... all about quality.
Have other opinion? Don't hesitate to post your comment below. Also, for the person that I mention above, I don't mean anything to you. I did this because I've been tired about the wrong thought of mobile games. Cheers :)
After talk about the application, let's see from the developer side. I'm quite active on a Mobile Gaming forum and right there, I've observed and learned some pattern about the developer of apps especially games. Here is the list what I expect... no... what us expect from every developer should do for their apps.
A. Introduce your app (games) either it's still early built, almost releases nor released
This might works the best among others. If your game still in early built. Introduce that to us on forum. You might choose popular forum such as TA forum, tigsource forum, etc. Tell us about the progress of the development. Share some pretty nice screenshots, complete it with a teaser trailer and brief description about the gameplay of your game.
If your game near (almost) finished, you can ask some help to test your game ( can be on beta stage). You can use testflight or iPhone Configuration Utility for doing this. Most of iOS beta testers are volunteer. They are kindly give you any help for testing your app especially if your game picked their interest.
Your game already released? Don't be shy. Promote it well on the forum. Some of forum's members is pretty brave to TOFTT. If your game good, you will get good impact but, sorry if your game suck, people will judge it and left it behind. Most senior forum member loves to support developer especially indie, and they who have opened mind to the feedback. Keep in touch with your users is really needed. When your game was reviewed by some sites, esp if it was good... Post it, and include it inside your app description also on your official site. If you're an indie developer submitting your game into a site like indiedb.com can help you to afford and attract more users. If the review that you received isn't as good as you expected, don't be sad... There's might be a mistake from it, learn and improve it... You can do it better in future... Just, don't be give up too early
B. Confused to make your game freemium or paid?
Well, it might be a hard decision for you. Every decision has positive and negative impact. Let's talk about the good one if you make the game freemium; First, people won't think twice to try your game since it's free but it's depends on how bigger the size of your app. Some people also decide to wait until there's another people to try your game and leave his/ her impression about your game. However, don't ever try to paid some people to make some fake reviews about your game or make different account and pretend to be someone else to leave good review about your game (app)... Believe me, it won't work and people will think you suck as a developer.
The bad side by using freemium model is in fact, there're some people who hate IAP so much, they really against IAP. They hate energy, secondary currency, timer, etc. I know developer also human, they need money for life but please make us feel worth spending every single penny for each IAP which we bought from your game. For example: you can make your app free with ads support and an IAP to remove the ads. However, always remember don't put the disturbing ads during the gameplay. I don't mind to play Free-to-play (Freemium) game as long as that's not an Pay-To-Win model.
If your game was an paid app especially if it was higher than a buck, life doesn't go well sometimes. Moreover, if you're new on this field (an unknown indie developer). So, it'll be better for you to giving away 5 until 10 promo codes to some popular posters on the forum or submit your promo codes on popular review sites. Don't post it directly on the forum or you won't get anything that you want (Feedbacks). Give an offer about your promo code might work too, but I recommend you to pick some random posters on the forum (choose the one who has great background, in this case they love to share their opinions about the game, talkative and giving objective score also suggestion for your game)
and the last one....
C. Don't Be Panic Too Soon...!
Seriously, this one is the biggest problem and risk for you developer also for us as gamers (early adopters). Some developers are too easy to be panic especially when their sales didn't go properly. They drop the price of their game too quick, even within a week only after released and it made us (the early adopters) mad because of it. Half of them think if it might be the wise decision, well they just wish the sales goes well after this... They just want to support the developer.
However, not all of them was thinking like that.... They banned those developers and put them into their avoided list. Such a pity story, but it's the reality... Also never try to cheat us by making your game paidmium. This is a big big NO and thing becomes worst, when we're knowing a paid game turns into freemium model with ads inside :(. Come on.... I know your problem dev (piracy, low sales), but at least please respect us, your early adopters too. I don't mind with additional IAP, but made it optional only or at least give us reasons and evidence if we are worth spending another penny for your app (after you switched the app into freemium model). I'll try to give the best solution that might be used to avoid those situation.
My best solution is to make your game free-to-try with single IAP to unlock the rest of your game or make two separate version, the full and the lite one. Though, eventually it depends how do you face it and the most important thing, you need a luck for survive on the App Store nor Google Play.
[opinion] what i've seen from an ios app (games) part i
There're so many new games that released on the App Store also Google Play. Sometimes it's easy to found the hidden gems inside App Store but sometimes not. Today I want to share my opinion as mobile gamer and talk about what kind of games that give the most appeal in my sight. Before you said anything further, this is internet where you're free to post anything in your mind (**as long as it's still respectful). So, all the contents that you read below is pure my opinion.. Just in case, you want to share your comments too, please don't hesitate to post it below this post :)
I. Application - Buying Time
A. The Icon
I think this is the main point which decided if a game will be success or not. An eye catching icon is a must. An icon must give a clear identity about the game. We can clearly know what game is it just by looking on its icon only. I bet all of you must see this first before deciding to learn more about an unknown game that you never seen before. Moreover, I know there're some people who loves to keep the game just because it has beautiful icon only... In addition, they are proud to show and see those icons appear on their home screen.
B. The In-Game Screenshots and Gameplay Video
If you think you'll make someone curious by giving one screenshot only, that's a big big no. Trust me... Well, it might be appealing for some people but not much, especially if the screenshot doesn't explain anything about the gameplay. That's why you need in-game screenshot not the concept art/ in-menu screenshots. That's different, dude... Also you'll need a trailer video and gameplay video. Both need to give teaser for the audience and give a clear sight about how the gameplay will be.
C. The Description
I'm pretty lazy to read some descriptions of the game especially if it's too long. However, it's still a must to give the user a quick glance about your game. You don't need to describe your game until 1000 words, it's unnecessary. All you need to do is make it briefly, list all the features that your game had and don't forget to add good phrase either motto or another great thing which telling about your game. Give some special attention about supported device, IAP information, and background story.
D. The Title
The best title for your game is make your own word to name your game or use max 3 words for naming your game. Don't use too many words (such as: full version, a great arcade game, a good game to test your reflex)... Man, put it on your app description not on the title. Avoid to use popular word because your game will easier to be sunk on the deep... It's not good for beginner
For example: Stubies, Tengami, Pivvot, Oceanhorn are great examples for one word title.
Make an eye catching title-sentence like: Continue?9876543210, They Need To Be Feed, In Fear I Trust. They are good too.
If you create a sequel, giving number behind the title is acceptable too. Such as Modern Combat 4, Temple Run 2 A big no title: Love Candy Saga- An addictive free match-3 game with different twist Run, Fly, Jump! - nah though this feels better than the first one, but it's too common and people won't interest on it. Flappy Bee, Flappy Dog, Flappy Pants--- Gosh I've been sick with all of this
E. Game Center integration
It's a minor thing, but for avid gamers who love to collect some points also compete in leaderboard. This one is a must too. Although, there're some cheaters outside but dude as developers I believe you can cope that problem, moreover apple has give the ability to developer for controlling the leaderboard. That's why don't miss this one on your game too.
F. App Support and Developer Website
Either it's only Facebook or twitter page, though can be better if there's official website too. All developers should provide complete information about your game. Sometimes if I just found one screenshot only, I keep visiting the developer site to sneak and search some information about your game. I don't want to speculate buying a game which don't have enough love for it. You are the developer, you're the one who know much about your game and you should love it... Always spread the sweet words about your game though there's no one realize on it... (at first). However if you maintain your game pretty well, you can do it better.
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