Your Ultimate Guide to Mobile Game App Development 

Let’s roll back to those days when Snake and Tetris used to be our prime source of endless hours of entertainment during our childhood. In the blink of an eye mobile gaming has altered casual gaming into a global entertainment and revenue-generating sensation, all thanks to the easy accessibility of mobile phones and the convenience of mobile game app development.  

Today, there are 7.33 billion mobile phone users in the world, which makes 90.93% of people own a mobile phone of this world’s population. Looking at these stats, the demand for mobile game app development is on a surge and has opened floodgates for global business minds generating billions of dollars in revenue. If you also looking to dip your toes into the lucrative mobile game development then our ultimate Mobile Game App Development Guide will help you in this quest to make you succeed in this competitive landscape. 

Before delving further into Mobile Game Development let’s take a look into the evolving mobile gaming market trends. 

The Ever-Changing Landscape of Mobile Game Market Trends

We have seen a massive shift in the market trends of mobile gaming. The technology advancements in the gaming industry have unlocked new possibilities that attract a larger group of audience and this is because of the rise in the user base of smartphones and the exceptional mobile game development services by mobile game development companies. 

Mobile gaming market trends have taken the world by storm, as the number of smartphone users has reached 6.92 billion. The launch of the app store in 2008 has opened new avenues for mobile gaming enthusiasts. With over 478 thousand mobile games, 12.1 billion games were downloaded from Google Play Store alone. 

• The Mobile Gaming industry is expected to generate a worldwide revenue of US$89.25 Billion by the end of 2023. 
•  Looking at these stats, the market is projected to exhibit a compound annual growth rate(CAGR) of 15.5% during the forecast period 2023 to 2032 and is expected to hit around USD 775.69 billion by 2032. 
• In the years 2023 to 2032, Asia-Pacific is predicted to be the largest global market dominating the mobile gaming industry. 

Different Types of Mobile Games 

The rise in modern-edge technology has widened the gaming demographics to a certain extend. Today, we have a broad spectrum of mobile games to choose from, there are indeed more popular genres than others based on ample reasons. Yet, the same genres do not monopolize all devices.  

Being an expert in the mobile game development niche, we understand that the tremendous size of the mobile gaming industry can easily overwhelm you. But our mobile game development guide will help you to carve out your app’s niche in the marketplace. Here’s the list of different types of mobile games available in the mobile gaming market: 

1. Action Games

Action games are top-rated due to the adrenaline rush gameplay and fast-paced gaming experience. These kinds of gaming applications involve combat shooting, survival, intense action, fighting, etc.  

Popular examples of similar apps include- Call of Duty, PubG, Temple Run, etc. 

2. Puzzle Games

More than half of the number of smartphone users prefer playing puzzle games. Puzzle game is a type of casual gaming that involves logic, matching objects, pattern recognition, and problem-solving skills.

Popular examples of similar apps include- Monument Valley, Sudoku, and Two Dots. 

3. Casual Games

The most popular category in mobile gaming, casual games was projected to reach 18.25 billion downloads worldwide by the end of 2022. The reason behind its popularity is easy-to-game rules, short sessions, and seamless entry, which makes it loved by people of all ages. 

Popular examples of similar apps include- Candy Crush Saga is the most-played and most downloaded casual game reaching over $20 billion in revenue in 2023. 

4. Arcade Games

The arcade game is a different genre than casual gaming which is considered the most popular time-killer mobile game app. These games give challenges that users must chase in the given time to achieve the milestone. 

Popular examples of similar apps include- Angry Birds, PAC MAN, R-Type, etc.

5. Racing Games

Racing games fall into the most wanted mobile games category. These apps involve fast-paced racing skills, where users race through a course or compete with other players on a racing track. 

Popular examples of similar apps include- Real Racing 3, Need for Speed, SBK16, etc. 

6. Casino Games

Casino games are a specific kind of gaming type that is based around gambling. These casino gaming apps give the experience of brick-and-mortar casinos through online mobile allowing players to place a bet on different games from poker to slot games. 

Popular examples of similar apps include- Slotmania, DoubleDown Casino, Zynga Poker, etc

7. Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA)

Multiplayer online battle arena staple of video games has also made the shift to mobile games. MOBA involves team-based competition where players control one powerful hero character of their own to achieve goals to defeat the opposing team and win the battle. 

Popular examples of similar apps include- Arena of Valor, Wild Rift, Mario Kart Tour, Titan Brawl, etc. 

8. Sports Games

Sports games are the most popular mobile game genre among sports enthusiasts. These games emulate various sports like cricket, hockey, soccer, etc., where the players can compete with each other in their own choice of simulated sport. 

Popular examples of similar apps include- FIFA Mobile, Soccer Shootout, Basketball Stars, etc. 

9. Role-Playing Games

Role-playing games(RPGs) type enable players to assume their choice of a character role and submerge themselves in a fictional world. This kind of gameplay involves deep storytelling, character development, and exploration. 

Popular examples of similar apps include- Star Wars, Genshin Impact, and The Elder Scrolls. 

10. Simulation Games

Simulation Games are based on real-life activities. These games allow players to simulate different activities and scenarios offering players an alternate reality like flying a plane, driving a car, or operating a business.  

Popular examples of similar apps include- The Sims Mobile, SimCity, and Stardew Valley.

11. Kids Games

The kids’ game type includes mobile app games with simple gameplay based on educational purpose themes for children. But there’s one thing to ensure the kids’ game doesn’t allow in-game transactions so kids don’t accidentally make buys during gameplay. 

Popular examples of similar apps include- Minecraft, BrainPOP, etc. 

12. Strategy Games

Strategy mobile games need strategic thinking, planning, and decision-making which plays a crucial role in determining the game result. These games focus on resource management and strategic combat to conquer the empire. 

Popular examples of similar apps include- Clash of Clans, Civilization VI, Warcraft, and XCOM. 

How to make a mobile game app?

If you’re a gamer on the go, you might be fascinated with the mobile game development process and must be curious about how to develop a mobile game that makes a hit among millions of game lovers. However mobile game app development depends on some considerable facets that affect the development process. 

The format of your mobile game app will depend on:

• The game category (what sort of game it is going to be)
• Which platform(s) the game will be on (Android or iOS)
• How complex the layout design will be (2D, detailed, or complex)
• The game’s monetization model  (in-app purchases, ads, subscriptions, etc.)

Process for Successful Mobile Game App Development

For developing mobile games, step by step mobile game development process needs to be followed. Our ultimate Mobile Game Development Guide will take you through the essential steps involved in making a mobile game.

1. Stunning Mobile Game Ideation

Come up with a stunning game idea to develop a comprehensive mobile game app with cutting-edge technology that every game app fanatic loves. 

2. Fascinating Story Line up

Every user plays a game with a motive or intent. Without a relatable motive, there is no sense in playing the game if there’s no storyline up. Prepare a fascinating storyline to give your players a purpose to play the game. 

3. Robust Development Course

Create a game development concept representing all the critical steps in the mobile game app development process. From steps like game mechanisms to game settings, a robust game development course is necessary for app success. 

4. Game App Platform Selection

Choose the mobile game app development platform, whether you want to the game development for android or game development for iOS, or maybe for both. 

5. Choose a Mobile Game Engine

Opt for a mobile game engine that plays a vital role in resolving the stability of the final gaming product. 

6. Game Wireframe Creation

Make the mobile game wireframe that will outline the clear functioning and performance of the gaming app. 

7. Mobile Game App Development

Start developing a mobile game app carefully by keeping in mind the above-considering steps. 

8. Game App Testing

Perform thorough testing on the mobile game application to ensure the game app is functioning as it was intended. 

9. Choose the App’s Monetization Model

Choose the monetization model for your mobile game platform because ultimately you are making the app a revenue-generating source. 

10. Mobile Game Application Launch

Launch the mobile game app to the end-users on your desired platform whether it is Apple Store or Google Play. Launch the application with a proper marketing strategy for better customer retention. 

Read Also: Top 10 Sports Betting App Development Companies in India

Technologies and Tools Used to Create a Cutting-edge Mobile Game App

Are you someone who is convinced that mobile gaming is a profitable industry and ready to plunge into mobile game web app development? Well if yes then our comprehensive Mobile Game App Development Guide will help you in this quest. With keen research and expertise,  our mobile game app developers have curated a list of ideal technologies and tools to use while developing a mobile game web app. Let’s have a look- 

Ideal Tools and Technologies for Mobile Game App Development 

• Programming Languages 

The most popular programming languages used to develop the best mobile game development software are Java and Kotlin for Android and Swift for iOS. 

• Game Engines 

Popular examples of Game engines are Unity and Unreal Engine offering 2D or 3D graphic rendering engines to facilitate the development process of mobile game apps. 

• Cross-Platform Development 

Cross Platform Development tools drop the need for writing distinct code for different platforms(Android, iOS, or Windows). Standard tools for cross-platform development are React Native, Xamarin, and Flutter.  

• Graphics and Animation

Graphics and intuitive animations in mobile game apps offer a captivating experience to the users. There are several tools, such as Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, SpriteKit(iOS), and Android Canvas are being used to create 2D and 3D graphics. 

• Audio Libraries 

Powerful and interesting audio gives emotion to the gamer. Common audio libraries like OpenAL, FMOD, Audaacity, GarageBank, and Wwise are used to incorporate within the gaming app. 

• Augment Reality(AR) and Virtual Reality(VR) 

ARKit, ARCore, and echo3D are some commonly used augmented reality tools that give users a real-life touch to their gaming experience. AR and VR Technologies offer a live experience of the gaming character increasing the app’s user base. 

• Cloud Services Tools

Mobile game Apps also need to store the user data and for that Cloud services like AWS, GoogleCloud, and Azure are used for hosting game servers. 

How to Monetize Your Mobile Gaming App

Game monetization is the process by which mobile gaming apps earn revenue. While the notion is simple, the implementation takes more effective strategies and planning. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider adequate monetization techniques during Mobile Game App Development. 

According to a Forbes report, the moderate smartphone user spends 9 USD every month on in-app purchases of free mobile gaming applications. Monetizing a mobile game app can be a revenue-generating approach for business people. Below we’ll explore the popular strategies for game app developers to hone mobile game monetization. 

1. Advertising 

In-app Advertising is a popular monetization model, where game publishers/developers earn revenue by showing up ads to the players. Players have to watch the ads to play free games which benefits the advertiser in retaining more users. 

In-app advertising includes 4 most popular ad formats:

• Rewarded Video ads
• Interstitial ads
• Banner ads
• Native ads
• In-App Purchases

In-app purchases are one of the most effective mobile game monetization strategies. It involve selling virtual goods or ongoing benefits to users like extra lives, coins, gems, character skins, additional levels, etc. 

There are two types of basic in-app purchases: 

• Consumable Items
• Non-Consumable Items
• Freemium Model

The freemium monetization model for mobile game apps lets gamers install and play the game for free for a certain period. However, if the players want access to a premium version of the game, they must make some in-game purchases otherwise the game access will not be available. 

3. Subscription 

The first thing that comes to mind when hearing about subscriptions instantly shifts to Netflix or Hotstar. Well, it’s just the same for the mobile games app subscription model where players pay subscription fees to access premium content or features of the gaming app. 

There are three types of popular subscription models: 

• Individual subscriptions
• Umbrella subscriptions
• Battle pass subscriptions
• Meta Layer Monetization 

Meta-layer monetization game is often an additional monetization model for mobile games apart from the core monetization strategy. These types of mobile games make the game more preferable for the user by adding a meta layer to the game, something that is not certainly the same as the core gameplay.

Types of meta layer game monetization method

• Collectible meta
• Virtual property meta
• RPG meta
• Narrative meta
• Paid Games 

Paid games work best if you’re an established mobile game app publisher/developer with a larger user base. Paid games are more suitable for players who want to avoid watching the ads and are interested in paying upfront instead of paying for in-app purchases for the exclusive gaming experience. 

How Much does it Cost for a Winning Mobile Game App Development?

To find out the mobile game app development cost, you have to finalize ample things before moving forward with your mobile game app development. Any leading game development company can let you know the basic game app development cost, but any alteration or additional feature added to the app will alter the mobile game development cost breakdown as well. Below is the list of various types of mobile game apps and their development costs: 

Types of Mobile Game	Development Cost
Mini-Game Apps	2000 to 10000 USD
Simple 2D Game Apps	3000 to 15000 USD
Social Game Apps	5000 to 20000 USD
Mid-Level Mobile Game Apps	8000 to 50000 USD
Large-End Game Apps	450000 to 100000 USD
Business Mobile Game Apps	10000 to 100000 USD
Real Money Game Apps	10000 to 100000 USD
3D Game Apps	50000 to 500000 USD
AAA Game Apps	300000 to 500000 USD

Top Mobile Game Development Companies

Exploring the Best Game Development Company for your next gaming project? We will make this task easy with a scrutinized list of Top Mobile Game Development Companies in India. Let us take you on this exhilarating journey of the best 5 mobile game development companies: 

1. Vigorous IT Solutions

Vigorous IT Solutions is a popular name in the mobile game app development industry as being a newbie in the mobile app development market they bring latest technological trends and ideas to the table having expertise and in-depth knowledge about the gaming industry. 

2. Capermint Technologies

Capermint Technologies offers top-notch game development services in crafting immersive experiences to the mobile gaming enthusiasts. They use the latest technologies like Augment Reality(AR), Virtual Reality(VR), game engines, blockchain, etc to develop mobile gaming apps. 

3. Juego Studios

Juego Studios offers leading-edge game app development services by providing high-quality gaming products giving mesmerizing gaming experiences to users. They tend to serve all the requirements and execute game development projects of the highest quality.

4. Agile Infoways

Agile Infoways is a renowned name in the industry known for giving compelling gaming applications to all enterprises from startups to large scale enterprises and providing digital solutions and mobile game developers according to their software development needs.

5. Saffron Tech

Saffron Tech take pride in containing the best mobile game developers having technical prowess to create dynamic gaming products and winning mobile game app solutions. Their mobile game app development services captivate, inspire, and deliver remarkable user experiences. 

How Vigorous IT Solutions can help you develop a top-notch mobile game app 

We have taken pride in being the best Game and Sports App Development Company delivering winning mobile app solutions to both national and international clients for many years. Our adept game developers can transform your innovative game ideas into robust and lucrative mobile game software solutions. Our cutting-edge Mobile Game App Development services develop your company’s brand identity allowing you to reach a larger audience of mobile game enthusiasts. Here are the following reasons why you should choose us for your mobile game development: 

• 7+ years of expertise in the mobile gaming industry
• 80+ mobile game app projects delivered
• 120+ happy clients worldwide
• 70+ gaming buffs & dedicated professionals
• 10+ countries served
• 100% quality assurance
• 100% client retention 

Read Also: Ultimate Sports Betting App Development Guide

Wrapping Up

Widespread use of smartphones for entertainment has brought a surge in the demand for mobile game app development. It is important to consider all the aspects before developing the game app. Once the game hits the right audience after the successful launch, it ensures long-term revenue generation. But there are always thousands of questions in the mind of an app publisher wishing to develop a mobile game app. I hope our comprehensive mobile game app development guide has peeled the curtains to your quest. So if you have a stunning game idea let’s convert it into a rocking mobile game app together.