March 6, 2017 The app store is already filled with hundreds of game apps. It can be too risky to publish another one into this saturated pool. But when you’ve successfully unlocked the secrets in becoming a viral game app crazed by hundreds and thousands of players (remember Candy Crush and Angry Birds?), the risk can be all worth it. All it takes is one huge hit and your game app can make you a millionaire almost overnight. Here’s what you should know before you hire a developer to start making your app: Know what you can improve through research You had that lightbulb moment when you’ve thought about a real catchy game idea that hasn’t been out on the market yet. Sorry to spoil your moment, but for sure this has been already thought by a thousand other people in this world. Don’t dump that idea yet. It just takes a few other secret ingredients for you to realize the perfect formula to an outstanding game app. You can easily figure this secret through research. Here’s how crazy successful the Candy Crush app has become: Open the app store and look for apps similar to what you have in mind. They are the best references you can use. Here are the things you should check out: Game mechanics Take note of the rules and actions done during the game: the number of levels, how and what to attack, what makes a player achieve a level, the main goal, what makes a player lose, and so on. Social sharing Check what the similar games do to encourage players to connect the game to their social media accounts. Do they use social media to share game achievements, invite friends to join, or to gain rewards? Sharing a game status on social media is a great way to promote your game app. Graphics A great game should make a quick good impression through awesome visuals. Figure out what visual elements made your app reference a hit among players. Game plot Games can be good storytellers too and this encourages players to stick until the end – and back again after another app update. Study every similar app. Find out if there’s a certain element in each’s story that keep users playing. Gameplay progress tracker Also pay attention to gameplay maps where players can see their progress. Does it help make players stay in the game? User reviews Reading a game app’s user reviews is the most important thing you should do. The good and especially the bad reviews of users can help you figure out what your game should have to turn it into a perfect game app that beats the existing similar game apps in the market. The technical side of making a game app After research, it’s time to start the game app development. This time you need to brace yourself with lots of coding and technology. If you are an experienced app developer, you can start right away using your preferred tools. But if you don’t have any idea about the technical stuff, the best thing you should do is to hire a game app developer. Hiring a game app developer is easy as long as you check for the following factors: Experience in building game apps Knowledge on how you can best monetize your game app Positive reviews from past clients Positive user reviews on the apps created Platform specialization Knowledge on game functions Updated with the latest game app tools Research helps you design your game app better. Get it built by a professional game app developer and expect a high-quality, original, and entertaining game app that’ll make it big in the market. There are a few other things to do after game app development. If your product is great and unique enough to stand out in the market, the rest of the steps will be easier. Tips to guarantee game app success Besides great design and programming, here are the other things you should focus on to help your game app become a hit: Choose smaller markets When creating a brand new app, you’ll probably want to launch it for the US market. Why not try something different this time? You can start small and target smaller markets such as countries in Asia. With less competition, it’ll be easier for you to reach the top apps list that can help spread the word to other markets. Promote your game app You may have created an awesome app, but it won’t make a mark in the app market if you’re not going to create a buzz about it. Make sure to have a budget for app marketing which can be done through the following: Social media advertising Blog reviews Youtube reviews Guest blogging Press release Go “Freemium” If you think your app is too awesome to be monetized only through ads and you want users to pay for it, you can attract them to do so by creating a freemium model. The free “lite” version of your game gives users the chance to play the basic levels. If your app is interesting enough for them, they won’t mind paying for more features. Have a catchy name One of the most important things you should think of is your game app’s name. The fewer words you use, the better. Some of the most popular games have names with only 2 to 3 words. Include In-App purchases Another way to monetize your free app is to include in-app purchases. You can do this by making a “Shop” tab in your game where players can purchase special items or unlock hidden levels. Creating a game app isn’t all about what you only want to see. Don’t ever forget to keep the users in mind and hire a game app developer to help you put your ideas into reality. Once you’ve built an addictive game app, expect users to help you turn it into a viral game that will attract more customers and lead to more app earnings.