The one criticism that has always been levelled at gaming apps is that they make people sedentary. They only sit in one spot and play. Well, an app like Pokemon Go has also disproved this theory. Pokemon Go became a massive hit in a very short period of time due to the innovation of moving and screen browsing.
In this blog, we will discuss what factors people should consider before embarking on game app development to create apps like Pokemon Go. Or any gaming app that combines animation, motion, graphics, story, and a positive user experience.
How did an app like Pokemon Go become so popular?
Pokemon Go is a location-based augmented reality game that is available on iOS and Android. The plot of the game is that the user, as the main character, must search for and capture the characters present in-game. They must collect them and train the monsters so that they are ready to fight. AR games are already popular and popular. However, an app like Pokemon Go is one of the types that provided AR games without the use of heavy equipment.
When it was first released, the app caused quite a stir in the market. It allowed users to move, wander, and play. Niantic, the app's creators, were inundated with compliments. This app is an improved version of one of the Niantic Ingress apps. The app currently has more than 1.6 million users.
The app stood out to me and became a hit on the following parameters:
The idea
Fine Technology
Unique Approach
Another positive aspect of Pokemon Go is that it has brought people together. Users of the game go out to interact and plan battle strategies. The app encouraged users to interact with one another. A gaming app with a chat feature does the same thing. However, this app is unique in that it uses Augmented Reality.
AR is currently popular and will undoubtedly become more popular by 2021. Going for AR-enabled game app development will therefore attract users. Thanks to apps like Pokemon Go for laying the groundwork for AR games. As soon as you launch the app.
Process of Creating a Game App
It is not a child's game to create the game. Game app development is a very calculated approach that must consider numerous factors. Let's dive in and find out what the most important eight steps are for creating a successful game app like Pokemon Go.
Game Development
If you want to create an app like Pokemon Go or any other AR app, you must take the proper approach to game app development. You must have a concept and a plotline upon which to build your story. And let the game move the story forward. So you must create your game. As in, you must consider the types of levels you want to include in the app. What are the characters' names, powers, and omens? You must consider your story, outcomes, and situations that will keep the game interesting. Because if your game is simple, the user may play for a short period of time before abandoning it.
Engine for Games
Can you imagine a train moving without an engine? Definitely not. Because the train is unable to move. This is essentially what the game engine does. It is a type of gaming software that integrates all aspects of game app development, such as animation, graphics, music, codes, and systems. The game engine is not required in general game apps, but if you want to create an app like Pokemon Go, the developers must use the game engine. A unity engine was used in Pokemon Go.
Prototype of an App
The term "app prototype" refers to the app's first appearance. It's a rough sketch of your app's design. It contains all of the screens, wireframes, tap options, menus, icons, and so on. It gives you, as an investor, a rough idea of what the app's basic design is.
To put it simply, the app prototype is the foundation of the cake in terms of look and feel. The rest of the sprinklers, frosting, and decoration are part of the app's UI/UX design, layering, and wireframing. So, tell your designer how your app's characters should look and what kind of display you expect, and see if the prototype matches your expectations. Because, in any case, design is not up to par at this time. It could be fixed right then and there. Some prototyping tools include InVision, Proto.io, Pixate, and Flinto.
Geolocation Tools Information Alert:
Before becoming a full-fledged sports gaming company, Niantic was an internal Google startup. So it's no surprise that an app like Pokemon Go worked so well with GPS, map navigation, and spot searches. But don't be discouraged; if you want to create an app similar to Pokemon Go, get a licence to connect your project to Google API. The less expensive option is to use Open Street Maps, but they do not provide locations.
Game Stability
Have you ever thought about why apps become popular? Why were apps like Pokemon Go and PubG so popular? The reason for this was the overall experience of using the app. The users could relate to it and the environment that was created around them. You must convey the same feeling to the users while they play the game. Here are some ideas to get you started:
How many times will characters appear?
Depending on their nature and activities, each character will appear in a different location.
The effect of location on the appearance of the character in the app while playing.
The game in-app, such as Pokemon Go, should be properly balanced. Users who are in the game should always be excited, and those who have just logged in to the app should not be perplexed by the complications. The app should be a good blend of the two.
The effect of location on the appearance of the character in the app while playing.
Sensor Device
If you want to create an app like Pokemon Go, you must be good at sensing and direction intelligence because your characters will be seen through mobile screens rather than actual locations. The sensors required to create such an app will be-
Accelerometer to determine the user's speed while using the smartphone
GPS identifier to determine location and aid in navigation
A gyroscope is used to determine the orientation of a device in space.
Notifications
A crucial feature in any gaming app. It's a message that appears on the mobile screen. It informs the user of what is going on in the game. While playing a game, tips and directions on how to proceed in the game may appear.
The app's notifications are set to Socket notifications, which allow users to play and be notified of game moves when they are online. Push notifications could be used to keep users engaged when they are offline.
Graphics and audio
Today's user expects relativity. Users will not be able to habitat if your app is not appealing in terms of game story, animation, graphics, and sound. As a result, your potential app will be a flop.
Pokemon Go is a 3D model, which adds a significant portion of the game app development cost. You can inquire with your app development consultant about the assets and tools required to create amazing animated characters and themes.
Estimated costs
We have now discussed the various aspects of game app development. It's time to look into the cost breakdown for creating an app like Pokemon Go. Let us look at the major cost contributors.
Designing
Designing is an important aspect of the game. The more interactive your app should be, the more refined its design should be. The design in this context does not refer to the playfields and images of the sets in which you want your game to operate. However, the overall operating bar for the user letting them know how to use the app, go through multiple stages, and use the functionalities to progress. The tabs, buttons, menu bars, and so on should be concise. A good app design could cost around $55,000 US dollars.
UI/UX
The line between design and UI/UX is razor thin. The design is the overall feel and theme of the app, whereas the UI/UX is a component of the design that allows the app's functionality to occur. With nice wireframes and functional tabs and cursors, the app should be self-explanatory. The cost of having an effective UI/UX could reach 4,000 USD.
The back end
We are now discussing functionality. If you want your app to be intelligent, with sensing and functionality similar to Pokemon Go. You obviously need a very strong backend development team. The coding and platform on which the app is built should be able to process data instantly in order to keep the app interactive for users. The figure could be around $65,000 USD.
Expenses for the server
The servers are the app's heart, just as blood is pumped from the heart. A god server that can entertain many users at once and provide them with a buffer-free smooth gaming experience is required for an app like Pokemon Go. Niantic's game server was powered by Ingress. You can ask your game app developers which server is best for your app hosting needs. A similar app would cost around $75,000 USD to develop. However, it is possible that it will differ.
Testing
Testing is a critical component of game app development. It is the procedure that aids in identifying any issues that may have arisen during the development of the app. The problems are identified and resolved so that when the app is launched, users will have an error-free and smooth gaming experience. This procedure costs around 30,000 USD.
Animation
The soul of an app like Pokemon Go is its animation. Your app should have incredible animation. The appealing characters and game designs of the sets and locations should be convincing enough for the user to relate to them. It is an expensive part of the game app development process that could cost up to $85,000 USD. However, a good game is worth investing in for a better user experience and higher revenue.
Sounds
Sounds enhance the gaming experience. Intended pun! Well, adding sounds like character voices to the situation and scene brings the game to life. The user enjoys the game more, which increases the level of excitement. After all, all of these augmented reality games are about thrills. If you want some high-quality sounds, you can expect to pay around $10,000 USD.
Support
The term "support" refers to AI chatbots, customer support helpdesks, or game guides that inform users and solve any questions they may have while playing the game. Support could be provided via phone calls, chats, or messages. A budget of $10,000 USD will be more than sufficient for the same.
Conclusion
When we talk about playing and participating in games nowadays. We don't think of playgrounds, but of the battlefield screens that appear in gaming apps. Gaming apps have evolved into a modern form of curriculum activity that not only binds children but also adults. It has evolved into a serious business. And now that AR and VR games are becoming a reality, it is best to invest in such options.