A Game-Developer's Starting Line. Journey to a stable income.

So, I'll go ahead and start this thread of by stating why I'm trying to accomplish here and why. My name is Chris and I'm 19 years old, I've been developing in Java since I was 12. I just recently stopped attending school, because I couldn't afford it and finding a job in my area is rediculously difficult. The amount of income that my family is bringing in is very small and it's causing a rediculous amount of tension that's literally tearing our household apart. I'm not looking to hit it big or anything, so my starting goal is going to be $25 a day, this alone will be able to help pay for some bills and even after a little time can put my through school to get my degree in Computer Science.

This journey was inspired by V3ctor's journey which you can view here: http://www.blackhatworld.com/blackh...637668-game-developers-journey-5-000-day.html

So I'll go ahead and start things off by stating that I'm going to be using two different things while creating my games, Java and Unity3D. I will be using Java for anything and everything 2D while I'll be using Unity3D for all of my 3D games that I choose to create. Currently my goal is to distribute the following.

• One infinite runner. (Games like Temple-Run)
• One platformer.
• One Jumpscare.
• One RPG.

Once I have the above released I will work on larger projects. I will also be targetting the Android market, and will move to the apple market if any of the android games get big enough to allow it.

So let's go ahead and talk about the struggles.

Graphics. I don't have any artistic skill what-so-ever so I'm going to have to use Royalty free art or purchase things. Considering the fact that I don't have a lot of money, purchasing things is going to be very limited so the games may not look too great while I'm getting started, but games don't always have to look great to succeed. I mean, look at Minecraft.

Marketting. I don't really have any experience with marketting, so I'm going to be abusing my time here reading and trying to find different promotion methods. I'm going to use numerous fiverr gigs, and facebook ads for sure.

Anyway, currently I do not have any games released, but I have purchased my Andorid Developer Account and I am registered under my content creator name "Full-Metal Enriched Games".

For those of you who are curious, monitization methods are going to be in-game advertisements, micro-transactions(perhaps?), and incentive offers. ( Download this game for 200 coins, or whatever )

Wish me luck guys. I'm not reaching for the stars, but I'm definately trying to do something.

Good luck. I remember Temple Run being a seasonal niche, died down quickly.

nullfo said:

Good luck. I remember Temple Run being a seasonal niche, died down quickly.

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Yeah, it's hype has definately died down.

Good luck. Why aren't you developing 2D games also in Unity? That way you can port them also to oher platforms and not only Android

create something like subway surf but more unique and addictive

totonos said:

Good luck. Why aren't you developing 2D games also in Unity? That way you can port them also to oher platforms and not only Android

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For personal learning experience reasons, I may make the games in Unity2D (3D) for this reason. Not sure, currently debating on which of the two game-plans I have layed out that I'm going to use.

3D Jumpscare or a Infinite Runner

jass11 said:

create something like subway surf but more unique and addictive

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I've thought about this a billion times over, there's really nothing unique to these types of games.
Avoid obstacles.
Collect things.
That's all there is to them, if you add anything else it becomes troublesome and doesn't fit well together.

Will you be letting us play your games when you release them?

Anyways good luck!

As an android developer myself, I have to say you're in for a long and brutal struggle. It's so competitive now it's not even funny. Not trying to discourage you, but if you make a game try making something that hasn't been done before and put it in a category that has low competition (like Trivia). Once you get the ball rolling with one game you should use it to cross-market your other games to get organic downloads. Good luck.

Good luck on your journey! If you are interested in developing a complicated utility, I am looking to have one developed XD

Good luck bro, love to see what you come up with!

This looks interesting, wanna' see what you come up with.

I have created my first application, it's not really a game, but the way I have it setup is like a game. I can't release too much information on it as I don't see anything like it in the market. So far I've integrated numerous achievements and a highscore system for the multiple challenges I've included. (These challenges are all time based). I've included Social Networking as-well, although none of this is done to the extent I would like it to be, but it's my first app. If I sit here trying to perfect the tidbits that won't effect the application-mechanics at all, where will I get?

Currently the only thing that's stopping me from tossing it on the Android Market is monetization. The google-play services aren't working how I expected them to and I'm using a different provider due to this, but that's fine. I'm currently trying to figure out which advertisement network I want to go with, the last two days I spent creating an support layer for RevMob to work on LibGDX, but once I was completed it just wasn't what I wanted.

I'll keep you guys updated on which network I choose to go with and why.

Hey,

It would be great to know which network you choose, I'm practically on the same part as you are and I feel totally lost on which network to use as well. I know I can't get paid by Admob so I tick that one off

Hope the best for your journey!

ttrox said:

Hey,

It would be great to know which network you choose, I'm practically on the same part as you are and I feel totally lost on which network to use as well. I know I can't get paid by Admob so I tick that one off

Hope the best for your journey!

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I chose to go with Applifier.

Also, First application is up!

Description

Challenge the world and show them that you're the fastest tapper of them all, with fierce force and agility you can display your absolute nimbleness superiority over everyone else. Once the game starts, tap away! There's numerous different challenges that you can try to overtake the world with, including the dexterity challenge! Can you keep at it for the full five minutes?

I have a book full of ideas and one that will be a the top app in the market if made right. Need someone to make it for me.

jasonxman said:

I have a book full of ideas and one that will be a the top app in the market if made right. Need someone to make it for me.

Click to expand...

Private Message me and we can talk about a JV.