Tag: mobile game development

5 Rarely Known Advantages And Disadvantages Of Unity Game Development 2022

5 Rarely Known Advantages And Disadvantages Of Unity Game Development

People used to have a hard time making mobile game apps for different platforms before the year 2005. It took a lot of time, effort, and money to make apps for different mobile platforms at that time. However, the introduction of the Unity engine at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference flipped the tables.

The robust cross-platform engine made it possible to construct the game app in a user-friendly environment for 27 platforms and different devices. It delivers many resources, including easy tools, ready-made assets, detailed documentation, tutorials, and an online community free to produce excellent 3D content for games.

Unity’s rendering, scripting, asset tracking, and physics features help reduce game development time and costs while allowing games to run on various platforms. The Unity engine is now at the top of the cross-platform game development ladder. All because of its benefits over the other tools out there.

Research shows that “Unity 3D engine has 45 % global game engine market share and chosen by 47 % game developers as the major development tool.” That’s pretty awesome. But, the engine has some shortcomings as well, which makes the developers reluctant to use the engine for the next-Gen game app development.

Let’s take a glance at the advantages and disadvantages of unity which help you decide whether the engine is suitable for the game development or not:

Advantages and disadvantages of unity

Pros of Unity Game Development

1) Platform support

The engine is highly preferred for its extended support to 27 platforms. The app developed and deployed can be easily shared between PC, web, and mobile platforms. Besides, the agile methodology enables speedy prototyping and stable releases, which speeds up the game development process.

2) IDE

Code is written in the IDE’s built-in text editor; however, developers may also prefer to utilise a separate code editor to avoid confusion. Additionally, the integrated development editor supports JavaScript and C# for scripting and offers notable features ideal for game development.

3) Graphics

The engine supports high-quality audio and visual effects that simplify the game development process. The visuals are adaptable on every screen and device without any distortion or compromising on the image quality.

4) Documentation

This is something you cannot miss. New developers always need easy-to-understand documentation that provides every little detail about the Unity engine. 

5) Debugging

Debugging and tweaking are amazingly easier with Unity game development because all the game variables are displayed during gameplay. This is great because it allows the developers to debug the process at runtime.

Cons of Unity Game Development

1) Graphics

It’s hard to mention, but the engine is lagging when it comes to graphics. Comparatively speaking, it lacks a wide range of capabilities for creating visually beautiful graphics.

2) Physics

In the Unity 5 engine, the built-in support for the PhysX physics engine has some performance issues and lacks important functionalities required to craft an excellent game app.

3) Licence cost

The developers need to have licences for the best graphics, deployment, and performance improvements. These licences are expensive to purchase. Moreover, the use of rendering, buffer support, stencil support, and pretty more features scale up the development costs due to the expensive licences.

4) Source code

The code is stable in Unity as opposed to other engines and packed with a great architecture that improves the game app performance. But, the unavailability of the source code makes finding, addressing, and fixing the performance issues difficult.

5) Memory hogging

The game developed leveraging the Unity engine consumes more memory, which in turn creates OOM errors and debugging issues in the apps.

The last word

The mobile game development firm ranks Unity 3D as the best engine for game app development. The Unity 3D engine has been continuously enhanced, and faults have been fixed in newer versions. However, just as every coin has two sides, the Unity engine also has its Pros and Cons. 

You now have a thorough understanding of how the Unity engine works. What are your thoughts? What is your opinion of the advantages and disadvantages of the unity engine and whether or not it is a good fit for your next project? Please express your thoughts in the space provided below.

Unity Is the Best Tool for XR Development

Unity Is the Best Tool for XR Development

Virtual reality(VR) is somewhat of a household name nowadays, with Oculus Rift & Playstation VR people can experience Video Games outside of the traditional rectangular screen. Pokémon Go players have experienced Pokémon’s in their real-world environment which in technical term is defined as Augmented Reality(AR). When we combine the above two to create an environment where one can simultaneously experience and interact with digital content immersed into their real world is called as Mixed Reality(MR). These terms VR/AR/MR are mere sub-classes of a broader term called as Extended Reality which is also known as XR.

VR & AR allows man and machine to interact with each other on a whole different level. So, such type of XR development is not similar to the creation of traditional computer games, mobile games or console games. It requires tremendous research and knowledge so as to prioritize the comfort of the user while experiencing such products.

Developers swear by ‘unity’ and call it the best tool for XR development. Many mobile game development companies prefer Unity. One can find a noticeable boost in Unity game development these days. Let’s find out why it is the best tool.

1) Worldwide Reach

Unity can provide support to all the latest platforms like Oculus Rift, Steam VR/Vive, Playstation VR, Microsoft Hololens, Google’s Daydream View, etc. More than 91% of the Hololens applications and AR apps are made with Unity, which shows that we can combine those together for MR in the future, thus proving its usage as an XR tool.

2) Framerate Exposure

A highly optimized stereoscopic rendering pipeline helps an application reach to high framerates effortlessly thus it helps the developer to optimize their content.

3) Rapid Development

Unity also helps in the creation of cross-platform applications, as it takes very less effort for a creation of an app build for a different platform with just a few tweaks. It even allows third-party hardware manufacturer to develop their own plugins and SDKs. Integrating such plugins would reduce the benefits of the vast and highly optimized pipeline, but it would still allow its users to create an immersive VR/AR experience. Some of the plugins already available are ARCore & ARKit, Vuforia, etc.

4) Other Usages

Unity is not just a tool for the creation of Games, it has vast applications in the non-gaming sector like Education, Healthcare & industrial training. It can create vast immersive 3D worlds for the students of various discipline for experiencing something which is not possible via just books and field trips. One can create 3D objects for interactive purposes which is essential for a trainee in the industrial environment so as to prepare him for handling the real object. An experimental term called social VR is currently under development which is commonly known as Facebook Spaces, it allows a user to create his own virtual world with the help of his uploaded photos & 360 videos where the user can invite his friends from anywhere in the world to be a part of that world.

Unity has many inbuilt tools called as ‘Assets’ which help the user for fast and easy development of applications. These assets start from programming modules to media content like arts & sounds. Unity has introduced a new asset called ‘Virtual Room which a new type of interactive environment for advertising. This tool allows the advertising companies to insert an interactive ad inside the game’s storyline, where the player has the ability to either enter or experience the advertisement or just carry on with his game story. These ads may be in the form of a room where the player can enter and then explore the various brands and products the advertisement company has to offer. After a couple of minutes, he can exit the room and would be rewarded in some sort with a gift, thus promoting such experiences.

Some real-time usage of Unity is as follows:

1) Google VR SDK

This plugin for unity is used to build applications for Android and iOS. The integration of unity with Google VR makes it a cinch to build Android Applications for Daydream and Cardboard. This plugin also consists of various features like spatialized audio, Daydream Controller support, utilities, and samples. These features help to create a new VR unity project from scratch. It can be made to adapt an existing Unity 3D application to VR, also to make an app that can easily switch in and out of VR mode.

2) Vuforia

It is a market leader in AR/MR space, Vuforia along with Unity helps developers to use augmented reality as a cross-platform SDK for Android, iOS, UWP and digital eyewear. With Unity’s latest version Vuforia come included with the Unity editor, where it can use images and real objects as a target for placing content and tracking in the real world.

Conclusion

Therefore, we can easily conclude that with so many advantages, Unity is absolutely the best choice in the development of XR projects.

Make your game UI stand out of the herd

Make your game UI stand out of the herd

Why game UI matters?

Game UI matters for two most important reasons i.e., either for providing an interactive help for users that guides them all through the game or increase sales for the game. Irrespective of what you ought to aim at, you can get it all by just following a few simple principles of design and witnessing the consequences of the changes you made. UI is referred to as the methods (keyboard control, mouse control) and interfaces (inventory, map etc) implemented in the game through which the user interacts with the game. This is the very reason that you must always consult a good mobile game development company to get ultimate drooling results.

The idea behind an interactive game UI is to lead people throughout the game and never let them end up misled or misguided. An ideal game should be interactive and informative enough so that the user does not end up looking for instructions in the menu. The main agenda of the gaming UI is that the gamer finds his way through the game and can easily focus on the game. And simplified navigation is the key to an interactive gaming UI. It has got nothing to do with the type of game or its difficulty level.

The gaming UI is not just for guiding players throughout the game, it is also needed to create an everlasting impression and generate revenue. Take the example of the shop button that allows the user to unlock an advanced version of the game. If it would be unattractive, users are less likely to show interest or even notice the icon. Web designers from varied mobile game development companies know this very well and thus, they use a combination of analytics and graphic design to create an attractive interface. This idea is used to create almost all the major elements like forms, menus, and buttons.

1) Be consistent

When it comes to a successful design, consistency is an essential key factor. It is important to apply the same set of guidelines throughout for your entire interface. Even if you have to make changes at places, do it at critical circumstances only when there’s no choice left.

2) Defining a precise style guide

We give you following reasons for defining and following one precise style guide:

If all the features look and function similarly, the users will find your UI more intuitive and this will keep them glued to the game.

 It enables you to modularize your assets, reuse the elements and save plenty of time for yourself.

From the beginning of creating your assets, keep in mind what kind of characteristics would you like to share throughout and stick to that.

Precisely, you will need to be consistent with your entire visual and audio cue that your UI provides to the player. This includes positioning, anchoring on the screen, the overall layout, color palette, styles etc. You can also visually plot your style guide. There are plenty of visual style guides that can be taken inspiration from. You can also use it as a reference to understand how to apply the basic concepts of visual design in order to make your UI clear and consistent.

3) Establish visual hierarchy

You can establish a visual hierarchy in your design using variations in size, color and even detailed animation depending upon the prominence of elements. Put on an interesting sound effect and pay attention to details for the icons players will often use or the ones you want them to notice.

4) Position or layout

If all the elements are displayed parallel to one another and are all of the same sizes, it will feel like all of them are of the same priority or prominence. Offset them and put them on a row of their own. That is the key for an ideal positioning in gaming UI.

5) Colour contrast, size, and animation

Use a unique and catchy color for the icon you want the player to notice the most. The same goes for sizing as well. The larger the icon, the more noticeable it tends to be. So, focus on the size and visibility of the icon that matters the most and seeks to be noticed. An animated, glowing spot in your game will grab the player’s attention from a distance and sets that spot apart from the rest. So, if you wish to contrast an element, you can opt for visual animation.

6) Using objective data

Designing interfaces are not at all a cake walk as it might look good but lack functionality or the other way round. The only way to ensure that your design works and whatever further changes you make just optimize your design is analytics. You will have to use A/B testing- the method that web designers and marketers use as well.

7) Use icons prudently

Icons are a critical thing when it comes to displaying it at the right spot. They can be confusing if not exhibited in the right proportion and at the right place. Appropriate labels are a good option when it comes to clarity with the icons. Anyhow, you must ensure that the labels or icons are understood by the user.

Hence, with these simple tips and tricks, we assure that you are all set to make your gaming UI shine.

Start an App Business in 10 Steps

Start an App Business in 10 Steps

Today, mobile internet is a necessity rather than a luxury for mobile users. Consequently, the mobile app market has grown exponentially in recent years. To gain visibility for your mobile app in the current market is no easy task. So, if you plan to start an app business, make sure you take a systematic and well-planned approach towards the app development and marketing process.

Here are 10 steps that you must take to start an App Business:

  1. Ideation

Like any other business, a successful app rests on the foundation of an idea. Sure, you can say the best ideas don’t work without enough efforts and execution, but the right idea with even an iota of research upfront will only strengthen the potential of your endeavor and save you a lot of pain down the line.

  1. Market Research

Once the idea has materialized, gauge the market and start with a well-planned market research. Perform market analysis to understand the supply/demand situation, potential competitors that might already exist in the market and conduct surveys to understand the current positioning and level of execution required to effectively gain customer base from the current market. Studying the apps online that can potentially be your competition will help you estimate your application cost, target audience, development codes, market research tools, and so much more. You can also analyze the current trends, understand what your target audience wants right now and get it in sync with your app idea.

Here are 5 features that you can analyze when studying your competitors:

  • Design: Design is one of the most critical ingredients for a successful app as it creates an instant impact on the mind of the user before he even uses it. Follow UI guidelines and design keeping user perspective in mind rather than your databases or programming limitations.
  • Scalability: In these constantly changing conditions where new apps and platforms are developed and updated, you must make sure your app is adaptable to these changes. Choose a platform that allows changes and can be modified based on users’ feedback.
  • Marketing: Monitor marketing techniques and channels used online, by your potential competitors. Lots of time and money need to be invested towards advertisement to reach out to the wide array of audience.
  • Unique Value: Understand the value that apps provide when you analyze them. Do they offer something unique or help users deal with daily chores? You can sell your app to the users deftly if it offers a unique value that would make it stand out from the crowd.
  • Partners: Research on technologies your potential competitors may have worked on and get more information on companies they partnered up with to acquire the services of these techs. It is imperative that right partners are chosen to develop an app that is bug-free and highly efficient.
  1. Platform Choice

Based on the latest numbers provided by Gartner, 432 million smartphones were sold in the last quarter of 2016, out of which 352 million ran Android (81.7 percent) and 77 million ran iOS (17.9 percent). It is clear to see that Android and iOS rule the global smartphone market. Android caters to the largest audience and its open source nature facilitates low investment increasing the probability of gaining high ROI. It also helps in easy customization of mobile apps according to your business requirements. iOS is a closed platform with strict guidelines that need to be followed faithfully and offers little room for customization. Apple app store tends to have higher prices, so if it comes to monetization strategy, iOS could be a good choice. Identify which platform is right for your business based on the presence of target audience, customization flexibility, monetization benefits, and choose accordingly.

  1. Development

Once all the research is completed, and platform most suited to your business is selected, development phase begins. You’ll need to assemble a team of developers, coders, designers, copywriters and even photographers.

Most companies gain services of developers through following channels:

  • Offshore Freelancers
  • Permanent Hires
  • Developer Company/ Partner

Hiring freelancers may be more cost-effective; however, their work could possibly take a long time and the lack of coordination could result in an app that is buggy or even worse, unfinished. With permanent hires, you can gain specialists even if they are comparatively costly. They can also provide support once the app is finished – something that you might not get with freelancers. Working with developer companies can be best for your business in the long run as they offer a specialized team and long-time support. Also, your app may require further development, updating and bug-fixing in future, so having them as a partner will definitely help your app as well as your business.

  1. Business Plan

Once the development commences, focus on formulating a business plan with short-term and long-term targets. A business plan can consist of success metrics over the short and long period with milestones, financial plan, SWOT analysis, exit plan, etc. The app business can be really dynamic and employing strategies that fulfill the short-term targets while remaining in sync with the overall long-term business plan will keep your business sustainable to competition and market changes.

  1. Investment

Once a business plan has been formulated, you’ll know how much capital you need to kick start your app in the market. Finding an investment source is never too easy, but you can employ the following ways to raise the funds for your app business:

  • Loans: You can get business loans from banks or other financial institutions if you can convince them with your idea. A proper business plan with market research and revenue projections is necessary in this case.
  • Crowdfunding: Using crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter.com or GoFundMe can be an effective way to raise funds at low cost. You can set a goal regarding how much money you want to raise over time and use the help of your friends, families, and strangers to raise funds for your business.
  • Find a partner: Showcase your idea through a prototype or a beta version of your app to attract angel or seed funding.

There are much more ways to raise capital for your business.

  1. Beta Testing and Feedback

Instead of diving straight into the app market, it is highly recommended to create an interactive prototype or a beta version of your app. Get it tested by investors and users to gain their feedback. Beta testing is one of the most important phases of app development cycle. Quality, performance, stability, and ultimately the user experience can be improved by beta testing.

  1. App Monetization

Once you’ve finally developed an awesome mobile app for your business, it’s time to turn it into a profit-generating machine.

Here are few ways you can monetize your app:

  • Advertisement: Gain monetary benefits by utilizing native ads or by allowing brands to displays their advertisements within your app. The ads vary in size, position and even form such as static banner images or videos. When leads are converted through ads or a person/company earns revenue from running a campaign through your app, you earn incentive as an affiliate because of app ownership. You can connect with advertising networks like Google’s AdMob, Unity Ads, and Klip.
  • In-app Purchases: The infamous in-app purchases are still one of the most effective monetization strategies, especially utilized by many (so called) free apps. Many mobile game development companies design game apps that utilize this strategy by offering access to a locked feature in a game by making a small purchase. Apps that keep users glued for hours can effectively use this strategy.
  • Direct Selling: Your app can sell products or services as well, to generate revenue.
  • Pro-version: You can offer your app as two versions: Free Version and Paid Version. Paid version can contain additional features or provide an ad-free access to the users that may not be available in free version.
  1. App Marketing

Once your app is out and running, it’s vital you make sure people know you are in the marketThe competition is harsh and to get ahead of the herd, you must invest wisely into advertising. A large number of audience is present on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube and other platforms. Promote your app on these platforms to connect with subscribers and users online. You can also create a website and utilize resources like blogs, reviews, etc.

  1. Improvement

No matter how perfect you believe your app is, but there is always room for improvement. With increasing competition and constantly updated platforms, you must always look to improve user experience, add new features and keep in flow with the changing tech continuously.

Conclusion

So, as you can see, starting and running an app over a long term takes lots of efforts and commitment. If you’re looking to develop an app for your business, consider working with a mobile application development company, equipped with the right tools to deliver exactly what you aim for.

Potenza Global Solutions is a Mobile application development company that develops native, hybrid and web apps for multiple platforms catering to clients in numerous sectors.

Reasons Why Your Mobile Game Might Be Abandoned by Players

Reasons Why Your Mobile Game Might Be Abandoned by Players

Mobile games are meant to be engaging and exciting. They are mainly designed for entertainment. Any thing that serves as a barrier between the player and entertainment is surely going to lead to failure of the game. Barriers, such as long intros, long gaming sessions, bugs, tutorials for each gaming session, unforseen difficulty levels, and investment of time and money, must be avoided at all costs.

If you are a game developer, sometimes you must be wondering why players abandon playing your game. It takes a lot of hard work on the part of mobile game developers to create a game that excites the users and keeps them engaged. However, when they see that the game is not performing as expected, then their morale goes down. Bad reviews and ratings bring down the spirits of mobile game developers. Things seem really de-motivating and discouraging when users download their game apps and don’t play it.

Nevertheless, instead of keeping the spirits down, game developers must try and understand the reasons behind such response. This can help them improve their gaming techniques and engagement levels.

Giving Long Introductions:

Players are always excited and they hardly have the patience to go through the long introductions. If you give long intros then expect more players to discontinue playing your game.

Too Long Gaming Sessions:

Today we have smart players who need minimal guidance or direction. Don’t include long game sessions as it will bore them and discourage them from using the application.

No Testing:

Bugs demoralize the players from using the game. To identify the bugs or errors go through the review of mobile games on Play Store. Most of the game players give a review about bugs or issues related to compatibility. If your mobile game is working well on your device it doesn’t imply that its working well on all other devices too.

Tutorial for Every Gaming Session:

The biggest barrier between your game application and your players are tutorials placed amid gaming sessions. A seasoned player doesn’t need any tutorials at each and every session. Players find it frustrating and interfering if they receive different instructions for different levels.

Your Game is Tough:

Your mobile game must be easy to win. For this you need to set different levels. If your game is too tough to crack through then it might discourage players from playing the game. Additionally, the steps needed to play the game and eventually win it must not be too complicated and guidance dependent. Only then user’s engagement levels can be retained.

Unforeseen Difficulty Levels:

With each level, every game introduces a level of difficulty. Nevertheless, at a certain level of game if high level of difficulty is introduced then it might shock rather than please the players. The sudden introduction of difficulty in the game level might make the player feel unfair and go for an alternative game.

Players versus Game Challenge:

Challenge ought to be liable or answerable as it is the basic and prime part of any mobile game that is enclosed in your game too. The challenge must not be too tough that the skills of the players are not enough for meeting it. If the challenges are justified, then the game becomes interesting. An unbeatable challenge can piss of the players.

External Rewards Exceed Internal Rewards:

With your game, you will definitely provide external rewards such as points, weapons, etc. However, you must not be lagging behind in the internal reward section. Sharp polishing, innovative designs, regular updates in design section, and other things form internal rewards. There must be a fine balance maintained between internal and external rewards.

Your Game Demands Money to Become More Exciting:

If your game demands huge requirements of time or money, then users might soon get bored of it. They may not be ready to pay more for it and eventually might abandon it. A Mobile game is meant for giving maximum enjoyment with minimum time and money.

Deficiency of Resources:

Free resources should be available to players. If you don’t have enough free resources to offer then your game is not useful. Offer some resources free of charge and then charge few resources so that you can gain additional revenue.

The Above listed were some of the general reasons behind one time users. If your game is experiencing a down time, then you must go through your game to throw out the bugs.

For the establishment of Mobile Games that are not abandoned by players Contact US

Scope of Mobile Game Development in the Health Care Industry

Scope of Mobile Game Development in the Health Care Industry

Healthcare industry is not an exception. Even in that industry games are being deployed to train medical and administrative staff. Games are also utilized to help patients understand their body and enhance their fitness levels.

Gaming has become an essential part of the entertainment industry. Nowadays, they are not only used to take that refreshing break from the routine but they are being increasingly used as learning tools. Organizations make use of games to train their employees and to increase customer engagement. We are in an era where mobile game development has impacted each and every business niche. Healthcare industry is not an exception. Even in that industry games are being deployed to train medical and administrative staff. Games are also utilized to help patients understand their body and enhance their fitness levels.

Gamification enhances the knowledge levels of patients and helps increase their awareness. Games help them gain awareness about their health status and also help doctors in enhancing their medical skills.

There is a lot of scope for mobile game development in the healthcare industry. Gamification in the healthcare area can help enhance the health levels of a number of patients. A healthcare organization mainly aims to support the use of cutting-edge and latest technologies to enhance the overall health of the individuals.

There are chiefly five gaming categories, as discussed below, for the healthcare industry.

Rehabilitation Games:

These games can be utilized for physical therapy, occupational therapy and other rehabilitation programs.

Active Gaming and Fitness (Motion Gaming):

This is one of most popular areas of healthcare gaming industry. With Motion Gaming technology is used to track body movement and reaction; for instance Nintendo’s Wii Git. These games make the users more active. Such healthcare apps can be used as a therapy to heal a variety of disabilities.

Medical Training:

With this application doctors can get benefitted through the gaming technology. Training and educational games can help doctors in professional training. They can also derive surgical education through the powers of mobile game development.

Participatory Health:

As the name suggests, Games in this category make patients more active. This makes them caring and responsible towards their own health. A number of game apps, created through the tools and technologies of mobile game development, offer fun and interactive sessions which help patients in keeping track of their medication schedule. Developers can also create customized game apps specifically for specific treatment programs.

Cognitive and Emotional Health:

The games under this category are mainly designed to enhance brain’s health and memory. The users of these games are those having learning disabilities and mental disorders.

Gaming technology has just entered the healthcare industry and we can see the impact it has made. With the increase in technological advancements, we will see more utilization of mobile game development technologies in the healthcare industry.

River Fun 3D – Get Thrilled by Exciting Game created by Potenza

River Fun 3D - Get Thrilled by Exciting Game created by Potenza

Potenza Global Solutions with its expert team of android game developers has come up with this superb game application. This app named River Fun works on Android devices. It is not only engaging, but also has a beautiful natural scenic environment.

The game is so intuitive that while playing the game you may actually feel that you are sailing a boat. The android developer, from Potenza Global Solutions, who has developed the game, has used the latest Android game development techniques to get a perfect application. River Fun has 3D features and this makes the game all the more thrilling. This engaging game will change your experience of gaming. It will leave you hooked to your smart phone and you may not realize that time flies so soon.

Let us First Look at What ‘River Fun’ is All About:

You sail through a river in a boat. Amid your journey you will be collecting golden coins while avoiding the fishes which may draw your blood and leave you with less power. All through the game, the screen will display the distance travelled, number of coins collected, and lifes (which you will score through coin collection).

Let us look at Some of the Exciting Features that this Game has to Offer

  • Amazing background music that fills you with confidence and passion to persist.
  • Capability to share scores on Facebook
  • Engaging sailing journey which comes with different barriers for you to overcome
  • Different types of barriers included in the game to increase your presence of mind while ensuring that you have great fun with the game
  • Easy titling to steer away from the barriers
  • User-friendly and self navigatory app
  • 3D features make the game all the more exciting and pleasing
  • Gives ‘Real’ experience even though its reel owing to the attractive ambience created by the game developer
  • Help section to guide you about how to play the game

In conclusion, River Fun can give you can stimulating break from your routine and prepare you for the rest of the day ahead. All the above features give you a deep insight about the game. So, wait no more! Get it downloaded from the Google Play app store into your smart phone right now!

Download River Fun 3D for thrilling features.