Mobile Game Development
Platform constraints and optimization principles.
1. Platform Considerations
Key Constraints
| Constraint | Strategy |
|---|---|
| Touch input | Large hit areas, gestures |
| Battery | Limit CPU/GPU usage |
| Thermal | Throttle when hot |
| Screen size | Responsive UI |
| Interruptions | Pause on background |
2. Touch Input Principles
Touch vs Controller
| Touch | Desktop/Console |
|---|---|
| Imprecise | Precise |
| Occludes screen | No occlusion |
| Limited buttons | Many buttons |
| Gestures available | Buttons/sticks |
Best Practices
- Minimum touch target: 44x44 points
- Visual feedback on touch
- Avoid precise timing requirements
- Support both portrait and landscape
3. Performance Targets
Thermal Management
| Action | Trigger |
|---|---|
| Reduce quality | Device warm |
| Limit FPS | Device hot |
| Pause effects | Critical temp |
Battery Optimization
- 30 FPS often sufficient
- Sleep when paused
- Minimize GPS/network
- Dark mode saves OLED battery
4. App Store Requirements
iOS (App Store)
| Requirement | Note |
|---|---|
| Privacy labels | Required |
| Account deletion | If account creation exists |
| Screenshots | For all device sizes |
Android (Google Play)
| Requirement | Note |
|---|---|
| Target API | Current year's SDK |
| 64-bit | Required |
| App bundles | Recommended |
5. Monetization Models
| Model | Best For |
|---|---|
| Premium | Quality games, loyal audience |
| Free + IAP | Casual, progression-based |
| Ads | Hyper-casual, high volume |
| Subscription | Content updates, multiplayer |
6. Anti-Patterns
| ❌ Don't | ✅ Do |
|---|---|
| Desktop controls on mobile | Design for touch |
| Ignore battery drain | Monitor thermals |
| Force landscape | Support player preference |
| Always-on network | Cache and sync |
Remember: Mobile is the most constrained platform. Respect battery and attention.