1. The First 6 Months: Prototyping and Planning
The first six months of game development are critical. During this time, you should focus on prototyping and planning your game. This includes creating a solid concept, designing the game’s mechanics, and determining the target audience. It’s important to remember that your game needs to have a clear purpose and be designed with the player in mind.
One example of a successful Unity game that followed this timeline is “Slime Busters”. Developed by FunkFortyNiner, Slime Busters was released in 2014 and quickly gained popularity on mobile devices. The game was designed to be simple and easy to pick up, with addictive gameplay that kept players coming back for more. By focusing on prototyping and planning during the first six months of development, FunkFortyNiner was able to create a game that not only turned a profit but also gained a loyal following.
2. The Next 6 Months: Development and Testing
The next six months are all about development and testing. This includes implementing the game’s mechanics, creating assets, and conducting playtesting to ensure that the game is polished and fun to play. It’s important to remember that your game needs to be optimized for performance and run smoothly on different devices.
One example of a successful Unity game that followed this timeline is “Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory”. Developed by Square Enix, the game was released in 2020 and quickly gained popularity on mobile devices. The game was designed to be easy to pick up and play, with addictive music and challenging rhythm-based gameplay. By focusing on development and testing during the second six months of development, Square Enix was able to create a game that not only turned a profit but also gained critical acclaim.
3. The Final 6 Months: Launch and Marketing
The final six months are all about launching the game and marketing it to the target audience. This includes submitting the game to app stores, creating a marketing campaign, and engaging with the community. It’s important to remember that your game needs to stand out in a crowded marketplace and provide a unique experience for players.
One example of a successful Unity game that followed this timeline is “Monster Hunter Stories 2: Iceborn”. Developed by Capcom, the game was released in 2019 on mobile devices. The game was designed to be a spin-off of the popular Monster Hunter series, with new gameplay mechanics and monsters to discover. By focusing on launching the game and marketing it during the final six months of development, Capcom was able to create a game that not only turned a profit but also gained a dedicated fanbase.
FAQs
What are some key factors to consider when developing a Unity game?
Some key factors to consider when developing a Unity game include the game’s mechanics, target audience, optimization for performance, and marketing strategy.
How long should it take to develop a Unity game?
The timeline for developing a Unity game can vary depending on the complexity of the game and the resources available. However, it’s important to remember that most Unity games take around 6 months to complete, with some taking up to a year or more.
What are some strategies for making your Unity game profitable?
Some strategies for making your Unity game profitable include finding a niche market, monetizing through in-app purchases, and promoting the game through social media and other channels.