I’ve had this question on my mind for quite some time now.
One of the main things keeping me from releasing a game, is trying to optimize for mobile and console devices. Specifically creating UI that will scale properly on all devices. I’m not really good at UI design, or at least I don’t think I am. I’m currently working on a project solo, because I work better that way.
In your opinion, do you suggest that I finish my game with compatibility only for PC? I’ve seen games that are created, and eventually get updated to work on console / mobile devices months after they’ve already been released just for PC and have been performing just fine. I know there is a percentage of users who play more on console or mobile, but I’m just wondering if it’s worth it to go the extra step and make my game compatible with all devices?
In my opinion, since it’s my first game, I just want to have some work on my portfolio that can represent what I can do, and hopefully bring me more success in the future. I’m honestly not focused on creating a popular front-page game. But more of a step in my career as a Developer here on the platform.
I guess my main questions are:
To have a popular game, should it be compatible with all devices?
For my first game, a step in my journey to improve as a developer, should this be a primary goal?
Is it even necessary at all?
Please let me know you opinions!
[btw, not sure what sub-topic this should’ve gone in, kinda relates most with scripting I guess?]
Statistically, I’m pretty sure most users on on mobile. What I recommend is getting the PC version out, while using the least amount of memory possible so it run’s the best not only on PC, but on mobile too. Once u finish the PC version, move towards working on mobile and console. Tbh with you there’s not that much to add to make it mobile compatible, other then performance. Also for UI, you should have it setup to where it fits and looks nice with every different resolution. It also depends on the type of game you make for whether or not it’s even reasonable for mobile compatibility. To keep aspect ratio of the UI for each resolution, personally I use frames to organize everything and the SizeConstraint property on lets say the main box of the UI. Look up on google how to use SizeConstraints or there are plenty of other methods out there, I think there are plugins as well u can use to automatically do it for u…
It really depends. I know that some games have computer and tablet support, but not a phone. I scripted games that have computer, mobile, and tablet support and they end up successful. If you force computer only, the game can lose players, since most players play on a phone.
To have a popular game, should it be compatible with all devices?
Technically, no, there is plenty of games out there that are not supported on all devices and they do perfectly well. I don’t know the current # of players whom play on each platform but that should be something you might want to research into. If the numbers are higher on phone/tablet, you should consider making that compatible.
For my first game, a step in my journey to improve as a developer, should this be a primary goal?
I’ve been in your shoes before and I would say that it doesn’t need to be your primary goal. As this is your first game you should focus on getting the game finished before making it too complicated to the point where you can never finish it. I’ve actually talked about this topic in the following post you can find here. A good piece of advice is to just make it simple:
Is it even necessary at all?
I believe it may be necessary in the future, but not at this very moment. If your goal is to get on the front page with a large player base, then opening the game for all devices is going to be your best best.
In short, (sorry for this mess), I would focus on finishing your game first. However, I would ensure that as you create this game, its set up in a way where it won’t be a huge hassle to implement other devices in the future.
According to the last RDC numbers, more than half of users are on mobile. Your game should absolutely be mobile compatible–UI designers will tell you you should prioritize mobile first, if anything.
As for console, it’s not a big deal if you don’t support it, but you absolutely should.
