iOS game development is a cornerstone of the mobile gaming industry. Except for Android, iOS has the largest market share, making it a sensible platform to release games for mobile game developers. However, iOS game development, like any other gaming platform, presents unique challenges that an iOS game developer will need to navigate successfully.
As an experienced iOS game developer, Starloop Studios and the broader Magic Media group have extensive knowledge of iOS game development. We’ve tackled numerous projects for iOS platforms and have accumulated a wealth of useful knowledge and experience that guides us through the iOS game development process to this day.
Differences in the iOS Game Development Process
One of the most significant differences in iOS game development compared to developing for other platforms is the programming languages used. Primarily, Swift or Objective-C are used to develop mobile iOS games, with Swift being instrumental due to its modern syntax and performance advantages. Though experienced developers will inherently understand Swift and Objective-C, it’s recommended that an iOS game developer master the languages to produce better, cleaner code.
Furthermore, Xcode is the official integrated development environment (IDE) for iOS game development. It provides a comprehensive suite of features, including debugging tools, an interface builder, performance analysis, asset management, and more. Xcode is essential to developing games for iOS platforms, and therefore, developers should learn its ins and outs to develop the best games possible.
Testing and Optimization
Like Android game development, an iOS game developer should be aware of the various screen sizes and resolutions iOS devices are available in and test their games thoroughly for each supported device. Xcode, Apple’s IDE, provides extensive debugging tools that allow an iOS game developer to test their game to ensure compatibility on multiple devices, ensure battery usage is optimized, and memory management. Xcode is useful for gauging performance across devices, but using real devices is essential for accurate results.
App Store Guidelines and Submissions
Just like submitting a game for release on any platform, iOS game development projects are subject to a review process where the game must adhere to a strict set of rules and guidelines so that it can be made available to download on the App Store. The App Store’s guidelines cover important aspects of your game’s release, including security, functionality, user interface, user experience, and content. It’s best practice to ensure these guidelines are adhered to strictly upon initial submission as the review process can be lengthy but also if your iOS game is rejected and needs more work to comply with guidelines, the process will be extended even further.
The checklist for App Store submission is exhaustive but it helps ensure games are stable and safe. The official checklist makes specific mentions of functional parental controls, including detailed explanations of in-app purchases, legal requirements, and more. It’s best to become intimately familiar with all of these requirements throughout development to ensure the submission process can be completed as efficiently as possible.
iOS Game Development and Apple’s Game Center
Apple provides a unique service for iOS games called Game Center which has cross-functionality between Mac and iOS games. Game Center acts as a social hub service that allows players to interact with their friends in-game across different Apple platforms. An iOS game developer can choose to integrate leaderboards, achievements, and multiplayer matchmaking as part of their iOS game development process to provide players with a unique social aspect to their gameplay experiences.
This is particularly beneficial for iOS game developers as it boosts your game’s discovery. It will show more prominently across different Apple devices and on the App Store, potentially increasing its chances of success. Apple’s infrastructure can uniquely help a game’s discovery, which is something any iOS game developer should look to take advantage of.
Contact Starloop Studios today to learn more about our expert high-quality game development services for all platforms.
As part of Magic Media, we offer a wide range of services for the gaming, entertainment, and tech industries, including but not limited to full-cycle game development, game trailer production, and real-time VFX. Get in contact today, and let’s create magic!
