Game development for iOS remains a top priority for many publishers. Despite the smaller number of users, Apple accounts for over 65% of all mobile games and apps revenues. Apple users know what they signed up for when purchasing this device and are ready to pay for every new feature, game and application. In return, they get an exclusive ecosystem with stable performance and a high level of optimization.
Of course, no one is immune from problems. Technological development presents developers with new challenges. You need to be able to combine the latest advances with the constraints and regulations that are fundamental to Apple’s sustainability. Let’s take a look at the most common problems in iOS game development that developers can face.
Limited Memory
iOS devices are known for their memory and storage limitations. Unlike Android devices, the iPhone does not have the ability to identify unnecessary objects and cannot reuse resources that might have been freed by deleting those objects.
Developers who set out to create games for iOS should think carefully about how to strike a reasonable balance between possible memory constraints and game performance. It is important to take into account that different versions of the operating system may require a different amount of memory for the correct functioning of the application. Thus, any game should be optimized as much as possible and get rid of all unnecessary functions that take up extra memory and complicate work.
Weak Battery
It is known that games are one of the most energy-consuming tasks that any device can face. Any developer wants to make the game as colorful and versatile as possible. But the more you diversify and complicate it, the more battery charge it will require.
Finding the optimal combination of gaming features with performance is one of the main tasks of a developer. Leave powerful gaming features for PC and consoles. Mobile games should be fun, but not overly challenging. Here, no one will appreciate the photorealistic graphics, for example. It simply cannot be seen properly on a small screen. Emphasize engaging gameplay. And be sure to test the application for the power consumption of the device.
Special UI/UX
iOS games and applications have always stood out for their interface. A very clear and unencumbered design concept requires a lot of work. This is necessary not only to show people once again that this is an iOS style. It is also important to obtain approval for the placement of the application in the App Store. The rules require that all game applications adhere to a certain style.
Developers should remember the main rule – do not add anything extra. Studying the latest UI/UX trends for iOS will help you keep your finger on the pulse and avoid the same style when creating interfaces.
Testing Problems
Ironically, testing has been and remains a real challenge when making games for iOS. The need to take into account a lot of details and follow a lot of rules makes developers overlook one of the most important points in checking the quality of the game. A frivolous attitude towards testing or skipping this stage may lead developers to learn about the game’s gaps only from angry reviews from disgruntled players. Of course, it will be possible to release patches. But it is better to do well right away so that you do not have to redo and spoil the first impression.
Endnote
Despite the problems, good iOS developers keep doing their jobs and making great games. To find real professionals who will not be intimidated by the challenges, you need to pay attention to experienced mobile game development companies with an appropriate portfolio. After making sure that the studio actually has iOS projects under its belt, you can proceed to the negotiation stage and discuss all the details that interest you.
