1.
Tapsteroids: development tips
Code, graphics and marketing
UNAgames
http://www.unagames.com

2.
Game engine design

3.
Game & engine
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Custom C++ game engine (Component Based Entity System)
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Languages:
–
–
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C++
Objective C
Core libraries:
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Cocos2d-iPhone
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OpenGL
–
Box2D (http://www.unagames.com/blog/daniele/2010/06/fixed-time-step-implementation-box2d)
–
OpenAL

4.
Assets & tools
●
Open source:
–
–
Blender
–
Gimp
–
●
Audacity
Inkscape
Customs:
–
●
AtlasBuilder
Automated asset pipeline
(http://www.unagames.com/blog/daniele/2010/04/video-game-asset-pipeline-cmake)

5.
Component Based
Entity System

6.
CBES in Tapsteroids

7.
Entities in Tapsteroids

8.
newMissileTargetBuoy ()

9.
Graphics & details

10.
Problems with sprites
●
All graphic elements have little dimensions in
px
●
Game is a fast tapping shooter
●
Player uses his peripheral vision
For a good user experience:
Player must distinguish key elements of the
gameplay at a glance

11.
create BIG, render little

12.
First & Last

13.
Asteroids shape & color

14.
Asteroids shape & color
●
Deeper holes to create a chiaroscuro effect
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Uniformed colors to give an homogeneous look
●
●
Rough surface to emphasize lights and
shadows
Enlarged sizes (16, 20, 24 -> 18, 21, 24; 20)

15.
Animation & 3-point light

16.
Animation & 3-point light
●
Uniformed style and color of the fleet
●
Gave a roll movement to all elements
●
Added blinking red lights
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3-point lightning system (key, fill, rim)
●
Icy effect to asteroids
●
Bright colors to dangerous asteroids
●
Enlarged sizes (18, 21, 24 -> 18, 24, 30)
●
Additive halo to spaceships

17.
3-Point Lightning

18.
Sprites evolution

19.
Tips
●
●
●
●
●
Create a guideline with a
homogeneous style
Use vector graphics
whenever it is possible
Proceed step by step and
work in very close contact
with developers
Use friends as testers
without giving them hints
Enjoy!

20.
Past & future

21.
New & Noteworthy
(Games US, 2011-09-03)

22.
New & Noteworthy
(Arcade IT, 2011-09-03)

23.
Reviews
●
148Apps.com
●
AppAdvice.com
●
iPhoneItalia.com
●
iSpazio.net
●
CrazyMikesApps.com
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NineOverTen.com
●
iPhoneAppCaffe.com
●
Multiplayer.it
●
...

24.
Rankings
Source: iTunes Connect

25.
Paid vs Free
Up to: 2012-10-18; Source: iTunes Connect

26.
Original vs Pirated
Up to: 2012-10-18; Source: custom analytics

27.
Geographical distribution
Up to: 2012-10-18; Source: iTunes Connect

28.
Tapsteroids as F2P
●
Doesn't fit the F2P business model: no
consumable items!
●
We don't want a “lite + IAP” freemium solution.
●
...advertising...
●
●
We want to monetize all user-base, but better
than using ad-banners.
Advertising made useful...
–
Score multiplier...
–
Extra life!

29.
Thanks!
UNAgames
http://www.unagames.com
Daniele Benegiamo
daniele@unagames.com
@UNA_daniele
Erika Vespa
erika@unagames.com
@UNA_erika