If you don't read Gamasutra...

quantumsheep

Maybe you should start!

A great site, and you get awesome articles like this popping up all the time:

http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/6149/finger_physics_from_rogue_project_.php

Some valuable tips there from people with experience!

Cheers,

QS

JackBQuick

A lot of good advice and ideas in this article! Thanks for the tip, quantumsheep! I've bookmarked this site.

ktfright

You should look for the Adam Saltsman blogs. He is the guy who created Canabalt, and he gives great tips from time to time.

quantumsheep

ktfright said:
You should look for the Adam Saltsman blogs. He is the guy who created Canabalt, and he gives great tips from time to time.

Very true!

Here's another article on a year being an indie dev:
http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/6153/the_voxel_agents_year_one_.php

Good stuff

QS

JackBQuick

In the first article (about Finger Physics), it was interesting that they admitted that they didn't have a beautiful icon; they chose one instead that would serve the purpose of grabbing attention and summing up the game.

In the second article (Train Conductor), it was eye-opening to read what they said about marketing and how they went from $300 in 6 months for their first app to $20,000 in their first month for their second app. They even suggested to "[d]edicate at least 30 percent of your time to marketing from day one".

Always good to get the lay of the land from people who have been through it. Thanks again for pointing out Gamasutra, quantumsheep.

quantumsheep

Hey Jack, glad you find it useful. A lot of people 'in the industry' read the site as it's a great resource, and increasingly, developers are sharing their App store experience.

They have some 'big' names that contribute quite regularly, so it's an interesting read if nothing else!

Everyone has an opinion on how they think the app store works and what leads to 'success'. It's good to be able to read the experiences of those that have actually done it!

Cheers,

QS

JackBQuick

I've been following Gamasutra for a while now and I find the The Psychology of Games column quite interesting. Knowing how users react in a given situation can help developers plan their games better.

StormyStudio

nice post...I will bookmark and make it a regular read, along with my normal gadget news from gizmodo, and mac rumours.

Just read the Finger physics article. (I bought that game after I released 'Quake Builder', there name and game is so much better than mine. (But sort of similar gameplay)

Really interesting read though, icons,free level updates for full and free versions, start at a higher price so you can then knock it down (which they say they should of done). And fun marketing, must make lots of fun trailers.

Also liked the idea of getting lots of TouchArcade beta testers, who if they like your game become Champions for your game...essentially free marketing

butterbean

Nice read Quantum! It just goes to show how important marketing is, and it's really half the job.

I really need to polish up on my marketing and start using those tips

And the ICON is super important too!

TwistedMech

Polish, marketing, publishing.... Was that not gamesalads business plan?

Joking of course :-)

Great article, keep em coming.

gyroscope

Thanks also, GS. Worth bookmarking. :-)

quantumsheep

gyroscope said:
Thanks also, GS. Worth bookmarking. :-)

Thats the second time I've noticed you call me 'GS'

I know you're old, mate, but still...

QS