How many levels would you pay $0.99 for?

mikelowe

I am making a level based game. Around how many levels to games normally have? So far I have 20 and know this is not enough. I was thinking somewhere around 30-40.

On the other hand, 20 may be enough if I make it free and then have an additional 20 level pack with IAP. Please give me some input as to what would be most appealing to the user.

Thanks,
Michael

App Surge

It depends on what type of game you're making. If it is going to be a platformer that takes 10 minutes to beat each level, then you'd only need 50 or so. If it'll be a game like Angry Birds you should aim in the 100s range to get the best reviews possible.

mikelowe

@redsky thanks for the quick reply. In my game it probably takes a few minutes for each level (right now). It is similar to a platformer in the sense that you have a character moving through a level. In this early stage of design, the levels are relatively small. I was thinking that as the player progresses through the game, the levels could get larger and take longer. So given what your saying, I am thinking maybe 50-100? Your advice really got me thinking that I can make expansive levels that would take longer.

The_Gamesalad_Guru

If your app sucks nothing. If it 's good maybe.

LumpApps

I'd let there be a choice of either being able to unlock levels or buy them.
I just downloaded star warfare and it sucks because you need to many upgrades to get anywhere so I have to pay for them. Or play boring levels over and over again to win money. Totally unbalanced. It feels like being ripped off.

ozboybrian

Free with iAP levels is fine.
But don't do paid with iAP levels.

Braydon_SFX

I'd say 60-100. Or add more with each update.

dingosmoov

Launch with 20, and then with each update add 10 levels for free. The update will remind people of your game. Remember Angry Birds did not start with 100s of levels.

MetzoPaino

Depends on what type of game you're making really. If it's Angry Birds style then probably about 100, but it's only interesting if you keep bringing in new mechanics and interesting level design. Pacman however only has one level (though I suppose it getting harder may count as more), so I suppose if you're game is good enough it doesn't matter.

EatingMyHat

Depending in the replay value of the game. If I will never come back to the level once I finished it, you need plenty. If I'll have a reason to go back and play the level again (e.g. collect all start, unlock hidden content, complete achievement), you might need less.

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GraphicWarehouse

I think in the full version there should be 1,000,000,000 levels and in the lite version there should be 999,999,999 levels :P (tell us what your games about)

mikelowe

Thanks for the replies everyone. In my game, the player has a jetpack and he needs to get through levels with obstacles. Generally, the levels scroll upwards, but the larger levels scroll to the sides as well. There are coins in each level that the user has to collect in order to get a good rating on each level. As of now, I do introduce new elements as the user plays through. I suppose there is potential replay value here. Im still thinking about having 30-40 levels to start with consistent updates. I will also add in game upgrades that the user can use the collected coins for.

@eatingmyhat you really got me thinking about replay value. I think I will focus on that.

GraphicWarehouse

i totally agree "Im still thinking about having 30-40 levels to start with consistent updates"

zombieaddict

depends heavily on the game really. lets use field runners as an example. its got a decent amount of maps now but when it first released it only had 3 maps.

alot of old school platformers have about 5-10 levels

IsabelleK

I think 50, and more in updates is right number for .99

LeonardDeveloper

50... But it depends on how hard and type...