If you've ever found yourself immersed in a mobile game and thought, "I'd love to create something like this," then you're in the right place.
Creating a mobile game might seem like an overwhelming task, especially when you think about the vibrant graphics, complex mechanics, and sleek user interfaces that modern games flaunt. However, the process doesn't have to be daunting, regardless of whether this is your first game or you’re a tech guru.
This article will demystify the process of creating mobile games, give you several options, and show you how you can take your first steps today.
Let’s get started.
How to start making a mobile game
Here are the four ways you can start making a mobile game today:
Use or learn coding to build a game
When you start thinking about building a mobile game, coding is the traditional route. It provides a great deal of flexibility and control over your game, but it also requires time, patience, and an understanding of how games work to master.
Here are a couple of popular languages used in mobile game development:
Java: Java is the official language for Android development. It's object-oriented, which means it can simplify complex software development, and it's widely used by large organizations and small app developers alike.
Swift: Swift is the go-to language for iOS. It's user-friendly and has a lot of resources available, making it a favorite amongst beginners.
C# (C-Sharp): Used in Unity and one of the most popular game development engines, C# is known for its simplicity and flexibility. Unity allows you to build games that can be easily ported to both Android and iOS.
Learning to code could be a steep learning curve, and it requires significant time and effort. However, it also provides you with a deeper understanding of how games work, which could be invaluable in the long run. Consider resources such as online courses, coding bootcamps, or even YouTube tutorials to kickstart your journey.
Work with or hire a team of mobile app makers
Another viable path in your game-making journey is to gather a team of skilled professionals. This approach is often used for larger-scale projects or when you need specialized skills. From game designers and developers to artists and sound designers, each team member contributes to the game's creation.
In this context, think of yourself as the 'game producer,' coordinating the project and making the high-level decisions. You'll have the responsibility of ensuring everyone on the team is aligned and moving toward the same goal — a successful mobile game launch.
To give you a sense of the cost involved, assembling such a team can range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands, depending on the complexity of the game and the expertise level of the team members. The average industry standard is $171,450.
However, cost shouldn't deter you from considering this option. You can explore avenues like collaborating with students or hobbyists, outsourcing work to less expensive regions, or even revenue-sharing agreements.
Plus, this path can help teach you about the process as a whole, picking up skills on the way. But it’s not for everyone, and there are less expensive routes.
Using a no-code game maker like Soba
With no-code game development platforms like Soba, mobile game development won’t always require learning complex programming languages or hiring a team.
Soba offers a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate even for beginners. Its drag-and-drop functionality allows you to build your game logic without writing a single line of code, making Soba optimal for testing new game ideas with ease.
Plus, Soba comes with an array of built-in resources, including customizable assets, characters, and game mechanics — meaning you can start building your game world immediately, without needing to create everything from scratch (with full control).
Another key benefit of Soba is that it offers a supportive community where you can connect with other game developers, share your creations, and learn from others.
It's an all-in-one platform designed to make game development accessible to anyone, regardless of their technical background.
So, if you want to bring your game ideas to life without the hassle of learning code or managing a team, Soba might be the ideal choice for you. Start creating, start experimenting, and who knows? Other people might love your game!
