Mobile Games

Mobile Game Development

> Platform constraints and optimization principles.

1. Platform Considerations

Key Constraints

| Constraint | Strategy |

|------------|----------|

| Touch input | Large hit areas, gestures |

| Battery | Limit CPU/GPU usage |

| Thermal | Throttle when hot |

| Screen size | Responsive UI |

| Interruptions | Pause on background |

2. Touch Input Principles

Touch vs Controller

| Touch | Desktop/Console |

|-------|-----------------|

| Imprecise | Precise |

| Occludes screen | No occlusion |

| Limited buttons | Many buttons |

| Gestures available | Buttons/sticks |

Best Practices

• Minimum touch target: 44x44 points
• Visual feedback on touch
• Avoid precise timing requirements
• Support both portrait and landscape

3. Performance Targets

Thermal Management

| Action | Trigger |

|--------|---------|

| Reduce quality | Device warm |

| Limit FPS | Device hot |

| Pause effects | Critical temp |

Battery Optimization

• 30 FPS often sufficient
• Sleep when paused
• Minimize GPS/network
• Dark mode saves OLED battery

4. App Store Requirements

iOS (App Store)

| Requirement | Note |

|-------------|------|

| Privacy labels | Required |

| Account deletion | If account creation exists |

| Screenshots | For all device sizes |

Android (Google Play)

| Requirement | Note |

|-------------|------|

| Target API | Current year's SDK |

| 64-bit | Required |

| App bundles | Recommended |

5. Monetization Models

| Model | Best For |

|-------|----------|

| Premium | Quality games, loyal audience |

| Free + IAP | Casual, progression-based |

| Ads | Hyper-casual, high volume |

| Subscription | Content updates, multiplayer |

6. Anti-Patterns

| ❌ Don't | ✅ Do |

|----------|-------|

| Desktop controls on mobile | Design for touch |

| Ignore battery drain | Monitor thermals |

| Force landscape | Support player preference |

| Always-on network | Cache and sync |

> Remember: Mobile is the most constrained platform. Respect battery and attention.