Mobile Gaming - Short Sessions vs Rich Gameplay

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Hello all,

This is my first post on the forums following a few weeks learning all I can about Unity. I’m learning it as a new hobby and I think I’m ready to take the plunge and make something of my own.

Firstly, I appreciated that this topics title is a bit of a false dichotomy as some games with short round times can have complex and deep mechanics. However, speaking in general terms mobile gaming is ideally suited to Clash of the Clans style quick fire rounds rather than Final Fantasy 7 which could involve long periods between save points.

As you may have guessed the type of game I’m interested in making is likely to involve longer rounds of 15-20mins which will involve battles as well as exposition in terms of dialog between characters. Vandal Hearts is probably the closest game in terms of mechanics.
My question for you wonderful people is this: how easy or difficult is it to market a more ‘traditional’ game on the mobile platform and do you have any experience doing so? I’ll be making my game free but I do want to reach a wide audience so cost shouldn’t be a barrier.

Look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Regards,
Rue

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A Tactical RPG on mobile huh? I actually think something like Disgaea would work alright on mobile, but that’s owing to the way it’s designed to be able to grind through battles in fairly short order, and so would fit into that less than 20min time frame.

I think that you’ll find that games that don’t fit into the “play a little now, play a little later” realm are actually more enjoyable sitting at a computer or in front of a TV. Mobile is all about anywhere, anytime so I’d ask myself the question, can my epic, end of the world final battle give a satisfying experience in the bustle of a bus or subway? Is it possible to keep track of all the different parts of a battle while also watching Netflix?

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I’d honestly say hit PC (then port to mobile later).

If you do go mobile you have to make 2-3 minute sessions engaging. Longer sessions are fine as well, but you will loose your audience if they have to play for longer sessions.

You can acheive this by allowing games to auto save and be resumed later.

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