November 9th, 2010 by Arjan Olsder Posted in Analysis & Editorial | No Comments »
Cobra Mobile is one of the mobile developers/publishers that has been in this industry for a large number of years and is creating IP for companies like Lego and Warner Bros.
Mark Ettle explains the company still dislikes the J2me market, yet it got them where they are right now (on the App Store). Before entering into discussion about what makes a great app, he first explains why apps are so popular.
Apps are all about content and convenience. Content use, delivery and discovery has changed a lot since the App Store. Content also changed the shape and size of the content we consume through them.
A great app is simple, fun, focused and usable. It does two or three things really well. Consumers should be able to pick it up and understand what is needed directly (though 30 seconds to get into it is ok). This goes not only for gameplay, but for naming as well (i.e. iBomber, Angry Birds, Cut The Rope).
To get the feeling of what your app needs, you should play those of others and note down what you like and dislike about it. Cobra applies the following rules;
- Think about usability, think playability (deconstruct complexity)
- Think about the user, think about the overall user experience when using your app
- A good experience is transparent to the user
- Sets the tone for the game
- Tells you about the game
- Good user experience = happy customer
- Bad user experience = unhappy customer and that can cost you sales
- Use device features, but don’t overuse them
- Understand the devices technical limitations
- Understand the devices input/control mechanis
- Understand design concepts that work
- Entertain and reward the user (achievements)
- Always look at replay value
- Use social networks where applicable
- On iOS, use Game Center
Great App Examples
Angry Birds (Rovio), iBomber (Cobra Mobile), Bloons (Digital Goldfish), Cut the Rope (ZetoLabs).
