A Detailed Guide on How to Create a Mobile Game App

Mobile Game App Development Market Analysis

• The global mobile game app development market has shown remarkable growth, with its size valued at USD 101 billion in 2024. Projections indicate it will soar to approximately USD 222.88 billion by 2032, driven by a robust CAGR of 10.4%. 

• 25% of iOS apps and 21% of Android apps downloaded globally are games.
• Gaming apps account for 43% of all smartphone usage.
• 62% of users install a game on their device within the first week of purchase.
• 78% of gamers worldwide prefer Android devices.
• The global mobile gaming community surpasses 2.2 billion active players.
• Puzzle games represent 57.9% of the total games played across devices.
• Women spend more money than men on in-game content. 

What are the Types of Gaming Apps? 

People keep asking how to create a mobile game app but they forget to ask the types of games apps that are available in the market. This list of games will help you make a good game app business plan. Let’s dive deeper into the various types of games apps dominating the market today:

I.Hypercasual App

These games are designed for simplicity and ease of play. With minimal controls and quick gameplay sessions, they are perfect for users who want instant entertainment without a steep learning curve. These games often feature repetitive mechanics, such as tapping or swiping, making them highly addictive.

Examples include Flappy Bird and Stack Ball. Due to their broad appeal, hypercasual games attract massive downloads and can generate significant revenue through ads and in-app purchases.

II.Adventure Game App

Adventure games immerse players in richly detailed worlds. The game development offers thrilling experiences that blend exploration, storytelling, and problem-solving. Players often navigate through quests, interact with characters, and solve puzzles to progress. 

Popular titles like The Legend of Zelda, Pokemon Go, and Minecraft fall into this category. These games usually boast impressive graphics and intricate storylines, which can captivate players for hours. The game app cost is usually high but it has a loyal and engaged player base.

III.Betting game App

Betting apps offer players the chance to wager on games of chance or skill, with the opportunity to earn money from games apps or virtual rewards. These can range from simple casino games like poker and blackjack to sports betting app development and fantasy leagues. Remember, legal restrictions apply in various regions, so developers must ensure compliance with local laws. 

Popular examples include Bet365 and Dream11, a cricket betting app development solution. These apps often integrate secure payment gateways and robust anti-fraud systems to enhance user trust.

IV.Role playing game App

RPGs let players step into the shoes of fictional characters to offer a mix of combat, strategy, and storytelling. These games are known for their depth which allows players to build and customize their characters, explore vast worlds, and engage in dynamic battles. 

For instance, Genshin Impact and Final Fantasy showcase the genre’s potential for immersive gameplay. RPGs often feature long playtimes, multiplayer modes, and regular content updates to keep players engaged. This is actually a good game app business plan if you have a high budget. 

V.Multiplayer Online Battle Arena Game App

MOBA games are highly competitive and team-based, where players control characters with unique abilities and work together to defeat the opposing team. These games require strategy, coordination, and quick decision-making. The game app development cost is usually very high as the best game app developers in UAE are required to develop and design. 

PUBG, League of Legends: Wild Rift, and Mobile Legends are prime examples. MOBA games often include ranked matches, in-game purchases for skins and characters, and a thriving esports community.

VI.Puzzle Game App

Puzzle games challenge players with logic, pattern recognition, and problem-solving tasks. They are popular for their mentally stimulating gameplay and a wide variety of challenges, from matching tiles in Candy Crush to solving mysteries in The Room. 

Puzzle games appeal to casual gamers and are a favorite among those seeking to sharpen their minds or relax during a break. This game development typically has simple mechanics but can scale in difficulty to keep players hooked.

VII.Arcade Game App

Arcade games focus on fast-paced, action-oriented gameplay that often emphasizes achieving high scores. These games are characterized by their straightforward mechanics and nostalgic appeal, drawing inspiration from classic arcade titles. 

Examples include Subway Surfers and Fruit Ninja. Arcade games are ideal for short, engaging play sessions and often integrate leaderboards to encourage competition among players. The game app development cost is comparatively less than other types of games. 

Understanding the different types of gaming apps can help you make the right choice. Now, you can work with a mobile game app development company in Dubai to bring your idea to life. 

Also Read: Guide for Sports Betting App Development that Functions like William Hill Betting

How to Create a Mobile Game App: A Step-by-Step Process 

If you are a gaming startup or business investor willing to know how to create a game app then this blog is for you. Below we have covered all the steps that are involved in Android mobile game app development. 

Step 1.Define Your Game Idea

Every great game app development starts with a solid idea. Think about what kind of game you want to create. Will it be a fun, easy-to-play hypercasual game or an epic adventure? Ask yourself:

• What’s the goal of the game?
• Who will play it (kids, teens, adults)?
• What makes your game unique?

Write down your ideas, sketch characters, and imagine the gameplay. This will be the foundation for everything that follows. You must work with the best game app developers to develop the game as per your will and earn money from games app. 

Step 2.Create Story

Even simple games can have a cool story behind them. If your game development idea involves characters, think about their background. Why are they on this adventure? What challenges will they face? For example:

In an adventure game like Black Myth: Wukong, you might create a hero who’s on a quest to save their village.

In a puzzle game, you could have a character solving mysteries in a haunted mansion.

The story gives your players a reason to keep playing and makes the game more engaging. It also makes your game app business plan solid to create loyalty among users. 

Step 3.Choose a Game Engine

A game engine is like a toolbox for building your game. It has all the tools you need to design, code, and bring your game to life. Some popular ones include:

a) Unity

Best For: Both 2D and 3D games, from simple mobile games to complex console titles.

Why Choose Unity?

Unity is one of the most widely used game engines in the world, and for good reason. It’s incredibly versatile which allows developers to create both 2D and 3D games with ease. 

Key Features:

• Cross-Platform Support
• User-Friendly Interface
• Large Asset Store
• Community and Tutorials.

Use Case: Games like Among Us and Monument Valley were created using Unity. This showcases its flexibility for different genres.

b) Unreal Engine

Best For: High-quality graphics, complex games, and AAA titles.

Why Choose Unreal Engine for Game App Development?

Unreal Engine is known for its stunning visuals and powerful performance. It’s widely used in the gaming industry for both big-budget games and indie projects that require top-tier visuals.

Key Features:

• Photorealistic Graphics
• Blueprints (Visual Scripting)
• Advanced Physics and AI
• Free to Start

Use Case: Famous games like Fortnite and Gears of War were built with Unreal, showcasing its capability for high-end game development.

c) Godot

Best For: Beginners, indie developers, and 2D games.

Why Choose Godot?

Godot is an open-source game engine that’s perfect for those who are just starting. While it shines in 2D game app development, it also has solid 3D capabilities for simpler projects.

Key Features:

• Open-Source and Free
• Node-Based Architecture
• Customizable Tools
• Built-In Script (GDScript)

Use Case: Games like Deponia and Kingdoms of the Dump show how Godot excels in creating engaging 2D experiences.

Also Read: Unity vs Unreal Engine: Which Game Engine to Choose?

Step 4.Design the Graphics

This is where your game starts to look cool! Decide how your game will look and feel. Will it be colorful and cartoonish or realistic and detailed? You’ll need to design:

Characters: Who are they? What do they look like?

Backgrounds: Where does the game take place?

Objects: Think about items the player will interact with, like coins, obstacles, or power-ups.

You can use tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, or even free programs like GIMP. If drawing isn’t your thing, there are plenty of free and paid assets online.

Step 5.Code the Game

Now it’s time to make your game playable! Coding is how you tell the game what to do when the player taps, swipes, or presses buttons. Depending on the game engine, your game app developers might use different programming languages:

C# for Unity

C++ for Unreal Engine

GDScript for Godot

Don’t worry if you’re new to coding! A reputed game app development company can help you overcome coding challenges. At Apptunix, we offer comprehensive game app development services. Our best app developers provide services around the world like we did for Relief Play. 

Step 6.Plan for post-launch player support

Once your game is live, the job isn’t done! Keeping players happy after the launch is super important. A solid support system helps fix problems quickly and keeps your game running smoothly for the long haul. Here's how to make it happen:

Use Support Software:  Set up a self-service knowledge base where players can find answers on their own. This way, they don’t have to wait for help, and your support team can focus on bigger issues.

Add AI-Powered Chatbots: AI chatbots can handle easy player questions like password recovery, fixing common bugs, or explaining how to play. They’re fast and work 24/7, so players get instant help anytime.

Offer Multilingual Support: Players come from all over the world, so it’s important to speak their language. Use AI tools to translate messages, and have human agents ready for more complex issues in different languages.

Provide In-App Support: Make it easy for players to ask for help without leaving the game. In-app support means they can get assistance quickly, whether they’re on their phone, tablet, or PC.

With these tools, your game will keep players happy and coming back for more!

Step 7.Test the Game 

Before you release your game to the world, you need to make sure it works perfectly. Play the game yourself, ask your friends to try it, and look for any problems. Test for:

Devices Test: Mobile games don’t behave the same way on every device. Test your game on different screen sizes. This helps you spot any device-specific problems early on.

Test in Different Layouts: Your game might face challenges in real-world situations. What happens when the device is low on battery? Or when players have several apps running in the background? Test these scenarios to see how your game performs.

User Experience Check: Players will stick around if your game feels great to play. Check how smooth the controls are and how responsive the game is. If the experience is clunky or confusing, tweak it until it feels right.

Compatibility Test: Your game should work on various operating systems and devices. Test it on different versions of Android and iOS to catch compatibility issues. 

By thoroughly testing your game development solution in all these areas, you’ll deliver a product that runs smoothly and keeps players coming back for more.

Step 8.Launch the Game

Publishing your game involves uploading it to platforms like the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Amazon App Store. But to make sure your game gets noticed and runs smoothly, there are a few important steps to follow.

Conduct Research: Before you upload, spend some time understanding their policies. This helps you avoid any delays or rejections during the submission process.

Prepare Your Assets: You’ll need to create eye-catching visuals to promote your game. This includes:

App Icon: A clear, attractive icon that stands out.

Screenshots and Videos: Show off your game’s best features with high-quality images and gameplay clips.

Promotional Materials: Banners and descriptions to grab attention.

Choose the Right Categories and Keywords:. Use keywords that describe your game accurately so players can find it easily. 

Update Your Game Regularly: Regular updates help retain existing players and attract new ones.

With that, the question of how to create a game app is now being answered. But remember it is necessary that you hire the best game app developers to cut your game app cost. 

What is the Cost of Making an Android or iOS Mobile Game App In 2025?

Explore: 

-How to create a mobile game app for iOS and Android

-Key factors influencing development costs

-Game app development cost for types of games apps

-Expenses related to design, development, testing, and marketing

-Tips to optimize your budget without compromising quality

How to Create a Mobile Game App: Post-Release Tips

Releasing your game is a huge milestone, but the real work begins after launch. Here’s how to keep your game thriving and build a loyal player base with a proper game app business plan:

I.Track Metrics

After your gaming app is out for use. Keep a close watch on key metrics to earn money from games app. 

Daily Active Users (DAU): How many people play your game each day?

Retention Rate: How many players come back after their first session?

Average Revenue Per User (ARPU): How much money does each player bring in?

Lifetime Value (LTV): What’s the total value of a player over their time in your game?

These numbers help you understand what’s working and what needs improvement.

II.Prioritize Marketing

Your game won’t promote itself! You have to create a marketing plan with a proper strategy. You can start with social media. Here you can share updates, trailers, and gameplay highlights. Next,  go for influencer outreach. Partner with gamers who can showcase your game to their audience. At last, approach App Store Optimization (ASO) by following the guidelines. This will help you to boost your game’s visibility.

III.Collect Feedback

Listen to your players! Encourage feedback through App Store Reviews. See what users like or dislike. You can conduct in-game surveys like asking for opinions directly in the game. This will help you understand and resolve the queries.  Use this feedback to fix bugs, improve gameplay, and add features players want.

IV.Promote Your Game Continuously

You should keep spreading the word by posting on Online Forums and Gaming Communities. Here you can share updates and engage with players. Additionally, collaborate with influencers. let them introduce your game to their fans and bring traffic to your mobile game application. The more people hear about your game, the more downloads you’ll get.

V.Analyze Competitors

Study similar games to see what they’re doing well and where they fall short. Use this insight to make your game stand out. You must leverage game app development services as they help you have a competitive edge right from the start. Additionally, analyze market data like the one we have shown below: 

This kind of data insight helps you make decisions on how to create a mobile game app and for whom.

Bonus Read: Metaverse Game Development: How Much Does it Cost?

VI.Engage with Players

Building a community is key a successful game app development. YOu can start responding to feedback.  You must show players that you’re listening. This will make them feel important and acknowledged. Also, create in-game events or challenges. Keep things exciting for your target audience. At last, you can add social features. let players connect, compete, or collaborate with friends.

Apptunix Can Help You Build an Immersive Game App 

At Apptunix, we offer end-to-end mobile game app development services, from creativity and design to deployment and maintenance. Whether it’s AR, VR, 2D, or 3D gaming, we ensure every app we create is innovative, engaging, and performance-driven. With 11+ years of expertise in the gaming industry, we understand what it takes to build a game that stands out. We’ve successfully delivered various mobile games across genres, helping clients succeed in the competitive gaming market.

Our team comprises the best game app developers, designers, and tech experts who bring your ideas to life. With expertise in advanced gaming engines like Unity, Unreal, and more, we ensure your game app is optimized for all platforms. We’ve worked with startups, enterprises, and gaming enthusiasts across the globe. Our client-centric approach ensures we tailor every project to meet unique business goals to deliver solutions that resonate with the target audience.

Choose our mobile game app development company to create a game app that not only captures market share but also delivers an immersive experience for players. Let’s build your dream game together! If you need any more information on how to create a mobile game app then you can contact us now!