Why I choose iOS/Xcode as development platform

This post will be about why I have chosen to go for iOS over other platforms and also some thoughts about the upcoming game that I will develop.

First of all, pretty much all of my devices at home including my fiancee’s are all Apple products. Together we have an iPod touch 2th generation, iPhone 4, iPhone 5 and an iPad 3rd generation. This implies that it will be quite easy for me to test the game on different resolutions and screen sizes. The only device I feel like I’m missing is a nonretina ipad (also ipad minis). This is the strongest point for me to go for iOS. I know there are plenty of simulators for each platform, however I still prefer to actually test the product on a real device.

Second, I want to learn more about Objective-C. I think the language is so far very powerful and beautiful in its own way. That said I still believe both Android as well as Windows Phone are great operating systems and I would have equally fun developing for them.

Since this will be my first game I will try to keep my goals not too high. For this reason, I’ve decided to go for a 2D game. To simplify the development I will use a framework for the game engine. Apple provides Sprite Kit with their latest SDK. Other 3rd party 2D game engines are available such as Cocos2D, Corona and now also for Unity. They all have their advantages and disadvantages. I feel that the easiest path for me is to use Sprite Kit since it will always be up to date with the latest iOS version as well as being well documented. It doesn’t require any additional installations (comes with xcode) and should also be optimized for Apple’s hardware.

Besides deciding framework I have also chosen what type of game that I would like to make. My favorite games have always been strategy so it was quite an easy choice. I discussed the matter of creating a game for others or for yourself with a more experienced indie developer, Emmanuel Marty. His thought was that it is easier to develop a game for yourself but in reality his most sold games were games he had developed based on feedback from others. On the other hand this journey is all about fun, educative and an exciting experience for me.

First post, first step, my background

I’m currently working for a Swedish company which is producing video microscopes. My main undertaking is to develop live image viewer as well as  measurement software compatible with the microscopes . I have worked on the company for almost 4 years and I have enjoyed it a lot! And I still do. However, one of my dream and what have always got me excited about is creating games.

The excitement is based both on playing games but especially game design and the development. I remember since I was a young kid I almost preferred creating content, such as maps, weapons etc. over actually playing the games. I really loved the creativity part. Because of all the time constrains of being an adult I don’t spend much time anymore on the creativity part as I would like. Therefore, I have decided to work half time starting on February and develop my own game.

This blog will be about the development of the game itself, sharing iOS knowledge and tips and tricks that i’ll encounter during my journey as well as sharing my experience of creating my own company and game. I also hope with this blog that I’ll reach out and meet like-minded people.