Publishing on Apple App Store

Developing games for the Apple App Store can be a lucrative and exciting venture for game developers. With over 1.5 billion active Apple devices worldwide, there is a large audience of potential players to tap into. However, the process of developing a successful game for the App Store requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. In this blog post, we will explore some key steps to consider when developing games for the Apple App Store.

Register for Apple Developer Program

The first step to publish an app on the Apple App Store is to register for the Apple Developer Program. This program provides the necessary tools, resources, and support to develop and publish apps on the App Store. The registration fee for this program is $99 per year.

Determine your game concept and target audience

Before you begin developing your game, it's important to have a clear idea of what type of game you want to create and who your target audience is. Research popular game genres on the App Store and determine what unique features or gameplay mechanics you can bring to the table. Consider the age range, interests, and demographics of your target audience to create a game that will resonate with them. Analytics sites such as SensorTower can give you insights on how certain genres of games are doing.

Familiarize yourself with Apple's guidelines and requirements

Apple has specific guidelines and requirements for games published on the App Store, and it's important to familiarize yourself with them before you begin development. These guidelines cover everything from the user interface to in-app purchases and advertising. Make sure your game adheres to these guidelines to ensure it is approved for publication. Mobile landscape is constantly changing and new laws/policies are introduced yearly.

Choose the right development tools and software

There are a variety of game engines and development tools available for creating games for the App Store. Choose one that is user-friendly and suited to your skill level and game concept. Popular options include Unity, Unreal Engine, and GameMaker Studio. At Weyrdworks, we use Unity to build our games onto a multitude of different platforms.

Test and refine your game

You need to make sure that the game is free from bugs and test the game on various devices to ensure that it works properly on different iOS versions. You can distribute your game to internal or external testers via Apple’s TestFlight app.

Submit the game for review

Once your game is ready for submission, you can submit it to the App Store for review. The review process may take a few days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the game. During the review process, Apple will check your game to ensure that it complies with the App Store Guidelines.

Wait for approval or rejection

After submitting your game, you need to wait for Apple's approval or rejection. If your game is approved, it will be published on the App Store, and you can start promoting it. If your game is rejected, Apple will provide you with a reason for the rejection. You can then make the necessary changes and resubmit the game for review.

Publishing a game on the Apple App Store requires careful planning, preparation, and adherence to the guidelines. By following these steps, you can increase the chances of getting your game approved on the App Store and reaching a wider audience. Weyrdworks is a game company based in Malaysia with over a decade of experience in building apps for Apple. If you’re looking to develop and publish an app on the Apple App Store, reach out to us to help you get there.