Mobile Game Development

Platform constraints and optimization principles.

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1. Platform Considerations

Key Constraints

Constraint	Strategy
Touch input	Large hit areas, gestures
Battery	Limit CPU/GPU usage
Thermal	Throttle when hot
Screen size	Responsive UI
Interruptions	Pause on background

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2. Touch Input Principles

Touch vs Controller

Touch	Desktop/Console
Imprecise	Precise
Occludes screen	No occlusion
Limited buttons	Many buttons
Gestures available	Buttons/sticks

Best Practices

• Minimum touch target: 44x44 points
• Visual feedback on touch
• Avoid precise timing requirements
• Support both portrait and landscape

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3. Performance Targets

Thermal Management

Action	Trigger
Reduce quality	Device warm
Limit FPS	Device hot
Pause effects	Critical temp

Battery Optimization

• 30 FPS often sufficient
• Sleep when paused
• Minimize GPS/network
• Dark mode saves OLED battery

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4. App Store Requirements

iOS (App Store)

Requirement	Note
Privacy labels	Required
Account deletion	If account creation exists
Screenshots	For all device sizes

Android (Google Play)

Requirement	Note
Target API	Current year's SDK
64-bit	Required
App bundles	Recommended

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5. Monetization Models

Model	Best For
Premium	Quality games, loyal audience
Free + IAP	Casual, progression-based
Ads	Hyper-casual, high volume
Subscription	Content updates, multiplayer

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6. Anti-Patterns

❌ Don't	✅ Do
Desktop controls on mobile	Design for touch
Ignore battery drain	Monitor thermals
Force landscape	Support player preference
Always-on network	Cache and sync

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Remember: Mobile is the most constrained platform. Respect battery and attention.