Service
Game development
We design, develop and ship games for iOS, Android and the web.
Building a game brings different challenges than building an app.
An idea can look good on paper and change completely once you start playing it. That is why we prefer to test the mechanics early, adjust what needs adjusting, and build the rest of the game on a base that already works.
Beyond the visual and playable side, we can take care of what happens behind it: scores, progress, monetisation, analytics, store releases and later updates.
What kind of games we make
We focus mainly on games that can be understood quickly and enjoyed in short sessions.
These are some of the projects we can work on:
Casual and arcade games
Games built around a mechanic that is simple to learn, with elements such as scoring, progression, challenges or leaderboards.
The idea is that the player understands what to do within the first minutes and has reasons to come back.
Games for brands
Interactive experiences made for campaigns, launches, events or promotions.
They can include the brand’s visual identity, scoring, prizes, challenges or dynamics specific to the campaign.
When it makes sense, we can build them straight for the browser so people can play without installing an app.
Games for mobile and web
We can build games for iOS, Android and the browser, and assess whether sharing the same base across platforms makes sense.
The web version can be especially useful for casual games, because it lets you share them through a link and start playing right away.
Gamification
We can also bring game mechanics into products that are not games.
Points, levels, achievements, challenges, streaks or leaderboards can be used to encourage participation and make progress more visible inside an app or platform.
How we work
In a game it is hard to know whether a mechanic works until you can play it.
So we prefer to validate the experience first and then invest time in finishing the product.
-
We define the concept
We start by understanding what we want the player to do, what the main mechanic is, and what makes repeating it interesting.
We also define the platforms, the audience and the initial scope of the project.
-
We build a playable prototype
Before investing much time in art or content, we build a simple version that lets us test the main mechanic.
At this stage we are answering one basic question: is it fun to play?
If something needs to change, this is the best moment to do it.
-
We build the experience
With the mechanic settled we work on visual style, animation, sound, difficulty, scoring, progression and the rest of the game.
Through this stage we keep testing and tuning speeds, timings, rewards and behaviour until the balance feels right.
-
We add services and monetisation
Depending on the project we can add ads, in-app purchases, leaderboards, saved progress, analytics, cloud services or other integrations.
Monetisation is decided by the kind of game and the experience we want to keep for the player.
-
We publish
We prepare the versions needed for the App Store, Google Play or the web.
We can also handle store configuration, listings, screenshots, age ratings and support through the review process.
The game can be published directly from your company’s developer accounts.
-
We stay after launch
Publishing does not necessarily mean the project is finished.
We can continue with fixes, compatibility with new operating system versions, balance adjustments and new features or content.
Usage data also helps us understand which parts work best and which are worth adjusting.
What we build with
We choose the technology based on the kind of game, the platforms it will ship on and what the project needs.
A casual game meant for the browser and mobile devices has very different needs from a project that leans heavily on hardware or device-specific features.
When it makes sense, we use a single codebase to reach several platforms. In other cases it is better to work specifically for each one.
We do not believe every game should be built with the same engine or technology.
We would rather pick a solution that fits the size of the project and does not add unnecessary complexity.
Working with a studio in Mexico
We share time zones with the United States, so questions get answered the same day instead of overnight.
We work in English and in Spanish, and the team is in one place rather than spread across brokers and subcontractors.
And our own games and apps are public: you can play them before hiring us.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to build a game?
It depends mainly on scope.
A game built around a single mechanic can be a fairly contained project, while adding levels, characters, content, multiplayer, progression or online services changes the work involved considerably.
Once we know the idea we can give you an initial range and help you decide what a first version should include.
How long does it take?
That also depends on the kind of game.
We prefer to start with a small prototype to validate the mechanic before estimating a full product.
That lets decisions be made with something already playable, and reduces the risk of investing too much time in an idea that still needs adjusting.
Can it ship on iPhone, Android and web?
Yes.
Depending on the project we can prepare versions for iOS, Android and the browser.
In casual games a web version can be especially useful, because it lets you share the game straight through a link and try it without installing anything.
Can it be monetised with ads?
Yes.
We can integrate advertising, in-app purchases or a combination of both.
The best option depends on the kind of game, how long sessions last, and how we want monetisation to affect the player’s experience.
Do you make games for companies?
Yes.
We can build games or interactive experiences for campaigns, events, promotions, training or other business projects.
In these projects a web version tends to be especially practical, because it can be reached straight from a link or a QR code.
Do I own the game?
Yes.
The game can be published under your company’s developer accounts.
If you do not have Apple Developer or Google Play Console accounts yet, we can help you through the process.
Have a game idea?
Tell us what you have in mind.
We can help you define the mechanic, build a first prototype and work out which platforms make the most sense before building the full product.
And if, after testing the idea, we think there is a simpler or different way to build it, we will tell you that too.
Message us on WhatsApp