Making money from Social Game development / adjust Flash games to Facebook

You (and I) would love to read these first lines: Yes, you can adjust any of your Flash games to Facebook/Social games and make lots of money. But the truth is you can't, it's so hard that you will mist certainly make more money asking your parents, then with these methods. Why? Why can't a developer make money with social games?

It is a social world, don't lose your head while developing

1. If you're Zingya, you can make money from social gaming, You can also make money from developing lots of social games with social virtual goodies if you have lots of time, money to market and a deep knowledge about how this industry works. In other words - 99% of you my dearest readers, can't.

2. Getting a stand alone Flash game into Facebook is like teaching your grandmother to use twitter. It'll work, no one will follow.

3. Most of our days adjustments methods are complected as your game is. If it is a running stick, there will be no problems, but if your game is more than that (I hope it is), you'll get frustrated trying to convert it.

In other words, if you want a social game, study the industry and develop a social game to begin with.

Galcon methods and special tips

Galcon is one of the best iPhone applications ever made. It started as Python application for Windows, through a very not successful Flash version and these days, every Android user can also play against iPhone/iPod player. Galcon is a game where you conquer starts, you use psychology, frightfulness methods, lots of ego, and friends.



When a beginner start sending stars in his/hers first games, the pros can see it, and abuse it. We (sorry newbies) play hard to get and when a white flag Galcon player is on the game, we crash him...one time, tow time....113 time is my own record. I'm sorry WhotchMe32, I'm sure your therapist will fix you in the next 2, 3, 3001 sessions...:-)

In order to be a pro, you have to know some basic stuff:

1. The cheapest the star is, the better.
2. Small stars will not produce enough ships, this is a one minute game-play, don't be foolish! I know there are other tactics, I also use them, but start from the beginning mmmK?
3. Sometimes, a room with one Admiral (blue flag and up) and a white/yellow/purple player is just one asshole with tow iPhones.
4. If you're playing to get better, play mostly with people use loose for, if you're there for higher rank, then don't.
5. 2VS2 is a great game, yet it has nothing to do with traditional Galcon. I'll write about 2vs2 some other time.
6. Use should always try to fing a path of stars (draw an imaginary line from you to your enemy) you can easily take.
7. If you have a great neighborhood (a bunch of big and cheap stars), don't leave it, defend it.

Enjoy the game!

Flash games developer - What kind of game should you invest your time in?

The big question of what kind of games should games developers develop, depends on the goals. If your goal is to learn, then start with whatever you like, think of the game you'd like to play and would be proud about when friends ask for it. If the goal is making money out of game development, then you should make a little research.

Developing social games:
Social games are here, and they're probably here to stay. Combine the power of Facebook connect for example, to get rid of the need in user base and user tables, data, registration etc. This way, your game is social even if there's nothing social about its contents.

Developing a hit:
A hit game is not as easy as one newbie Flash game developer might think it is. You're abilities, creativity and founds can't get to low levels if this is your goal. You'll need an amazing idea, a great game engine and some friends who has friends who....

The real thing:
Ohhhhh...there's nothing like developing the next Angry Birds or Galcon...get
down to the ground - think of what is very suitable to the platform and audience
you're aiming to, and get busy with code & graphics.
Copycat:
If you'll look at the top 100 iPhone games in iTunes, you'll see great games with
millions of downloads. If you'll get down in the list, the 200, 400 and even 1000
are great successes. You can get there easily if you'll ride some other game
success. GUARANTEED.

Developing a game about...:
One of the best kind of games - as far as this writer believes - one can develop, are the games about something. It can be about a popular subject like Oil, Nuclear wepons, sports etc, or about a trendy subject like elections, a big storm, celebs etc.

The kind of game you should develop depends of your goals. Think about your goals and make your dreams come true. Any help? Contact me.

(image credit: calitreview)