3 ms·

Most of the apps I see are pretty uninspired. This looks interesting, novel, and useful. I keep hearing how tough the app store is, but if you actually "make so

by ericb 17y ago

Most of the apps I see are pretty uninspired. This looks interesting, novel, and useful. I keep hearing how tough the app store is, but if you actually "make something people want" is that really true?

jfarmer 17y ago
It's a two-fold problem. You have to make something people want, but you also have to inform people that you've made it. Most people rely on the AppStore for the latter; I think there are more interesting models that people haven't exploited yet.
bjplink 17y ago
I agree. I think it's important that a lot of the people with lackluster sales or disappointing results should take a step back and be honest with themselves about whether or not their app is actually worth buying. There is plenty of moaning and belly aching online from iPhone developers who are upset their apps don't sell well (such as this semi-famous one: http://gedblog.com/2009/09/28/losing-ireligion http://gedblog.com/2009/09/28/losing-ireligion) but few thoughts from people willing to analyze their mistakes and faults.
- warfangle 17y ago
  Interesting. A bunch of bellyaching because a game isn't selling well - and I can completely understand /why/ it didn't sell well. Heck, it's free and I still won't install it.
Locke1689 17y ago
I see a bunch of people making crappy games. I don't know about the masses, but I have one game on my iPhone. It is Katamari Damacy and it is the free trial (I may end up buying the full version). I like games but usually I think of all the other things I could be doing with my time and choose not to play. On the other hand, I am always searching for useful utilities like the RedLaser app. If there were more utilities and fewer crappy games, perhaps I'd spend more money at the App Store.
- Splines 17y ago
  Plus, the games section of the app store has very aggressive pricing. Personally, I use price-watching apps to monitor for when games go for free. Some of these games are highly polished, and to compete against them when they're available for free (even for 1 day) must put significant downward pressure on pricing for other games. Unless I'm looking for a specific game experience (e.g., I bought Beneath a Steel Sky), I'm more than willing to wait for free games to come along to satisfy my mobile gaming fix.

by ericb 17y ago

jfarmer 17y ago

It's a two-fold problem. You have to make something people want, but you also have to inform people that you've made it. Most people rely on the AppStore for the latter; I think there are more interesting models that people haven't exploited yet.

bjplink 17y ago

I agree. I think it's important that a lot of the people with lackluster sales or disappointing results should take a step back and be honest with themselves about whether or not their app is actually worth buying. There is plenty of moaning and belly aching online from iPhone developers who are upset their apps don't sell well (such as this semi-famous one: http://gedblog.com/2009/09/28/losing-ireligion http://gedblog.com/2009/09/28/losing-ireligion) but few thoughts from people willing to analyze their mistakes and faults.

warfangle 17y ago
Interesting. A bunch of bellyaching because a game isn't selling well - and I can completely understand /why/ it didn't sell well. Heck, it's free and I still won't install it.

Locke1689 17y ago

I see a bunch of people making crappy games. I don't know about the masses, but I have one game on my iPhone. It is Katamari Damacy and it is the free trial (I may end up buying the full version). I like games but usually I think of all the other things I could be doing with my time and choose not to play. On the other hand, I am always searching for useful utilities like the RedLaser app. If there were more utilities and fewer crappy games, perhaps I'd spend more money at the App Store.

Splines 17y ago
Plus, the games section of the app store has very aggressive pricing. Personally, I use price-watching apps to monitor for when games go for free. Some of these games are highly polished, and to compete against them when they're available for free (even for 1 day) must put significant downward pressure on pricing for other games. Unless I'm looking for a specific game experience (e.g., I bought Beneath a Steel Sky), I'm more than willing to wait for free games to come along to satisfy my mobile gaming fix.