Alterations to the App Store launched via iOS 6 may have initially fostered a flurry of positive feedback the sharper visuals a notable improvement for many but one developer believes, from an indie's perspective, the changes are nothing short of disastrous.
Taking to his studio's blog, Lightwood Games founder and CEO Chris Newman lays out just where he believes Apple has got things so wrong, starting with the decision not to include a new releases section in the charts tab.
Your attention please
"For a small developer, this is terrible news," opens Newman.
"Although its only for a short period, the 'new release' exposure is extremely valuable. It's our opportunity to grab people's attention, build the initial user base and gauge the public's reaction without needing to spend a fortune on marketing."
New and noteworthy releases can now be found in the categories section under games, but Newman claims their disappearance from the charts tab will simply help games already at the top of the charts stay there.
"How does a new app break through? There is absolutely no way of being discovered unless a user is linked to your app directly, or searches for the app by name," he continues.
Painful process
Other regrettable changes, he claims, include the new side-swiping format for search results, which he suggests are a "painful" process to navigate, penalise apps played in landscape mode, and mean there's not enough room to see an app's entire name.
"There are dozens of word search games that now appear to have identical names," he adds.
"If you're looking for ours and know the name but dont know what icon you're looking for, good luck."
On a more logistical note, Newman says Apple has undermined the store's search algorithm.
Now, he states, searching for something as simple as "word puzzle", or a developer's name, delivers an initial page that prompts the user to search for additional phrases, rather than the results themselves.
It's a change that could result in consumers going around in circles, unaware the app they want is just a swipe away.
Time to switch focus?
Finally, Newman points out that developers websites designed to redirect users to their games on the App Store no longer function with the new marketplace an error he describes as "catastrophic".
"We shouldn't expect Apple to do our marketing, but we do want a chance to be noticed. I believe the new App Store removes that chance completely," he closes.
"We had a Halloween-themed game planned for release on iOS next month. I'm now giving serious thought to axing that project and concentrating our efforts elsewhere.
"Maybe we could have four or five launch titles on Windows 8 instead of three. Perhaps now's the time for us to start working with Windows Phone.
"But I'm responding to this very quickly and very seriously. If you're a developer, you should do the same. If you don't already have a contingency plan, make one."
You can read more of Newman's concerns about Apple's App Store update in his interview with PocketGamer.biz.
[source: Lightwood Games]
News
With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.
Related Articles
Interview
Dec 13th, 2012
App attack: Microsoft could comfortably cull 75% of the Windows Store, reckons Lightwood Games
Interview
Oct 12th, 2012
UK devs on Kickstarter: Crowdfunding shouldn't be seen as an 'elaborate pre-order system', says Lightwood Games
Top Stories
News
11 hours, 48 minutes ago
PocketGamer.biz Podcast - ustwo games’ María Sayans on the sustainable strategy behind Monument Valley
News
12 hours, 16 minutes ago
Squad Busters releases globally tomorrow… But is it REALLY the next big thing?
Feature
May 28th, 2024
Hot Five: Disney x Fortnite, Sega’s sonic speed, and a potential Keywords Studios buyout
Feature
May 27th, 2024
“There has been an increase in funding opportunities for African developers with more exciting times to come"
Events
Unreal Fest Gold Coast 2024 | Australasia | May 29th |
For The Win 2024 | Europe | May 29th |
Indie Craft K-Game Festival 2024 | Europe | May 31st |
Indie Game Fest & Indie Campus 2024 | Europe | May 31st |
Game Access Conference 2024 | Europe | May 31st |
GDCy Fest 2024 | May 31st | |
GameSummit Summer 2024 | Jun 1st | |
BostonFig Online 2024 | Jun 1st |