Android is an open platform with various manufacturers, models, and multiple OS versions. These various combinations offer developers a broad market opportunity but also demand compatibility and optimization across different environments. In-depth analysis and a thorough list of target Android devices are essential for a successful game launch. This guide presents considerations and best practices for Android game developers during the launch process.
Analyze target Android devices for launch
Consider hardware specifications
A device's CPU, GPU, memory, and other hardware components directly influence how your game will perform on that device. Categorizing devices based on their hardware capabilities helps optimize your game for different graphic quality tiers. The following list is an example breakdown of device categories. This may differ for your game depending on your workload requirements.
An example of device categories based on RAM followed by GPU variants:
- Low-end devices (2-4 GB RAM): Prioritize optimization for devices with the lowest RAM capacity (2 GB), because they represent users with limited resources who might experience performance issues.
- Mid-range devices (4-8 GB RAM): Focus on devices with lower RAM within this range (around 4-6 GB), balancing performance and quality for the majority of users.
- High-end devices (8 GB RAM and above): Target newer, high-end devices to maximize the game's full graphics potential and advanced features.
- Premium devices: Target the latest Android flagships with highest RAM and fastest GPU to showcase high-fidelity graphics and innovative capabilities.
Device list examples
Note that some device variants may have differing amounts of RAM.
| Device | RAM | GPU |
|---|---|---|
| Oppo A5s | 2/3/4 GB | PowerVR GE8320 |
| Realme C11 | 2/3 GB | PowerVR GE8320 |
| Motorola Moto E7 | 2/4 GB | PowerVR GE8320 |
| Lenovo Tab M10 HD | 2/4 GB | PowerVR GE8320 |
| Vivo Y11 | 2/3 GB | Adreno 505 |
| Huawei Y9 | 3/4/6 GB | Mali-G51 MP4 |
| Redmi Note 8 | 3/4/6 GB | Adreno 610 |
| Honor X6 | 4 GB | PowerVR GE8320 |
| Itel A70 | 3/4 GB | Mali-G57 |
| POCO X3 | 6/8 GB | Adreno 61 |
| Google Pixel 4a | 6 GB | Adreno 618 |
| OnePlus Nord CE 2 | 6/8 GB | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| Samsung Galaxy S23 | 8 GB | Samsung Xclipse 920 or Adreno 740 |
| Infinix Note 12 | 4/6 GB | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| Tecno Spark 10 | 8 GB | PowerVR GE8320 |
| Xiaomi 11T | 8 GB | Mali-G77 MC9 |
Identify devices with high market share
To ensure that your game performs optimally, it's crucial to understand the hardware capabilities of the devices used by the majority of your target audience. You can gather this information by referencing your Reach and Device statistics in the Google Play Console or using data from external market research firms. That way, you can identify the most popular devices and tailor your game development accordingly.
Ensure compatibility and optimize performance
Support various screen resolutions
Android devices are available in a wide range of sizes and form factors, from compact smartphones to large tablets and innovative foldable devices. Consequently, it is essential to design applications with responsive layouts that can seamlessly adapt to these diverse screen configurations.
Design for foldable devices
Foldable devices introduce new screen dimensions and user interactions because they can switch between folded and unfolded states. Optimize your game to handle dynamic screen changes seamlessly. Make sure that UI elements adjust appropriately when the screen size changes, and test for aspect ratios that are unique to foldable screens. Use Android's APIs for foldable devices to detect state changes and adapt your game's layout and features accordingly.
Optimize performance
To provide a smooth gaming experience, you must optimize frame rates and loading times. Carefully consider enhancements to graphic and physics engines, resource management, and memory usage. Minimize unnecessary computations or resource loads. Prevent memory leaks and performance degradation through code optimization. Additionally, optimize network communications to ensure stable operation even in environments with unstable network connections.
For further information, refer to the Slow Sessions documentation.
Devise a testing strategy
Test on major device models
To ensure a smooth launch and optimal user experience, it's crucial to conduct rigorous testing directly on popular devices. This helps to pinpoint and address any device-specific issues early in the development process. Focus on core functionalities like graphics, touch input, and audio, while also performing stress tests to ensure stability across a wide range of usage scenarios. This proactive approach will minimize post-launch problems and enhance overall player satisfaction.
Collect user feedback through beta testing
Conduct beta tests with a limited group of users to gather feedback from real-world usage. This process helps identify bugs or improvement areas that might not have been discovered during internal testing and lets you fix them before the official release. Use Google Play's open or closed beta testing features and provide beta testers with channels to offer feedback, such as in-app feedback forms or community forums.
Prepare for the Play Store
Comply with Google Play Store guidelines
The Google Play Store reviews various policies during the app approval process. Violations can trigger app rejection or removal. Thoroughly follow store policies to prevent issues during the review process. Specifically, check the content policy for standards on violence, sexual content, and copyright infringement, and establish clear notifications and consent procedures for user data collection and usage under the privacy policy. Ensure the app meets technical requirements for stability, performance, and compatibility.
Optimize APK or app bundle size
Larger app file sizes lead to longer download times and can be burdensome for users on data plans. Minimize the app size through resource compression, code obfuscation, and removal of unnecessary files. Using the Google Play App Bundle feature allows users to download only the resources needed for their specific device, improving efficiency. Consider providing a "lightweight version" for users in regions with limited network capabilities.
Monitor stability post-launch
Continuously monitor the app's stability even after the game is launched. Use tools like Firebase Crashlytics or the ANR & Crash Reports in the Google Play Console to track issues and fix them promptly. This approach helps prevent user churn and enhances the app's credibility.
Recently, monitoring the Slow Sessions metric has become crucial for understanding performance from the user's perspective. Slow Sessions refer to periods when the app responds sluggishly, causing a poor user experience even if it doesn't crash. Use performance monitoring tools to track metrics like frame rate drops, long loading times, and slow screen transitions. Analyze these sessions to identify bottlenecks in code execution, rendering, or resource loading. By optimizing these areas, you can enhance overall user satisfaction and retain a larger player base.
Analyze devices or OS versions with high crash frequencies or performance issues to focus on resolving problems in those specific environments.
Conclusion
Achieving success in the Android game market requires thorough understanding and preparation for the diverse range of devices and user environments. By meticulously managing every stage—from analyzing target devices, ensuring optimal performance, conducting comprehensive testing, preparing for the store, to post-launch monitoring—you can provide users with the best gaming experience. Adhering to these best practices lets you reach a broader user base and paves the way for long-term success. Maintain a user-centric approach at every stage of game development, and strive to create competitive games through continuous improvement and innovation.