6 Tools To Build The Next Pokemon Go App

Pokemon Go has clearly taken over the world. In fact it’s difficult to take a trip even to the grocery store, without encountering at least a few people who are playing this addictive game. The folks at Niantic have certainly done a wonderful job of creating an app with mass appeal. Have you ever dreamt of creating an app that is as successful as Pokemon Go? Believe it or not, it can be done. You have to begin with a creative frame of mind and a willingness to work hard. You also must be detail oriented or partner with someone who is. Finally, you have to have the right tools to design, develop, launch, and maintain your app. The following six tools can help you get on the right track.

1. Google App Engine

Google App Engine was developed as one of the tools that make up the brand’s cloud hosting tools suite. It is a PAAS (platform as a service) that allows developers to launch and host apps without spending too much time concerned with server management. It is extremely easy to use. Simply set up your SDK (Software Development Kit) kit and create a configuration file. Then, useGoApp to launch. This tool even allows you to develop locally before you deploy. Google uses a tiered pricing system that includes a free option for smaller projects. In addition to passing off server management tasks, this utility also does scaling for you. It will even tackle high availability for you. Finally, let’s talk about power and reliability. If you want to develop and deploy an app that gets Pokemon Go level big, don’t you want to host it on one of the strongest infrastructures on the internet?

2. Unity

This game engine is fairly easy to use thanks to a well-written interface. It also allows you to port your app to a variety of different mobile platforms. If you are also interested in getting your new offering to consoles, you can also use Unity for that purpose. In fact, it offers desktop and web plugin support as well. Unity offers support for a variety of assets for 3D game development, but it is also a great environment for developing and launching 2D games as well. Their pricing runs about 75 dollars per month per seat. However, you can get a free edition if you meet certain income and funding requirements. If you want really awesome graphics in your new app, you should definitely check out this tool.

3. QASymphony

Testing; you don’t want to release an app that is buggy or full of defects. Ensuring that your app is bug and defect free means you’ll need to harness the power of software testing. Testing with the goal of eliminating or minimizing bugs requires a suite of QA testing tools that are compatible with agile development, are easy to set up, have a simple interface, and are competitively priced – you can find all of this with QASymphony. The qTest by QASymphony is a test management platform that allows teams to centralize, organize and report on their software testing efforts. More importantly, qTest helps with ensuring that software testing efforts are keeping track of and minimizing defects. From creating test plans, managing test cases, tracking defects and executing tests, qTest by QASymphony allows teams to test faster while reducing higher quality apps. qTest integrates with automation tools, bug trackers like Bugzilla and ALMs such JIRA as where teams can get real-time integration at the requirements and defect level. All in all, this is a solid suite of QA tools that helps teams ensure they’re releasing the highest quality, bug free apps into the marketplace.

4. LibGDX

LibGDX is a Java-based game development library that you can use to develop games to be deployed across a variety of platforms. This includes desktops, mobile platforms, and the web. You may not fall in love with the setup process. It is a bit complicated and it takes some time to get things up and running. However, even if you are an absolute beginner at game development, it is a process that you should be able to navigate, and once you’ve gotten past the learning curve, you’ll see that it’s much easier in the future. Once you have things setup, you will love the features and functionality. You get fast prototyping capabilities and the ability to test and debug natively without needing to deploy. If you run into problems support and documentation are both superb, and there is an active community of LibGDX users who are very willing to help you with any issues you come across. This is definitely the game development framework you want to have at your fingertips in order to launch an app that has mass appeal.

5. AutoDesk

You don’t need the backing of a huge studio to create a game that does big things.AutoDesk provides you with the tools that you need to design the story behind your game, create your concept art, and to ultimately bring the game you have been visualizing to life. AutoDesk offers up a suite of tools for indie game makers that gives the capabilities to design, create, and launch 3D games with great character development, rich background environments, high performing graphics, and amazing storylines. Once you’ve gotten your design down, you will be able to use Maya LT to create 3D models of your characters from your concept art. The game kit is available to download for free, and it’s all you need to get started. If you are new to game design, this is the perfect tool for you.

6. Perforce

This is an ideal tool for version control, which is a must have for any game that is going to have mass appeal. In fact, game developers have been using Perforce for years. Versioning is what allows you to develop and deploy multiple versions of your app. For example, you might choose to launch a free version, and then put out a premium version of your app with added features. You might also use versioning to deploy slightly different versions of your app to different geographical regions. With perforce, this process is made much easier, and it automates much of the organization and tracking that must be done.

With these tools in your pocket, you have everything you need to create an app that has the potential to be as big as Pokemon Go. You just need to add your own creativity and know-how to the mix.