The years that Photics.com has been in existence is close to hitting a baker’s dozen. That’s a really long time for a website. When Photics.com was founded in 1998, it was started as an Internet Publishing business. Even today, the goal of this website remains the same — to create cool content. Yet, technology has changed the world. Publishing a book or a game is way different today. That’s the origin of the Fall 2011 Roadmap. During the next few months, I’ll be testing new technology. The aim of these experiments is to help Photics.com grow.
Does Apple Earn Their 30%
Sitting in my email inbox is a message from Apple. It states, “Don’t let your iOS Developer Program expire.” In other words, Apple wants another $99 from me. Why should I give it to them, when they already take a 30% cut from my sales? I’m quite tech savvy. I could build my own store for selling games and digital content. Do I really need Apple? Do I really want to endure another year of frustration with Apple’s walled garden? I decided to take a closer look at the advantages of working with Apple.
GameSalad Updated to 0.9.7
At some point, the GameSalad developers are going to run out of numbers. With the 0.9.7 update, the software is inching even closer to the 1.0 mark — out of beta. According to the GameSalad Roadmap, the software is supposed to leave beta this Summer. With less than a month left in the season, will the schedule stay intact? After checking out 0.9.7, I’m a bit skeptical. Only three new features were introduced — iOS Keyboard, Device Clock and Debugger. Although, these additions do create new possibilities for game creators.
Stencyl – More Tools For The Developer’s Toolbelt
There’s something that I see a lot of in Game Development communities. It’s the US vs. THEM mentality. I don’t think it makes sense to get too attached to one platform. I learned that early on in life. In my pre-teen years, I made games using BASIC. It was lots of fun, but obviously the world has moved on. I worked hard trying to understand that programming language. But suddenly, it became obsolete. I had to learn new stuff to grow. That’s what I’m doing now. I’m learning about Stencyl.
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What Rating Should You Give Your App?
There’s an old saying — sex sells. But in my brief experience with a 17+ app, I think it’s the opposite on the iTunes App Store. I actually think that if you make your app too sexy, you might be hurting your sales. So, I took a closer look at BOT #1. The content is not really that objectionable. After further review, I decided to downgrade the app’s rating to 12+. I’m currently waiting for Apple to review and approve this change. And unlike the United States credit rating, this downgrade is a good thing!