Mobile Games

---
name: mobile-games
description: "Mobile game development principles. Touch input, battery, performance, app stores."
risk: safe
source: community
date_added: "2026-02-27"
---

# Mobile Game Development

> Platform constraints and optimization principles.

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## 1. Platform Considerations

### Key Constraints

| Constraint | Strategy |
|------------|----------|
| **Touch input** | Large hit areas, gestures |
| **Battery** | Limit CPU/GPU usage |
| **Thermal** | Throttle when hot |
| **Screen size** | Responsive UI |
| **Interruptions** | Pause on background |

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## 2. Touch Input Principles

### Touch vs Controller

| Touch | Desktop/Console |
|-------|-----------------|
| Imprecise | Precise |
| Occludes screen | No occlusion |
| Limited buttons | Many buttons |
| Gestures available | Buttons/sticks |

### Best Practices

- Minimum touch target: 44x44 points
- Visual feedback on touch
- Avoid precise timing requirements
- Support both portrait and landscape

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## 3. Performance Targets

### Thermal Management

| Action | Trigger |
|--------|---------|
| Reduce quality | Device warm |
| Limit FPS | Device hot |
| Pause effects | Critical temp |

### Battery Optimization

- 30 FPS often sufficient
- Sleep when paused
- Minimize GPS/network
- Dark mode saves OLED battery

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## 4. App Store Requirements

### iOS (App Store)

| Requirement | Note |
|-------------|------|
| Privacy labels | Required |
| Account deletion | If account creation exists |
| Screenshots | For all device sizes |

### Android (Google Play)

| Requirement | Note |
|-------------|------|
| Target API | Current year's SDK |
| 64-bit | Required |
| App bundles | Recommended |

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## 5. Monetization Models

| Model | Best For |
|-------|----------|
| **Premium** | Quality games, loyal audience |
| **Free + IAP** | Casual, progression-based |
| **Ads** | Hyper-casual, high volume |
| **Subscription** | Content updates, multiplayer |

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## 6. Anti-Patterns

| ❌ Don't | ✅ Do |
|----------|-------|
| Desktop controls on mobile | Design for touch |
| Ignore battery drain | Monitor thermals |
| Force landscape | Support player preference |
| Always-on network | Cache and sync |

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> **Remember:** Mobile is the most constrained platform. Respect battery and attention.

## When to Use
This skill is applicable to execute the workflow or actions described in the overview.