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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.

Limitations

• Use this skill only when the task clearly matches the scope described above.
• Do not treat the output as a substitute for environment-specific validation, testing, or expert review.
• Stop and ask for clarification if required inputs, permissions, safety boundaries, or success criteria are missing.