What is Pokémon GO

Pokémon GO is an operation bridging in-game objects with the real-world objects in a way that the former is only available in certain physical locations, for e.g. in the park or near the river. Apart from it, newest Pokémon game processes an image grab by the smartphone camera and overlays it with additional elements to create a so-called augmented reality.

On the less capable devices augmented reality mode is not available and users simply see a 3D game universe which is however connected with locations from the real world:

Pokémon GO rules are elementary as follows:

1. Firstly, install an app, register and can use it when your device’s screen is on.
2. The main form of communication is collecting Pokémon by throwing Poke Balls at them (usually can’t catch them on the first try).
3. Since they aren’t staying in one place and create in various locations, users have to passionately move around the area or even the whole city to catch Pokémon.
4. Players also require to renew their Poké Ball supplies on Poké Stops and can fight other Pokémon trainers in locations called gyms.
5. The distance you have walked and the number of Pokémon caught effect your level in the game.

And now let’s figure out how to make a Pokémon game.

Pokémon GO like app development

The essentials we need to create a Pokémon game are:

• Game design,
• Game engine,
• App prototype,
• Map service and geolocation tools,
• Concept for assorting objects on the map and game balance,
• Means to merge with device sensors,
• Server for executing interaction between users and storing their game data,
• Event alerts,
• In-game purchases,
• Game graphics and sounds

You should also consider the following factors that strengthen to Pokémon GO success:

• Eminent Pokémon brand that already had a number of fans with Pokémon apps being only one origin of its popularity.
• Encounter with augmented reality games development (Ingress). To make a game like Pokémon require a lot of resources since data gathered by Ingress belongs to Niantic.
• Precise timing for launch — summer in Northern Hemisphere when most people spend a fair amount of time outside.
• The game needs a lot of united attention which makes it a habit-forming product. You need to take it into consideration if you want to create Pokémon GO like app.
• A great ability for viral growth: if you see a Pokémon, you’ve got to grab it right there and since people see others playing, they want to try it themselves.

And now let’s examine what require to build Android or iPhone games like Pokémon GO

1. Game design

Prior start working on Pokémon like apps for Android or iOS, we need a concept and a design document (specifications). Game designer is generally the one who prepares them and further promote all development stages and gives the right tasks to developers, designers, illustrators, sound people, etc. Impressive game design is essential for your project, so it costs accordingly.

2. Game engine

Game engine is a major software for bringing together all the assets used in the game (code, graphics, sounds) and executing them. Only very simple games do not require game engine but games similar to Pokémon GO don’t belong to this category. Infact game engine makes game creation for Android and iOS or any other mobile platforms much smooth. For Pokémon GO developers used Unity game engine.

3. App prototype

App prototype of the Pokémon GO alternative shows how app will look like and includes all of the screens used in it. Yet it’s not an app, it only shows about operation, menus and other elements that will be available to users when the app similar to Pokémon GO is completed. InVision, Proto.io, Pixate or Flinto are the special tools that helps in prototyping.

4. Map service and geolocation tools

Since before becoming an independent company Niantic was an inner Google startup, it is possibly using Google Maps and location data under some exclusive terms and conditions which are not feasible to anyone else. That’s why designing a Pokémon clone is not a smooth task. In general, to create apps like Pokémon GO we will need to do the following:

1. Attach Google API to the project, pay for a license (price depends on the data volume and number of requests per day). We can also consider Open Street Maps which are free but they do not provide location photos.
2. Note down functions for working with GPS on devices (geolocation). We require them for recognizing device location and displaying the right objects to users.

5. Logic for allocating objects on the map and game balance

We have to aim for a natural feel to create popular app like Pokémon GO. And to accomplish it we need the objects to be distributed on the map in an organic and naturally looking way. We have to identify:

• How frequent new Pokémon will appear on the map.
• Locations which are more pleasant for a certain Pokémon type and how their number switch in various hours of the day.
• how the fame of a certain location affects the type and number of Pokémon one can expect to meet there.

Game balance is vital for a successful Pokémon GO alternative. If the game is well-balanced, beginner don’t feel it too complicated to play while professional players get enough challenges for it to stay fun and playable. After game balance is executed, it is tested and adjusted accordingly.

6. Means to interact with device sensors

In order to resolve device position in space and the speed at which the person is moving (to know whether person is using a car or going on foot while using Pokémon like app) we require data from the sensors built into the smartphone:

• Gyroscope figure out device orientation in space.
• Accelerometer analyze acceleration speed of a smartphone.
• GPS determine user’s position according to the global positioning network.

we have firmly worked with data captured by these sensors and can use our experience in Pokémon like apps development.

7. Server for enabling interaction between users and storing their game data

Since players refer to same game world, are using the alike map and have to follow the alike basic rules, this world needs to be generated somewhere, constantly progress and interact with them. All this occur on the server which all the copies of the app identical to Pokémon GO installed on players’ devices use to interface with each other.

The server is also necessary for users to be able to transfer their game data to a new device in case they have purchased a new one. Without a server for storing game data we won’t be able to create a strong and stable game backend for iOS and Android game like Pokémon, so it’s a vital part of the overall game development.

We should also consider that servers and databases should be ready for high loads so that players won’t be forced to wait:

8. Event notifications

Realtime occurrence allow users to be instantly notified about what is happening within the game. Since Pokémon GO is played with a screen turned on, players see message and tips like these at once:

Realtime act are implemented with Socket connection that allows to interchange data with the player directly and in a duplex mode when he or she is online. When the user is offline, server can send push-messages via third-party services which players get with a small delay.

9. In-game purchases

There’re certain monetization models for mobile startups out there and Pokémon GO is using a model with in-app purchases. Users can buy objects like Poké Balls, Lure Modules, Egg Incubators, etc. Both cheaper (20 Poké Balls for 100 coins) and more expensive listings (6 lures for 680 coins) are there. It is an eminent aspect since it helps newcomers to easily make their first in-app purchase and inspire experienced players to purchase items in amount to save coins.

It is better to execute purchases for each platform via its native service since those services look more reliable to users. For eg., if we are developing an Android app, the obvious choice would be Google Play In-app invoice. By using this service, you will be able to freely fill the app with purchasable items from the developer console without updating the app too often.

10. Game graphics and sounds

Players want latest games to look seamlessly in terms of graphics. Since Pokémon GO uses 3D design of Pokémon, a compelling part of game’s cost will be spent on their creation. It would also be better if 3D modelling is done by the side of the Pokémon GO progress process so that all parts of the app will be import together in a timely manner. Indeed, there’s Unity Asset Store where we can buy pre-made models but they won’t help to create something exclusive like Pokémon GO.

If we have budget, we can offer some options as for sounds, Audio Jungle, Music Loops or The Music Case.

Pokémon GO like app development costs

Now as you are aware with the game development process, let’s take a look at Pokémon GO like video game pricing:

• Client application and game design — $15-25K
• UI/UX — $2-3K
• Back End — $5K (MERN stack)
• Server expenses — (VPS,AWS or any cloud service which could be scaled as user base grows)
• QA and testing — (included in our development service )
• Game models with animation — $5K (2 base character & upto 10 creatures or 3D game objects)
• Sounds — (varies based on selection of effects and theme)

So total Pokémon GO like app development cost is about $25-45K. Indeed, it’s an approximate cost and actual mobile app development costs will differ based on the prescribed features.

In present scenario, we can witness an impressive surge in the landscape of dating mobile apps. The expansion of dating apps such as Tinder, Happn not only renew the way people used to take while finding someone but had also left the societies spellbound by the remarkable success rates achieved by them.

Therefore, it is clear that more and more businesses are ready to jump into the business of developing dating mobile apps. So, we have here acquired very useful information in the preceding perspective. The post will take you to the basic framework of app, advanced features of an app like Tinder, cost of development and the team strength required for developing the apps.

Thus, if you are looking for similar solutions, you have arrived on the right post at the right time.

User Panel:

Registration:

Well, registration or login is the basic category of an app. Users can sign-in with their Facebook or Google account authorization.

Real Time Notification

Users are informed on real time basis in case the person is detected nearby based on them as per their desired criteria’s.

Tracking and Navigation

Based on their desires, choices users can find the nearby persons and can begin the gossip in a very easy and interpreted way.

Send Request

According to their concern, users can send the request for communication as well as for meeting purposes.

Profile builder

Under this option they can build and operate their profiles by uploading photographs, stickers, quotes or something resonating with their personality.

Profile views

Users can also check the people, who explore their profiles. This way they can evaluate the people who are interested so as to begin the conversation.

Private albums

The users while on a chat can create the secret albums as well. These albums are completely encoded and no third party can access them.

Winks:

Users can use these impressions for making the conversation even more interesting. They can send the symbols of affection or greetings so as convey their thoughts in a fascinating way.

Accept/decline request

According to their interests, preferences, location criteria’s and preferred domains users can accept or decline the request.

Admin Panel:

Membership level management

All the members that are linked with the app are managed by the admin. Security related concepts are also evaluate in order to keep the spams at a bay.

Revenue tracking

All the revenue generated through the in-app purchases or through the subscription baggage the admin can check the fund captured on the weekly or monthly basis.

Multilingual support

Under this section, the admin can check all the languages that are being assist by the app. According to the physical location of the users, admin can add or delete languages as needed.

Feature management

All the features that are accustom with the app, their loading time, value graphs and other details are handled and supervised by the admin.

Screen Management

Under this section, all the app screens are supervised by the admin. The displays of the screen, features impacted on them are managed plus all the provisions for extemporization are made by the admin.

CMS

Static content pages such as FAQs, About Us, Contact Us, App privacy guidelines and much more are managed and upgraded by admin.

 Few More Important Features:

In-app purchases

In case you are seeking for developing a highly exceptional dating mobile app like tinder, In-app purchases comes as a most embossed feature.

The users can appeal for some more features by paying a slight extra. This way users do not have to bother for removing the ads or something more useful as they find it all of them in your app therefore, they are not at all captivated for downloading any other dating app.

Matching Algorithms

Well, exhibit the matches that are most endorsed by the users is the only concept of a steady dating app. Based on their location, choices and according to the else profile information, the app serve them the most suitable matches. Users just love such thought as they do not have to invest hours for searching the suitable person.

Virtual Gifts

Users can send the virtual gift and the things that are liked by their special ones via this feature. They can create the virtual images of such items through this innate feature. This works great in making the conversation more efficacious and convenient.

Gamification

The functional criteria of dating mobile app is boost by this feature. Interactive images, graphical aspect, statistics and many more can be used for magnetizing the users. This feature helps the people in completing the goals and allows the user to select the desired person with a handy approach.

User Anonymity

User anonymity is the major element that must be considered. This feature allows the users to select the facts to be shared. All the other essential data is kept absolutely safe and hidden. The users can hide their integrity and can change the settings as well for not allowing the general public for exploring their profile.

Template customization

Users are permitted to make their profile more attractive and fascinating through the template customizations. With help of template design and interactive themes users can make the overall profile layout more attractive. There are thousands of templates served for making the app as well as the conservation sessions more intuitive.

Advertisements

Showing appropriate advertisements can help the app to generate massive revenues. Displaying the ads attuned with the app core idea and thought is a great way of keeping the users aware about your mobile app. Ads must be handled with a brilliant planning and approach as the number of app downloads directly proportionate with the revenue generated.

Advanced features to make your app standout:

Cloud-flare integration

Rises up the speed, security and efficacy of your dating mobile app.

Discovery settings

This feature helps the people to explore the persons according to their preferences and interests.

Push Notifications

It notifies the people about the nearby users, alerts them about the new request, new proposals, subscription packages and much more to keep them accommodated with the app.

Facebook/Instagram

This feature retrieves the user data that is uploaded on their profiles and accordingly proved the appropriate matches when the app finds the person nearby.

Match making

This feature allows the users to analyze the reliable persons as per their requirement and preferences.

User search

With proximity is for identifying the location of the user on the real time basis thus helping them to identify the people in a very convenient way.

Rewind buttons

Favor the user to change the location, tracking the likes are some of the features that can be added in a dating mobile app, so as to make it more spontaneous and attractive.

The technology explored during the development of dating app

Well, the users can only see the aspect that are present on the app and the design features used for developing the dating app. But other than this, a lot of effort goes into developing a superior app. Here only the proper technology can help in building such an app. So, find them out.

For generating the web and the admin panel CSS3 and Bootstrap can be used for front end although Python, Javascript or AngularJS can be used for developing the backend but we recommend React.js as framework for UI backed with MEAN stack api.

Well, for the developing the mobile app, although many developer will suggest using native code for iOS & android but we recommend use of Flutter.io & React Native to cater Native experience in cross-platform code base.

The Geolocation can be said as the core of a dating mobile app. After all, the main approach of a dating mobile app is to allow the users to identify the persons that are close or within the same city. Mostly smart phone’s GPS is used to determine the location. However, Google Maps or the Apple Maps are also help-full for tracking the user location.

Amazon data servers or the Google Cloud storage for be used by the app developer for safely storing the data.

SMS, Voice, and Phone Verification – For validity and for keeping spam bots at bay. Facebook SDK or Google sign in can be use by developer. Twilio can be used for push notifications. & Amazon SES or sendmail for SMTP gateway.

Database – For storing the data in coordinated the app developer can choose the options like MongoDB, HBase, Cassandra, Postgres, MySQL, etc.

 Actual requirement for developing an amazing dating app are

1.) Team Structure-

Well, generating a dating app is not easy and in case you are looking for tinder like app then it is really very crucial to find the right Mobile App Development group, but other than app development team you are also required to explore talented pool of skilled managers, mobile app developers, creators, designers and testers. Definitely, finding them is an annoying task, but once you find them, for sure your will be able to launch the high-quality dating app, and who know it might get popular more than other dating app such as Tinder or Happn.

Project Manager: Should be armed with the managerial skills and must be brilliant enough to identify the best in the mobile app industry landscape.

Developers: Back-end App Developers, Android App Developer, IOS App Developer.

Designers: Graphic Designer, Expert UX/UI designers.

Testers: A team of efficient and skilled QA experts for delivering a smooth and a rich experience to users.

2.) Simplicity:

Simplicity is the basic attribute of a mobile app. The simpler your app is, the more users it will attract. Make your app such that the users are not enforced to invest huge time in operating the app. Developing it in perceptive way with clean UI/UX designs is a great way of entertaining the users. Thus, a dating app custom made with the comprehended concepts, images contents come out to be clear winner and reaps out chunks of revenues.

3.) Quality

This cannot be missed while creating an app. An app full of bugs is abandoned by the users without a second thought. Therefore, it becomes excessively important that you select the suitable testers that owe high command over the testing approach. An app bear quality and matching the user demands definitely sustain the seat ahead in this hyper competitive market place.

Cost Estimation of developing dating app:

Developing a dating app is an expensive affair as it involves complicated infrastructure and the development methods are really elongated. Even creating a basic app will also require over 1000+ hours.

Let’s estimate the time and cost for developing the major segments of an app.

App development (Cross Platform, Android/IOS)

Time Consumed: 1000 hours

Cost Acquired: $15000

Backend Development

Time Consumed: 300 hours

Cost Acquired: $4500

App designing

Time Consumed: Near 100 hours

Cost Acquired: $ 1000 and $2000 for Android and iOS respectively

App Testing

Time Consumed: Near to 150 hours

At Unanimous Studio we believe put our entire team to test the alpha & beta version of app and we include it in our development cost.

Now if we wrap the cost:

A basic dating app with simple element will cost around $8000-$15000

An app for both iOS and Android platform with tinder based features can cost around $20000.