iOS game development

Competition in the mobile segment of the game development industry is a priori high. And iOS remains one of the most attractive platforms for launching applications, which further raises the threshold of entry into this niche. Apple users are more demanding on the quality of IT solutions. Therefore, professional game development for iOS is the key to the commercial success of your product.

The Arionis team has been working in this segment for many years. We create titles taking into account the specifics of the Apple audience and platform, which makes them a source of sustainable income for our clients.

Advantages of contacting us:

development for iPhone, iPad and Apple TV;
optimization for current versions of iOS;
performance, game design and UX/UI optimized to Apple standards and platform technical requirements;
full preparation for publication in the App Store;
the ability to scale to other operating systems and devices, create cross-platform and cross-player applications.

We work with all genres, create 2D and 3D games for iOS, integrate AI, blockchain technologies, and other additional options that increase the level of user interest and loyalty. You can see examples of our latest browser titles and projects for Telegram in the Portfolio.

Tell us about your idea - we will help you quickly test hypotheses, implement an MVP for investors or a campaign with gamification, create and launch a title, including one with custom graphics and original mechanics.

Why iOS is a promising platform for launching a game

If you are planning to release a mobile app and are aiming for a quick return on investment, creating a game for the iPhone is a strategic advantage. In addition to access to a wide audience, as well as a convenient and transparent service for selling and monetizing apps, the iOS platform provides many additional opportunities.

5 reasons why targeting the Apple line and audience is beneficial:

Technical stability and predictability

Unlike Android apps, which need to be optimized for multiple models and devices, Apple's ecosystem includes several unified lines. This is good because:

iOS game development is faster and easier;
the result is more predictable;
testing costs are lower, as are the risks of technical problems during launch.

Simple and powerful monetization through the App Store

The Apple ecosystem offers convenient and transparent monetization tools: from in-app purchases to subscriptions and advertising. Any additional revenue model can be easily integrated with a single Apple ID, increasing conversions and improving the user experience.

Concentration of a solvent, loyal audience

iOS users spend more on games, subscriptions, and in-game purchases than Android users, making creating games for Apple users particularly attractive for projects with these monetization methods. The high level of trust in products on the App Store strengthens audience loyalty and makes it easier to retain them.

The platform demonstrates the best revenue per user figures in many gaming niches. And the flexibility and high scalability potential further increase the profitability of creating games for iPhones and iPads.

Quick access to technological innovations

Apple is actively implementing advanced technologies (ARKit, Metal, Game Center, etc.), which allows implementing innovative game mechanics and gameplay solutions quickly. This simplifies the recovery from competitors and increases user engagement.

Developing a game for iOS is an investment with predictable results and broad monetization opportunities.

Stages of creating a game for Apple devices

At Arionis, iOS game development is a clearly structured, sequential process consisting of 6 stages. A structured approach is the key to a high-quality result: a stable, exciting, and commercially successful application.

1. Preparation

We carefully analyze the idea, the characteristics of the target audience and the customer's business goals. We form the requirements for the game, select the mechanics, genre, monetization method (optional) and technology pool. We assess the risks, plan the budget and deadlines, and draw up the terms of reference.

2. Game design and prototyping

We prepare a game design document with a detailed description of the gameplay, interface, user scenarios, and other aspects of the product. Then we create interactive prototypes - before creating a game for iOS, it is necessary to test hypotheses, mechanics, and UX/UI design.

3. Development of the artistic concept

The studio's specialists develop visuals - UI, 2D or 3D characters, game environments. We adapt the style to the genre, target platforms and audience (from squeaky, cartoonish or minimalist to three-dimensional hyperrealism).

4. Development

Programmers implement logic - control, physics, animations, in-game purchases, advertising, etc. The use of modern engines and tools (Unity, Unreal Engine, SpriteKit, etc.) ensures high product performance on Apple devices.

5. Testing

We check how stable the finished title works on the target devices/models of iPhone and iPad. We conduct functional, UX, stress and beta testing, find and eliminate bugs. We also refine the product based on the feedback received from real users. The cost of developing games for iOS largely depends on the amount of work at this stage.

6. Release preparation and support

We do the final assembly, check the product for compliance with Apple and AppStore requirements for performance, security, etc. We connect analytics, advertising SDKs. We transfer all materials, access, rights and documentation to the customer. We take over the entire preparation process.

Arionis offers iOS game development with post-launch support. This includes updates, integration of additional levels and characters, optimization, bug fixes, and other types of support.

Technologies and tools

Creating a game for iOS requires a wide stack. The performance of the product and its success in the App Store depend on the competent selection of the engine, programming languages, testing software, and other solutions. We apply proven technologies, adapting them to the genre, project specifics, goals, target audience, and customer budget:

Game engines - Unity, Unreal Engine.
Programming languages – Swift, C#, C++, Objective-C.
Testing/optimization - Xcode, TestFlight, Instruments.
Analytics/monetization - Firebase, GameAnalytics, Adjust, Apple Game Center, AdMob, Unity Ads, AppLovin.
Server part – Node.js, Python (Django/Flask), Go, Firebase, PlayFab, Photon.

A well-thought-out combination of tools and technologies allows you to create an iOS game according to the characteristics of target devices/platforms and successfully launch it.

Our advantages

Arionis Studio has been involved in game development and iPhone game development for many years. We create cross-platform, AI, blockchain projects, integrate multiplayer and other functionality in compliance with all Apple and target platforms requirements.

Experienced team

We understand the specifics of implementing products to achieve various business goals (testing hypotheses and mechanics, reaching new audience segments, etc.). Our staff includes game designers, programmers, animators, testers, and other IT professionals with deep expertise and many years of experience.

Variable cooperation formats

We provide full-cycle iOS game development on a project basis, offer outsourcing, outstaffing, and dedicated IT team services – we select the format to suit the specifics of the program and task.

Transparency of interaction

We work according to Agile and Scrum methodologies with convenient sprints and iterative reporting at all key stages of product creation - the process is fully controlled. Regular communication, flexibility and openness of interaction simplify and accelerate the process of creating games for iOS.

We specify the terms of reference, budget, stages, technology stack, and other aspects of development in the technical specifications at the start - you know from the beginning what is happening, how, when, and who is responsible for what.

Result orientation

The Arionis team develops iPhone games with the client's business goals in mind - LTV, CPI and ROI. Our goal is to attract, retain, engage the audience and ensure the commercial success of your project.

Flexibility and scalability

We create both small MVPs and large game products, from hypercasual to interactive educational titles. We take on the full development cycle from concept to release, and we can also perform spot work. We will make a classic program or implement custom mechanics and graphics.

Looking for a team to develop an iPhone or iPad game? Leave a request - we will discuss your idea and turn it into a successful, profitable iOS game.

Portfolio

Galactic Slice

Here you can learn more about our achievements in the field of game development

FAQ

How long does it take to develop an iOS game?

The deadlines for completing tasks depend on the complexity and scale of the project: a simple hypercasual application will be ready within 1-2 months. More complex titles require 3-6 months or more. We will be able to answer more precisely about the deadlines after the product audit.
Is it possible to make a cross-platform game right away?

Of course. For example, the Unity engine allows you to create a game for Android and iOS, for iPhone + PC and other platforms while maintaining a single code base. For more information about how we write projects for multiple operating systems and device types simultaneously, read the Cross-platform Game Development page.
How much does it cost to develop a game for iOS?

The budget is calculated individually. The price of developing a game for iOS depends on the complexity of the mechanics and graphics, the chosen platform, and the amount of content. The cost is also affected by additional functionality (multiplayer, cross-platform, in-game purchases, etc.), the number of levels, characters, and other nuances. We prepare an estimate after a detailed discussion of the project – before the start of work.
Do you enable in-game purchases?

Yes, of course. It all depends on the monetization models you choose. Upon request, we integrate purchases, subscriptions, advertising, etc. This allows you to monetize your title directly through the App Store.
What if I don't have a ready-made idea for a game?

This is not a problem. We develop concepts and scenarios, including from scratch. We offer mechanics and visual solutions, based on the client's goals, niche, and audience.
Is it possible to develop a game without programming?

Yes, writing games for iOS is theoretically possible without coding, if we are talking about simple 2D projects. For example, Unity and other no-code and low-code platforms allow this to be done - using visual editors, built-in logic and templates.
However, most titles require some form of programming to implement. Our specialists will provide a more detailed answer about what solutions are possible and necessary to implement your idea after auditing the task. More information about game programming is available on this page.
Will the game work on iPads and older iPhones?

It depends on the tasks and technical features of the game. If necessary, we will create a title compatible with various Apple devices. We test the product on different models and series (including old ones). We implement games optimized for iPad, iPhone and Apple TV.
Do you undertake the refinement or reworking of other people's projects?

Yes, but only if the product meets our technological requirements. If you have a ready-made application that needs improvement, contact us - we will conduct an audit and propose a plan for the implementation of the task. We will perform porting, add functionality, update graphics, update content and provide other custom iOS game development services.
Do you provide post-release support for the project?

By agreement, we support the title after publication: we update the content, release new levels, characters, etc. Also, as part of post-release support, we optimize the product for new versions of iOS and/or Android, libraries and SDKs, connect and monitor analytics, collect feedback, update anti-cheat/hacking protection systems, etc.
How to test an iOS game?

Creating an iPhone game involves testing on real devices and in simulators in Xcode. Tests help to check stability, UX, and performance. Apple's own tool, TestFlight, can also be used for these purposes.
Additionally, you can manually or automatically check the game for compatibility with different iPhone and iPad models, the correctness of the monetization system, bugs, behavior after updates, etc. You can read more about the stages of testing game projects on the Game Testing page.

Games for iOS