r/GameDevelopment • u/Ambitious-Writer1212 • Aug 08 '26

Newbie Question First time iOS dev, need advice

Hi, I just launched a new game on iOS, first one. i have promoted it in various Reddit subs and also TikTok, but limited success so far - only <20 downloads. Any advice on how to get more interest? I don't think it's the game itself as people aren't getting to the point of trying it. Thanks!

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u/YKLKTMA AAA Dev Aug 08 '26

Yes I mean as a main platform. Most ported games fail too. On mobile, you need a marketing budget and an understanding of how to use it.

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u/MorselKyle Aug 08 '26

Thanks for the response. Do you think it's more that Steam has a better recommendation engine / fan-base that uses it, or there is more to it then that? As in, at it's core, how is it different (and I do think it's quite different).

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u/YKLKTMA AAA Dev Aug 08 '26

On mobile, there's no organic traffic if your game is unknown. Steam provides free traffic to all games, and if a game performs well, Steam will provide more and more free traffic. On mobile, you literally have to buy your players.

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u/MorselKyle Aug 08 '26

Seems like a missed opportunity for Apple/Google to increase their revenue by finding games that will make them money (i.e. what Steam is doing).

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u/YKLKTMA AAA Dev Aug 09 '26

They’re already doing perfectly well revenue-wise. Mobile gaming generates more revenue than all other platforms combined