If you’re trying to build a mobile game that appeals to hardcore gamers, you’ll likely want to focus on elaborate graphics and develop your game first on iOS. However, if your goal is to create a casual-style game that can be enjoyed by anyone, Android becomes an increasingly attractive option.
The Case for Android
This is the approach taken by Bionic Panda, an Android-focused gaming company founded by veteran entrepreneur Charles Hudson. The company’s strategy seems to be paying off, as evidenced by its growth numbers and recent funding round.
Aqua Pets: A Casual Gaming Success Story
Bionic Panda’s first game, Aqua Pets, is a familiar title for anyone who has played the numerous aquarium care games available on Facebook. Players feed fish, buy new ones, clean their aquariums, and so on. Since its launch last year, Aqua Pets has accumulated 3 million downloads on Android and ranks among the platform’s top 100 grossing apps.
Funding and Partnerships
To support its growth, Bionic Panda has raised an undisclosed amount of funding from notable investors, including Norwest Venture Partners, Google Ventures, 500 Startups, and angels Craig Sherman and Kal Vepuri. The company is also backed by SoftTech VC, where Hudson serves as a venture partner.
A Different Approach to Social Games
Hudson explains that Bionic Panda’s approach to building social games differs from those of Kabam and Kixeye, which focus on action-packed RPGs and simulations for hardcore gamers. Instead, he notes, "we’re focused on casual. The nice thing is that these games tend to have big mass market hits — which gives you the ability to benefit from volume and scale on the Android platform."
Why Android?
Hudson highlights the growing market share of the Android operating system in the US and around the world. While it may offer fewer development possibilities than iOS, the potential for bigger market opportunities makes it an attractive choice.
The Payments Challenge
One significant issue facing Bionic Panda is payments. Similar to other free-to-play social games, Aqua Pets relies on users getting hooked (har) on the free play and then deciding to purchase fish and accessories. Hudson believes in Google’s payment product, Wallet, despite its relatively lower monetization rates per user compared to iOS games.
The Gains in Payments Systems
Hudson notes that many developers report two to four times higher revenues per user on iOS versus Android. However, he attributes this disparity to the gains made by payments systems like Google Wallet and Amazon’s implementation of Android on its Kindle devices.
Expansion Plans
Bionic Panda is not limited to the Google world. Hudson expresses interest in Amazon’s Kindle implementation of Android and acknowledges that moving onto iOS at some point may be necessary to reach an even broader audience.
Upcoming Games
The company has two more games in development, Poker Farm Pets and Angry Zombies (presumably for Android first). These titles will likely appeal to a wider range of players, further solidifying Bionic Panda’s position in the casual gaming market.
Conclusion
Bionic Panda’s success with Aqua Pets and its growth strategy demonstrate that focusing on casual-style games can yield significant results. By leveraging the growing market share of Android and improving payments systems, the company is well-positioned to continue delivering successful titles to a broader audience.
- Startups are the backbone of innovation in the tech industry.
- Venture capital plays a crucial role in supporting startups and driving growth.
- Gaming has become an increasingly popular form of entertainment, with mobile gaming being a significant sector.
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