iOSDev UK: iPad-native Game Design: Exploring a New Gaming Interface

Gareth Jenkins, @36peas

• iPad specific — using the iPad interface as primary interface to game mechanic
• Multi-touch interfaces don’t work when you can’t see what you’re interfacing with
• The iPad is more likely a shared device
• iPad player more likely on the sofa than the toilet :-)
  • i.e. usage is more purposeful rather than filling time
• areas of focus:
  • take advantage of space available
  • think about appropriate gestures
  • think about gaming context
  • think outside the (phone) box
  • iPad specific does not mean exclusively iPad — take the idea elsewhere as well
• examples:
  • Hyperion: d7
• iPad provides more room for dedicated interaction areas
  • e.g. left hand & right hand controls on edges + general interaction in middle
• ways to think about it
  • play lots of iPad games
  • play iPhone games scaled up and work out what’s wrong
  • look at the fingerprints on your device!