Android vs. iOS Game Development: Which Platform Leads the Market?

One of the most significant choices when developing a mobile game is deciding whether to go for Android or iOS. The difference in designing, development, and marketing is there in both, and in several instances, developers get confused about what to opt for. However, a good game development company makes the process much easier, but knowledge about what each platform has in store would be imperative before choosing anyone. In this blog, let us deep dive into comparing the details of Android and iOS game development so that you will know which is best suited for your game project.

1. A Brief Look at Android and iOS Systems

 

 

• Android: An open-source operating system by Android Inc., bought over by Google and on most existing smartphones, was the home for some of the world's most popular games: Alto's Odyssey, Tank Hero: Laser War, and Asphalt Nitro. The penetration rate and versatility on different devices make it one of the most useful platforms in realizing mass audience reach.
• IOS: The operating system was designed by Apple. The iOS ecosystem has now spread widely across each other's devices. It ensures maximum security and consistent performance. Recently played iOS games include Oceanhorn 2, Sky: Children of the Light, and Grindstone. In general, iOS games are of high quality, and the user base also makes more in-app purchases. 

 

2. Android and iOS Development Comparison on Various Key Factors 

 

 

• Market Share:

Android leads with around 76% market share around the world, followed by iOS, which takes 19%. According to Statcounter, Android's affordability along with its diversity of device options are reasons for its popularity- especially in Asian countries and South America and Eastern Europe. iOS dominates North America, Western Europe, and Australia with users generally more affluent and willing to spend on in-app purchases.

 

Integrated Development Environments (IDEs): 

1. Android developers would take Android Studio IDE features cross-platform support, extensive libraries, and the Gradle-based build system so that one could quite easily create several versions of an app with ease on different devices. This has opened it up to developers on almost any computer. 
2. Xcode is the professional IDE for iOS. Powerful, but requires a Mac to develop, so it's somewhat costlier to get into. An easy, streamlined experience when running, especially for beginners, with features like auto-complete and an intuitive user interface. Android Studio is much more accessible, but Xcode feels like a much friendlier development experience from a beginning perspective of iOS game design. 

• Speed of Development:

iOS often has an advantage in speed of development, largely because testing is so rapid and simulators so fast. Android emulators take longer, and using XML layouts for Android and verbose syntax for Java isn't exactly a time-stretching way of writing code. Testing isn't much faster, either, as developers must account for multiple devices and resolutions for Android. For those who care about the speed of development, iOS may make for a more comfortable, quicker experience. 

• Programming Language:

Android makes use of Java and Kotlin. Many developers are shifting towards Kotlin because it is simple and much more readable compared to Java. The iOS developers usually code using Swift. Swift is readable and pretty easy to learn, therefore, facilitates many developers, as against being taken very long as against Java. While Java and Kotlin have considerable flexibility, the learning curve for Swift is steeper so potentially saves a lot of time for development. 

• Audience:

Overall, the geographical preferences differ between Android and iOS users because Android dominates the regions of Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America, while iOS dominates North America, Western Europe, and Australia. Android users are thought to be less wealthy compared to iOS users, who are more likely to make in-app purchases, and Android followers prefer free or ad-supported applications. 

• Publishing:

The only cost to distribute on Google Play Store is $25 one-time where there are limited content restrictions. This gets your games up and live in hours, allowing developers flexibility when they want to deploy updates or patches. 
App Store charges a yearly subscription fee of $99, and Apple allows apps only after examining them through quite demanding quality control. The approval process can take even several days in most cases. These stringent policies help explain the reputation for quality and security that surrounds the App Store. In addition to this, Apple also takes a 30% cut of the income on in-app purchases, which is also a considerable incentive for developers.
 
 

Summing Up

 

• Android and iOS both have strengths and weaknesses in terms of market reach as well as revenue-generating potential. However, Android is more about the breadth of audience and flexibility, so it is more suitable for usage in ad-based revenue models. On the other hand, an involved user base provides developers with the iOS app model with the highest revenue-generating chances and higher speed of development.
• Osiz provides full-cycle game development services for Android and iOS platforms. Technologies used by us include the latest versions, such as Unity3D, Cocos2d-X, and Unreal, and the project is always tailored to the client's needs to guarantee a superior user experience. A whole team that is specialized in both platforms would be of great assistance in selecting the right path for your game, and therefore its implementation. 
• Explore Osiz game development services today to find the perfect solution for your game idea!