PixelDread - A Mobile Game as a Graduation Project

PixelDread is a mobile game that I created as part of my graduation project. The main goal was not only to create a functional game, but to go through the entire process of developing and publishing a mobile game on Google Play.

The project allowed me to explore not only game programming, but also graphics, game design, publishing, monetization, and the other aspects involved in releasing and maintaining a mobile game.

The goal of the project

The main goal was to create a complete mobile game and actually publish it. I did not want to create just a school prototype that would remain installed only on my own device.

The result is PixelDread, a completed game published on Google Play. This allowed me to experience the entire process, from the initial idea and development to the actual publication of the application.

Game development

During development, I worked on the different parts required to create a complete game. This included not only programming the game mechanics, but also creating graphics, designing the user interface, and working on the overall presentation of the game.

The goal was to create a project that would feel like a real mobile game, rather than simply being a demonstration of individual features.

Graphics and game content

Creating the game's graphics was also an important part of the project. This allowed me to explore not only the technical side of game development, but also the visual side of creating an entire project.

Throughout development, I therefore took on several different roles that would normally be divided among multiple people. This included programming and implementing game mechanics, creating graphics, designing interfaces, and working on the overall presentation of the game.

Achievements and Google Play services

The game also includes achievements and other services related to Google Play. Implementing these features allowed me to explore how platform services work and how they can be integrated into a game.

The project was therefore not limited to creating the game itself. It also involved working with the wider ecosystem in which a mobile game is distributed.

Publishing on Google Play

One of the most important parts of the project was publishing the game on Google Play. This gave me practical experience with the mobile application publishing process and with the requirements an application needs to meet before it can be released.

Publishing the game also showed me the difference between creating an application and maintaining it over the long term. While creating and publishing a game is one part of the challenge, keeping it functional and up to date can be even more demanding.

Publishing a game is easier than maintaining it

One of the most interesting lessons PixelDread gave me was the importance of long-term maintenance.

After some time, I realized that publishing a game is easier than maintaining it over the long term. A mobile application is not finished simply because it has appeared in an app store. The platform changes over time, applications need to be updated, and developers have to respond to new technical and platform requirements.

This also applies to services connected to Google Play and technologies used by the game. Some parts of the application therefore require regular maintenance and updates to keep the game available and functional.

Monetization

PixelDread also includes an advertising system and a paid version of the game without advertisements. This allowed me to explore the practical side of mobile application monetization.

I also learned that monetization is not simply something that is implemented once and then forgotten. Advertising, paid features, and related services are part of the wider application ecosystem and may require updates together with the rest of the project.

What the project taught me

PixelDread was not just a school project for me. It allowed me to experience the complete process of creating and publishing a mobile game.

I explored programming, graphics, game design, achievements, platform services, monetization, and the actual publishing process on Google Play.

The most important lesson for me, however, was realizing that game development does not end when the game is released. Publishing is only one step; the real challenge is maintaining the application, keeping it updated, and adapting it to changes in the platform.

The result

The goal of the project was successfully achieved. PixelDread was completed and published on Google Play, allowing me to experience the entire process using a real application.

The project also gave me experience with developing a product from the initial idea through development and publication to its subsequent maintenance. This experience was one of the most valuable parts of the entire graduation project.