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The 9 best game developers on iOS

The most masterful makers

The 9 best game developers on iOS
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iOS

It’s no secret that the success of any gaming console depends on its level of third-party developer support: systems that can attract outside talent tend to flourish, leaving their competitors in the dust.

iOS is no exception - the platform’s broad range of high-quality titles reflects both the talent and size of its group of developers.

Of course, not all who create games are equally gifted. As you’d expect, iOS has its fair share of both under-performers and superstars, and the following developers belong firmly in the latter category.

We've chosen devs who have a number of games in different genres and franchises, so while we also have love for studios like ustwo and Fireproof, and individuals like Sam Barlow, we'll have to see what they do next before they make the list.

Nitrome Ntirome

After years of creating gorgeous flash games, Nitrome seems to have shifted its focus to iOS, giving every Apple fan a reason to rejoice.

Although all of Nitrome’s works are seriously enjoyable, that’s about the only aspect that has stayed constant; each new title takes a fresh approach, and succeeds in doing so. We’ve already seen ice-slicing, sausage-sliding, and Gunbrick-piloting, and we can’t wait for what’s next.

Tiger Style Tiger Style

Tiger Style makes evocative games, without forgetting to include interesting gameplay too. Waking Mars, for example, has lots to say about science and ecology, but is also a cracking organic puzzle game about building self-sustaining ecosystems.

And Spider: The Secret of Bryce Manor and its sequel, Rite of the Shrouded Moon, have involving stories and secrets to uncover. But also a satisfying mechanic where you trap bugs in triangular cobwebs.

And with design veteran Randy Smith at the helm, we can't wait to see what the studio makes next.

Vlambeer Vlambeer

With just two iOS games to its name, Vlambeer can’t quite match the output of the other developers on this list - yet the quality of said games, along with the studio’s tenacity, are easily enough to earn it a spot.

Because even though both Super Crate Box and Ridiculous Fishing (arguably one of the best mobile games ever) were undercut by clones, Vlambeer persevered and found success.

A true testament to its skill.

Simogo Simogo

Perhaps best known for DEVICE 6 - a striking and innovative text adventure - Simogo’s current specialties are clever brainteasers and intriguing stories.

However, by no means is this Swedish studio a one-trick pony: its portfolio includes a rhythm game and a playable metaphor for life (if you want to interpret it that way).

That versatility makes it hard to predict what’s in store, but if Simogo’s doing the developing, it’ll likely be fantastic.

Terry Cavanagh

Terry Cavanagh

Cavanagh's most famous game, the brutal screen-spinning arcade gem Super Hexagon, is not just brilliant, but it has been massively influential. Dozens of developers owe this whip smart designer a debt of gratitude.

He also created the mesmerising gravity-flip adventure game VVVVVV, and the thought-provoking Don't Look Back. Even though they're all in different genres, there's a look and a feel that gives these games away as being Cavanagh originals.

Rocketcat Games Rocketcat Games

While it’s hard to find fault in either Mage Gauntlet or Wayward Souls, my personal favorite of Rocketcat’s oeuvre has always been Punch Quest.

Its streamlined, endless take on brawling works fabulously with the simple control scheme, and I won’t soon forget the feel of uppercutting a pesky purple bat right off the screen.

Oh, and don’t forget about Super QuickHook!

Inkle Inkle

The smartphone has all but resurrected the gamebook, and no developer has given the genre a new lease of life quite like Inkle. Instead of merely turning paper into pixels, the Sorcery games come to life with maps and pop-up cardboard pieces.

And that all lead to the incredible 80 Days, with an interactive narrative that is so complex and interweaving that if you were to translate this into paperback the whole thing would take up several shelves on your bookcase.

Kairosoft

Kairosoft

This might be a controversial choice, given that Kairosoft’s many releases have quite a bit in common, yet I’m convinced that each does just enough differently to make it a worthwhile endeavor.

For example, Dungeon Village lets you provide for wandering adventurers, Venture Towns is a demanding take on city development, and Kairobotica adds turn-based battling to the mix.

Be warned, though: Kairosoft games are notoriously addictive.

Kumobius Kumobius

Another developer with diverse capabilities, Kumobius is responsible for the Bean’s Quest and its follow-up, which rank among the top platformers on iOS.

It’s where Kumobius went from there, though, that distinguishes the studio. Time Surfer applies a rewind mechanic to the Tiny Wings formula, and Duet is in the upper echelon of the minimalist avoidance genre, along with Pivvot and Super Hexagon.

Kudos, Kumobius.