News

Quality checks, testing, feedback and promotion: Google on the steps to getting featured on Google Play

Secrets revealed at our Mobile Mixer

Quality checks, testing, feedback and promotion: Google on the steps to getting featured on Google Play
|

Google has claimed there are simple steps developers can take to increase the chances of their apps being featued on Google Play, stressing the need for studios to check their releases meet the store's quality guidelines.

Speaking at Pocket Gamer's recent Mobile Mixer in San Francisco – timed to mop up attendees at the Dreamforce conference – Google Play business development lead Koh Kim said the most common question she's asked is "how do I get featured in the Google Play store?"

"First and most important step is to visit our Android dev site and check out the Google Play Core App Quality Guidelines, because app quality affects the long term success of your game in terms of installs, reviews, etc," detailed Kim.

"Test your app to ensure it functions well on many devices in regards to navigation, design - games should support standard back button navigation and not make use of any custom on-screen back button prompts.

"Also pay attention to your visual assets like icons, screens and videos as to how they'll look like on the Google Play listing on the smartphone and tablet."

Testing times

Kim went on to claim that feedback is also incredibly important, citing the "Google Play Developer Console where you can test your app with groups of users."

"With alpha and beta testing functionality, you can test two different versions of your game at the same time in addition to your production version," she added.

"Then be prepared for promotional opportunities. There are many other places in the Google Play store that apps can be featured in addition to Editor's Choice. Remember pitching for a Google Play editorial feature is very similar to pitching the press. Get to know the Google Play team in your area."


The Mixer panel in session (picture courtesy of Jon Malloy)

Kim's comments formed some of highlights from Pocket Gamer's latest San Francisco Mobile Mixer, where attendeeds picked up pro tips on how to launch their games amongst cocktails, award winning bites by the GrilledCheezGuy and sultry beats by PlayStation's DJ R3Y.

Also on the panel were – Konami's John Coligan, Namco Bandai's Tony Colafrancesco, Applifier's Mickey Maher, and PapayaMobile's Fernando Pizarro.

Sponsored by Everyplay and PapayaMobile – and also produced by Pocket Gamer's Martine Paris, and staffed by a volunteer squad of gaming professionals – the mixer was the latest in a long line of Pocket Gamer events in San Francisco.

And for our next trick

Indeed, next up is the APPNATION Conference, which touches down in the city between 3-4 December. Pocket Gamer is an official media partner for the event, and you can attend for free with a full access conference passes (a $495 value) when registering with the code AN5PGFC100 here.

At the conference, the Pocket Gamer Masters of Monetization Super Session will feature the wisdom of:

  • Chris Akhavan, president of Publishing, Glu Mobile
  • Jill Schneiderman, VP Games, SGN
  • Vatsal Bhardwaj, general manager, Storm8
  • Becky Ann Hughes, VP marketing & product management, PlayFirst
  • Brett Orlanski, director of business development, WildTangent
  • Mickey Maher, VP business development, Applifier
  • Martine Paris, US events editor, Pocket Gamer

Then, following days of outstanding programming, we'll be spinning into hyperdrive with the wicked Pocket Gamer APPNATION Afterparty thanks to lead sponsor Everyplay and recruiting sponsor PapayaMobile, who are set to giveaway an awesome Go Pro Hero 3 Cam.

For details and to RSVP, click here.

Martine Paris
Martine Paris
If PG's US Events editor Martine isn't on the VIP list then it's only because she's throwing the party!