When will major video game developer's embrace android products?

[dagamer34]

couldn't google make something like directx in android? i mean something that the phone makers have to work towards but would simplify things for the game developers?

i would love to play games on my phone (plugged in to a power source on a train or something) with a ps3 controller via bluetooth or an xbox controller via usb but there isn't a single game out i could be bothered with.

actually, are the GPUs in sgs2 level devices (and newer) capable of fps games like on the xbox? they're rendered in sub 720p aren't they?

The problem isn't the API, OpenGL is just fine. The problem is the sheer number of Android OEMs and their ability to mess around with core parts of the system to the point a developer doesn't know if he has a bug in his code or its the phone's fault. Windows, Windows Phone, and iOS don't have this problem because only the OS vendor writes OS-level code. Developers are also building for a limited number of GPUs that all behave in a far more predictable way.

 

[CZroe]

those still don't replace teal physical controls. on screen analog pads and on screen d pads still have the problem of blocking your view as well as your fingers slipping off the sensor area causing you to lose control.

point is, any on screen controls severely limit any real good games from being made.

The Xperia PLAY does have real physical controls. That's what the "PLAY" part means. There are many Android games that specifically recognize it and have full dual-analog gamepad support with nothing on the touch screen. There are many more that can be configured to use it that already hide the on-screen controls when you slide your phone open (behaves as if you have a physical keyboard slider). Since Honeycomb, Android has supported USB gamepads and even more games automatically optimize for physical controls.

 

[Sureshot324]

The Xperia PLAY does have real physical controls. That's what the "PLAY" part means. There are many Android games that specifically recognize it and have full dual-analog gamepad support with nothing on the touch screen. There are many more that can be configured to use it that already hide the on-screen controls when you slide your phone open (behaves as if you have a physical keyboard slider). Since Honeycomb, Android has supported USB gamepads and even more games automatically optimize for physical controls.

The thing is, if you get an Xperia Play, you have a thick phone at all times, even when you don't want to play games. If you have a PSP or DS, you only take it with you when you're actually going to be playing games. I actually think a phone with a PSP style form factor would make more sense than a slider.

 

[dguy6789]

fragmentation bro.

Windows says hi. Different OS versions and different hardware configurations do not really stop good games or software from being made and working well. Fragmentation being a problem always has been and always will be a myth.

 

[smartpatrol]

Answer: when there's money in it.

iOS has a much smaller range of hardware to develop for, a much bigger slice of the tablet market share, less piracy, and users who are far more willing to spend money on apps and games.

If you were a game dev with a limited budget, what platform would you choose? Android will continue to be a lower priority unless iOS loses a lot of market share.

 

[CZroe]

The thing is, if you get an Xperia Play, you have a thick phone at all times, even when you don't want to play games.

My phone is no thicker than any other sliding keyboard phone and I don't see you complaining about those being too thick even when you don't want to use the keyboard. In fact, It feels too small for me. My old iPhone 4 was a bit thinner, but this doesn't feel any thicker than my old iPhone 3GS (I'm sure it is though).

If you have a PSP or DS, you only take it with you when you're actually going to be playing games. I actually think a phone with a PSP style form factor would make more sense than a slider.

Uh, it practically is a PSP. Ever see the PSP Go? The similarities are uncanny. In fact, it's specifically why everyone calls it "the PlayStation Phone." As for the PSP/DS thing, that is the very problem having it built in to your phone solves. Sometimes, you want to play a game but you left it at home because you didn't anticipate it or because it was too large and not portable enough for conditions. Now you can have it with you at all times regardless with almost zero drawbacks (running your phone dead playing PS games is still a new drawback).

 

[Sureshot324]

My phone is no thicker than any other sliding keyboard phone and I don't see you complaining about those being too thick even when you don't want to use the keyboard. In fact, It feels too small for me. My old iPhone 4 was a bit thinner, but this doesn't feel any thicker than my old iPhone 3GS (I'm sure it is though).

Slider phones are too think. There, I complained about it

Uh, it practically is a PSP. Ever see the PSP Go? The similarities are uncanny. In fact, it's specifically why everyone calls it "the PlayStation Phone." As for the PSP/DS thing, that is the very problem having it built in to your phone solves. Sometimes, you want to play a game but you left it at home because you didn't anticipate it or because it was too large and not portable enough for conditions. Now you can have it with you at all times regardless with almost zero drawbacks (running your phone dead playing PS games is still a new drawback).

I think the normal PSP form factor makes more sense. I'd rather have an extra inch or two of length than have the entire phone be thicker.

 

[Ichinisan]

Slider phones are too think.

Like you, I also thick they are too think. :sneaky:

 

[Oyeve]

be careful what you ask for, last thing we want is mobile games, rather than console games, being ported to PC

Wow, that would really suck.