Kurv - Engaging 2D Mobile Game by Digiwave

A 2D mobile game by Digiwave where players navigate a rolling ball on challenging curves, available on Android and iOS.

game-dev

Date: 2022

Tags:game-dev

Client: Internal Project

Team: Louis Gauthier

Kurv - Engaging 2D Mobile Game by Digiwave

Overview

Kurv is a 2D mobile game developed by Digiwave, released on both Android and iOS platforms. In Kurv, players control a rolling ball that travels along a dynamically appearing curve, which forms in front of them and disappears behind as they progress. Players must keep moving forward to stay on the curve, using simple one-touch controls to accelerate. With escalating difficulty and a focus on achieving the highest possible scores, Kurv offers an engaging and fast-paced experience.

Kurv Trailer

Project Details

Challenge

Developing Kurv presented two primary challenges:

  1. Performance Optimization: Ensuring smooth and efficient curve rendering on mobile devices was crucial for maintaining a seamless gaming experience. The predefined curves required meticulous optimization to handle real-time rendering without compromising performance.

  2. Efficient Module Design: Initially, designing game modules involved manually inputting Bezier curve coordinates, a time-consuming process that hindered rapid development. Creating diverse and complex modules demanded a more streamlined approach to module creation.

Solution

To address these challenges, we implemented the following solutions:

  1. Optimized Curve Rendering: Leveraging Unity's capabilities, we refined the curve rendering process to enhance performance on mobile devices. This optimization ensures that the game handles the predefined curves smoothly, providing an uninterrupted user experience.

  2. Integration of Bezier Curve Editor Plugin: To expedite the module design process, we integrated a graphical editor plugin for Bezier curves into Unity. This allowed us to automatically generate modules from Bezier curves, eliminating the need for manual coordinate input and significantly speeding up module creation.

Graphic Editor

Graphic Editor used in Kurv's module design

Key Features:

  • Predefined Curve Designs: Approximately 50 unique modules featuring loopings, jumps, waves, spirals, and more, meticulously designed for varied gameplay experiences.
  • Simple Controls: One-touch acceleration control, making the game accessible and easy to play.
  • Progressive Difficulty: Modules increase in difficulty based on the player's score, ensuring a challenging experience.
  • Leaderboards & Achievements: Integration with Game Center and Google Play Games for competitive scoring and player achievements.
  • Monetization: Implementation of ad bidding with Unity Ads, IronSource, and other platforms, alongside an in-app purchase option to remove ads.
  • Targeted Advertising: Conducted a targeted advertising campaign using Meta to effectively reach potential players.
Gameplay Screenshot

Gameplay Screenshot of Kurv

Technologies Used

  • Game Engine: Unity
  • Programming Language: C#
  • Platforms: Android (Google Play Store), iOS (App Store)
  • Services: Game Center, Google Play Games, Unity Ads, IronSource for ad integration
  • Tools: Bezier Curve Editor Plugin, Meta for targeted advertising

Development Process

The development of Kurv commenced in September 2022 and spanned approximately three months, culminating in its publication in December 2022. We followed an iterative development approach, allowing for continuous testing and refinement. Key milestones included:

  • Initial Development: Building the core gameplay mechanics and basic curve rendering.
  • Optimization Phase: Refining the rendering algorithms to ensure mobile performance.
  • Graphic Editor Implementation: Creating the Unity-based tool for efficient module design.
  • Feature Integration: Adding leaderboards, achievements, ad bidding systems, and in-app purchases.
  • Testing & Debugging: Extensive testing across multiple devices to identify and resolve performance issues and bugs.
  • Launch Preparation: Finalizing app store listings, promotional materials, and launching the game.

Team Roles

  • Louis Gauthier: Sole Developer responsible for the entire project lifecycle, including design, development, optimization, testing, publishing, and marketing.

Results

Kurv successfully achieved the following outcomes:

  • User Base: Over 5,000 players downloaded the game across Android and iOS platforms.
  • Engagement: Players consistently engaged with the game, achieving high scores exceeding 300 points.
  • Performance: Optimized curve rendering ensured smooth gameplay, contributing to positive user feedback.
  • Monetization: Effective implementation of ad bidding with Unity Ads, IronSource, and others, along with in-app purchases, generated revenue while maintaining user satisfaction.
  • Social Integration: Leaderboards and achievements fostered a competitive community, enhancing player retention.

Future Enhancements

To further enhance Kurv, we are considering the following improvements:

  • Additional Modules: Introducing more diverse and challenging modules to keep the gameplay fresh.
  • New Game Mode: Developing finite levels with unique objectives to offer a different gameplay experience.
  • Enhanced Graphics: Upgrading visual elements and animations for a more polished appearance.
  • Multiplayer Features: Implementing competitive multiplayer modes to increase player engagement.
  • Social Sharing: Enabling players to share their scores and achievements on social media platforms.
  • Advanced Analytics: Incorporating deeper analytics to better understand player behavior and preferences.

Conclusion

Kurv has been a great project for us, allowing us to push the boundaries of mobile game development. We tackled performance optimization and streamlined the design process to create a smooth, enjoyable experience for our players. With over 5,000 downloads, positive feedback from users, and successful monetization through ad bidding and in-app purchases, Kurv demonstrates our ability to build fun, engaging games that perform well on multiple platforms. We're excited to continue improving it and exploring new possibilities for future games.


This project was developed solely by Louis Gauthier at Digiwave. For more information, visit Digiwave's Portfolio.

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