Year-Long Struggle | Indie Developer Launches Four Apps but Sees No Earnings
An indie developer is facing the stark reality of the app market, having launched two games and two apps over the past year without any revenue. The developer describes how the excitement of launching quickly faded into disappointment, underscoring the fierce competition in this space.
The Harsh Reality of App Development
After dedicating countless hours to coding, testing, and fixing, the expected post-launch excitement didn’t arrive. "You publish and nothing really happens," the developer shared, echoing the frustrations many indie creators face today.
In a quest for visibility, the developer turned to forums and social media, sharing links and trying various marketing strategies without a budget. Despite their efforts, success has been elusive. As one comment highlights, "Mobile market is dead for tiny devs without budget," stressing the need for aggressive advertising in an oversaturated environment.
Marketing Challenges
The ongoing struggle is not merely about building apps; it’s also about effective marketing. A comment from a fellow developer pointed out, "Getting people to notice it is the real challenge. It's not as technically hard, but it absolutely decides whether anyone even knows your game exists." This sentiment reinforces the idea that without proper marketing support, many indie projects might remain unnoticed.
"Most apps don’t magically take off; you just keep trying, learning, improving, and hoping," the developer remarked, acknowledging the difficult but crucial learning process.
Community Responses and Insights
The feedback from those who engaged with the games varied, showcasing mixed sentiments:
Quality Concerns: Some noted that the games felt more like prototypes rather than finished products.
Market Saturation Insight: The comment about needing aggressive ads suggests the necessity of financial backing for visibility.
Encouragement: While some urged the developer to persist, others offered practical alternatives, such as exploring platforms like CrazyGames for better exposure.
Key Takeaways
✦ "Mobile is a bloodbath" - emphasizing the need for strong marketing strategies.
△ Users stressed that many find programming takes months, while marketing, though different, is equally critical.
⚠️ Slow growth is common; getting even a few hundred downloads is considered a win in today's environment.
Looking ahead, developers may find it increasingly important to not only focus on app creation but also seek collaborative opportunities for marketing. As experts predict, without adapting quickly, many will continue to struggle in this challenging landscape.