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GameSalad publishing error for version 0.9.5 or 0.9.6

Mac App Store Preview: Cataline! It’s Purrrty

Teenagers developing for iPhone, iPod and iPad – Getting started

Firework Fruits Explodes into the App Store with Game Center Contest

GameSalad introduces HTML5 Arcade in 0.9.5 release

GameSalad publishing error for version 0.9.5 or 0.9.6

Published by David on July 16th, 2011 - in Featured, Games, News

Dealing with publishing errors in GameSalad

There are several reasons why Publishing with GameSalad might fail.

You are not using the most up to date version of the creator tool
Your not using a proper, or don’t have a proper signing certificate
GameSalad publishing servers are down

Let me explain these to you

Currently as of 0.9.6 GameSalad you must have the most current GameSalad creator to publish games. This is because the server that generates your games from the project you made in GameSalad is based on the new features of the newest version of GameSalad. Since the server can only support app creation from one version of the creator at a time currently it is set to only accept project created in the most recent version of the creator.
You either have been lazy and forgot to download your Apple certificate which is what will allow your file to be installed on other devices, or you don’t have one or don’t know what it is. Search YouTube for publishing help in GameSalad and look for videos from “tshirtbooth” who has really good tutorials on many things GameSalad. If you are still having issues getting your code signing to work you should look for help on the GameSalad forums at http://www.gamesalad.com/forums where there are typically many people who are willing to help, myself included.
The issue of the server not working has been a larger issue recently. This problem is not your fault, but is GameSalad’s. You will just have to wait until this issue is fixed. Typically when the publishing server goes down there is a thread about it in the GameSalad forums where status updates will be provided from the staff. If you see that no one has reported the issue, you should make a post letting GameSalad know that the server is down so that they can take notice and begin trying to fix it. Here is the link for the forums again, http://www.gamesalad.com/forums.

Your most important resource for issues when publishing with GameSalad is their forums. It is VERY likely that any question you have has been asked before, so search before you post, which is proper netiquette. If you want to know more, you can contact me with the contact buttons on the top right of my website!

Tags: App, App Store, Apple, Creator, Error, Forum, Forums, GameSalad, Issues, Mac, Publishing, Server, Version

4 Comments »

Mac App Store Preview: Cataline! It’s Purrrty

Published by David on June 29th, 2011 - in Featured, Games, Games, Mac, Reviews

Cataline is a purrrrty game:

$1.99 iPad: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cataline-hd-id444074383?mt=8&ls=1

$2.99 Mac: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cataline/id444075405?mt=12&ls=1

Cataline gives you that same kind of patchwork type feel from the graphics that you get from Little Big Planet. For $2.99 USD for Mac or $1.99 for iPad on June 30th, 2011 it will be a great deal.

The attention to detail in the graphics is amazing. In Cataline, things don’t sit still. If you interact with something it is likely it animates. Even the background animates. Clouds pass by over head, and balloons fly up into the sky as you play. When you beat a level, the sun starts smiling and a rainbow comes from the side of the screen. It really has a nice feel to it. Like I said, similar to the feeling you get when you play Little Big Planet.

Gameplay:

OK, it looks good but how does it play?

Basically the objective is to collect the floating stars while you toss your cat into the fish bowls to get a snack. It sounds really simple, but the developer threw plenty of obstacles in the way to keep you entertained. It is definitely a challenge. With 60 levels, it really has some depth to it considering the challenge. Levels of course get harder and harder the farther you go with more complex obstacles in the way.

Only a few, TINY issues:

The score fonts don’t match the patchwork type art style and it kind of stands out if you have a keen eye. Not a big deal.

Sometimes when you get the cat into the fish bowl you can still see its legs behind the bowl. Nothing big, but a small distraction.

The biggest concern was the shooting mechanism. At times it was hard to find a perfect shot. Even though it shows you exactly how you made your last shot, it seems like there wasn’t much difference between no power in your shot and half power. However, if you shot full power you would fly straight over the objectives and not even come close. This would be a bother, but it really adds to the challenge of the game, so it really equals out in my mind but I can see it being a bother to other people.

Recommendation:

Buy it! 4.25/5

Overall, the game is pretty fun, I definitely recommend trying it out.

Tags: App Store, Apple, Cataline, Game, games, GameSalad, Little Big Planet, Mac, Mac App Store, Pretty, Review, Strategy

4 Comments »

Teenagers developing for iPhone, iPod and iPad – Getting started

Published by David on June 27th, 2011 - in Featured, Software Error, Tech Help

So you want to develop games or apps for an iPhone, iPod or iPad?

I’ve seen a recent trend of searches landing on my site relating to teenagers wanting to develop games or apps for iOS. First thing any teen should know before they get started is below.

Getting started:

Developing for iOS is not free. Below is what you will need if you want to really develop quality apps.

Developer license with Apple for iOS : $99 USD
Mac computer : $700 USD and up if you don’t already have one.
Testing device: $300 USD with contract newest iPhone

Obviously, if you are drawn to the making iOS apps you have to understand that these things are required by Apple. You could build a hackintosh and get around that expensive computer cost, but I really don’t recommend that route. Also, you really don’t want to jailbreak your device, it makes testing really unreliable… unless you’re developing for cydia or other jailbroken app stores.

I’ve got the money – can I start now?

Well, congratulations on having the money to start developing for iOS. The next step is having skill. The only real skill you need is coding, and/or understanding of coding logic.

However, the following skills will make the app making process a LOT less expensive and will avoid possible copyright infringement:

Proper developer training – This is huge, but you can manage without it… see the bottom of the post about recommendations
Graphic art skills – Making an app look attractive is crucial. Don’t believe me? Look at your apps you own and compare it to your best MS paint drawing – they don’t cut it in the marketplace.
Composition or SFX creation – Sounds also play a huge role in the experience of using an app. Whether it is a sound effect when tapping a button or great background music. This is huge.
Marketing – If you want to make money making apps you are going to have to get people to know that you made them. This is easy when you are telling your friends, but the Apple app store is global – if you want to get big sales you have to let everyone know.

Like I said, those skills are more of wants. Something that is desirable for a developer but not always necessary. Code tutorials can be found to supplement your lack of programming skills, free public domain images and sounds exist or you could purchase some to use in your games (search google for “royalty free” music, sounds or artwork). Marketing is harder to do without, but it isn’t necessary at all if you aren’t in it for the money. However, don’t expect a hit if you don’t market.

So you don’t know what to do

You want to make apps, but you are still a kid and don’t have resources like money and time, or professional training. How can you still make apps for the app store?

It isn’t as hard as you would think. Here is what I would recommend.

Buy a book on iOS development or better yet a general intro to programming book- OMG a book?! Get used to it if you want to be a developer. Good books for iOS development are available on Amazon for less than $20 USD!
Read the book and follow the tutorials. This isn’t your school, if you want to actually learn it you have to actually try. Learning how to make an app isn’t like doing homework, you can’t wait all year and do it all at the last minute.
Once you understand how things work for the most part there are many routes you can go. First you will need the xCode application for your Mac. Just sign up for a developer account. You don’t have to pay the $99 just yet, but you will before you go to publish your first app.
If you are wanting to make games, I would recommend you start out with GameSalad. You don’t need to know how to code to use it, and best of all it is free. You still have to have your developer profile for $99 if you want to publish and app to the app store but you can make all the games you want to learn how to do it without even knowing code. The behaviors that GameSalad uses teaches you what to look for if you do begin to start coding without professional training. You could always just skip GameSalad and try a more complex game engine, but if it is your first experience programming I definitely recommend GameSalad.
Watch videos of tutorials to see how to do things you want to do. One of the reasons I recommended GameSalad because its community is very active in making video tutorials to help those who are new to using it. Just check out GSHelper.com if you are curious.
Don’t purchase the developer license until you are ready to test your first app on your device or publish it. At this point you don’t know what an ad-hoc test is (probably) but you should always try this before publishing your app.
From here it gets a lot more complex, but simply put just finish your app and upload it to the app store.

Honestly, you are going to learn a lot more as you start to become familiar with developing with iOS. Just take it one step at a time and don’t rush to the finish. It takes time for everyone.

If you have any questions, leave a comment and I will try to help you, or modify the post.

Tags: App, Apple, develop, Developer, Game, games, GameSalad, iOS, iOS Games, iPhone, kid, teenager

3 Comments »

Firework Fruits Explodes into the App Store with Game Center Contest

Published by David on June 24th, 2011 - in Featured

Frankfort, Kentucky – Private developer David Johnson had announced the release of new iOS game Firework Fruits 4th of July HD 1.0. The game launches just as fireworks are becoming a must have with the 4th of July holiday weekend fast approaching.

Firework Fruits puts the player into the firework action. Watch as the fruits shoot up from the silos and tap them to make them explode. The amazing natural colors of fruits make for a colorful show that will surely impress.

The goal of the game is to tap the fruits at the optimal height, indicated by two dashed lines. When your fruit is ready to be tapped for a score, it will glow. The more fruits you tap in a row while in the lines the more points they are worth.

To make the game exciting, players can also tap firework clocks that can give additional time to help them get the edge on the top score. However, the red spikes that are launched bring clouds to the show and make it harder to spot the fireworks, so be careful not to tap those.

For $0.99 (USD) the game is well worth the cost and even provides you with an opportunity to win $20 (USD) or more with the 4th of July contest.

Features:
*Unlimited time – Tap clocks to increase game time and your score
*Score multipliers – Tap more than 5 fruits in a row get a 2x multiplier
*Finale mode – Work through multipliers 2-4 and hit finale mode with a 5x multiplier

Each attempt is a unique experience that guarantees you will never create the same show twice.

Other features include:
*Game Center leader boards – Compare your scores with the world
*Adjustable music and SFX volume controls
*Minimal wait time – Designed to work quickly
*HD graphics – Compatible with the retina display

Device Requirements:
*iPhone and iPod touch
*Requires iOS 3.0 or later
*8.3 MB

Pricing and Availability:
Firework Fruits 4th of July HD 1.0 is available for only $0.99 USD (or equivalent amount in other currencies) and is available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Games category.

Kingpin Tech
Firework Fruits 4th of July HD 1.0
Purchase and Download
YouTube Video
Screenshot
4th of July Contest

David Johnson is a private developer who works part time on development projects to help fund his passion for learning while attending graduate school in Kentucky. Copyright (C) 2011 David Johnson. All Rights Reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, iPod and iPad are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries.

2 Comments »

GameSalad introduces HTML5 Arcade in 0.9.5 release

Published by David on June 22nd, 2011 - in Featured, Games

GameSalad hits 0.9.5 and adds HTML5 arcade publishing

The drag and drop easy game creator that has become popular for iOS developers has once again gone to hosting games created through the client online. With HTML5, games designed and created for iOS (and Android in the future) are able to be previewed online. Games can either be published to the arcade as they are, or most likely as demo’s to allow people to have the ability to try a game before even downloading the demo onto their iOS device.

To celebrate the new arcade, GameSalad has featured some of it’s most popular user designed games on its homepage such as Zombie Drop, and The Secret of Grisly Manor. The service will make showing your game to new people, and allowing them to get a feel for it much easier before asking them to purchase it, or to even download a demo. Also, for the first time ever, it will be possible to play GameSalad games on a PC!

One thing to note about the HTML5 versions of games is that they are likely to operate a lot faster than the game will on a mobile device. Load times are far shorter (virtually none) when hosted in the browser versus on an iPhone. This is great for developers, but it is important to people who may be playing the game on HTML5 before purchasing it to know that the game will likely not perform as well on their mobile device.

Also introduced with 0.9.5 was a new website design with a different color layout for the website. To see these new changes and to checkout GameSalad and even perhaps consider to start developing some games your self, click on the link below to GameSalad.

http://www.gamesalad.com

Tags: App, Apple, Arcade, development, GameSalad, html, HTML5, internet, iOS, iPhone, Microsoft, technology

1 Comment »

Future of NFC with mobile payments and … ordering?

Published by David on June 10th, 2011 - in Featured, Ideas, News

What is NFC?

NFC stands for Near Field Communications. It uses radio signals, much like wifi or bluetooth to transmit data. However, unlike those technologies it only sends data a few inches, and typically only when passed in front of the receiver. The range on the device will really limit sniffing or skimming attempts on stealing information, plus the information is not transmitted in clear text, so even if it were intercepted it would still have to be decrypted.

Why NFC?

Businesses are already implementing NFC into their stores to accept payments to make transactions quicker. This is particularly useful for places that are very busy, and make a lot of small transactions such as gas stations. I’m sure most people have been waiting in line at a gas station to pick up a snack, or a drink to wait for an older person to shake their credit card down a card reader and then shake out a signature (no offense old people, I’ll be there too one day).

NFC could speed up transactions to the point where you could possibly pick up and item, start walking out the door and continue walking to your car and leave. I have heard that RFIDs were to be used for something similar in stores like Wal-Mart possibly in the future, but the RFIDs can really only find out what you have in your cart or in your possession, and wouldn’t seem to work so well with transmitting payment information.

The future of NFC is more than just payments

———————————-

The future of NFC is ORDERING AND PAYMENTS

1: Retail purchases and payments

NFC can transmit data in short range. Right now, the process for using NFC works like this at a gas station.

Go in pick up a snack
Hand snack to cashier to scan
Use NFC to pay for total
Be on your way

If you look at that, you think, wow there are only four steps. It can be even simpler. Imagine if stores started using RFIDs to scan items, and then used NFC to pay for them. In this sense, your order is you just picking out what you like. So now our new process for payments is:

Go in pick up snack
Walk out of store while holding up your phone to a receiver

A two step process for purchasing items that were sitting on a shelf. It is a lot more complex than that for the company and actually processing the information, but your customer is in and out and most importantly, HAPPY.

2: Service based ordering and payments – the real game changer!

As mentioned earlier, RFIDs can be used with retail items to track what people pick up and want to buy. But, what about stores where you have to order items such as at a restaurant. Here is where the future of NFC get really interesting.

Currently, the process of eating at a restaurant goes as following:

Go in the business
Wait in line or at a table for someone to take your order
Have someone take your order
Wait for your food to be delivered
Receive food
Pay for your food and/or eat it there, In some cases you have to wait in line to pay
Leave the business

As you can see with the process, there are two and potentially three steps where you wait. With the use of NFC for ordering, you could cut down your waiting processes to at most ONE. By modifying the traditional use of NFC, or combining it with other transmission technologies and software customized for either the credit card company or business, you could potentially order and pay for your food instantly.

A new NFC process where a company can take your order and payment at once would be:

Go in the business
Prepare your order on your mobile applicaiton
Scan NFC
Get table or waiting spot
Wait for food
Get food and leave

The new ordering process is a six step process, but it is much faster. Imagine walking into a McDonald’s and going up to an NFC receiver and scanning your phone and McDonald’s immediately starts making the order you selected on your phone as soon as your NFC payment is processed. You no longer have to wait in line to order, just to receive your food.

When will this happen?

Soon. NFC is already a technology that is trying to be implemented in more and more mobile phones. Many companies are simply waiting for the technology to become more mature before they actually start implementing it.

RFIDs and NFC combination for retail may not happen for another decade or more, but it is definitely something that is being worked on. Wal-Mart has been working with RFIDs for years and hopefully they will innovate and adopt that technology for totaling retail cost soon, so that NFC can be used in tandem to increase retail checkout speed dramatically.

On the other hand, I believe that NFC for ordering, particularly with large restaurants such as McDonald’s could happen in as soon as 2-3 years. It is already possible for mobile applications to transmit order data via various transmission media, but I don’t think the industry has seen the potential yet for the adoption of a tandem system with NFC. Once NFC and ordering become combined, the longest wait you will have at a restaurant will be waiting for the store to process your order.