MOBILE app stores are becoming overcrowded, pushing independent and mobile game developers towards traditional platforms to turn a profit.
During an interview with Gamer’s Thumb to promote its upcoming game, SteamWorld: Dig, Image and Form CEO Brjann Sigurgeirsson said the 3DS eShop had become an ‘obvious’ choice over the App and Google Play Stores to launch on.
“Yes, there’s an enormous installed user base for iOS and Android. But there are also a lot more games coming out on mobile the whole time,” he said.
“Last fall, there were some 235,000 active publishers on the US App Store alone and around 300 app submissions per day. In a week, that means more than 2000 new apps and games.
“That’s just insane numbers, and it’s very tough to find your way to consumers.
“Very many of them don’t use their mobiles to play games, and prices have fallen through the floor. Literally, because most games coming out are free to play.
“Therefore, we decided to stand back for a moment and see how the other platforms were doing. And the 3DS became an obvious contender: there are more than 30 million units sold, sales of both units and games are increasing, it’s a gamer-centered platform, and the ocean is definitely blue. Plus the fact that SteamWorld Dig fits the unit like a glove. ”
Sigurgeirsson and his company are well-qualified to comment on the challenges facing mobile game development, having had their iOS game Anthill promoted as iPad Game of the Week.
SteamWorld: Dig is Image and Form’s second title in the SteamWorld universe, and promises around 12 hours of engaging mining and adventuring gameplay.
Gamer’s Thumb will have a full feature on SteamWorld Dig next week, along with a special preview of the launch trailer.
The game is due to launch on the 3DS eStore next week (August 8) in Australia, America and Europe, priced at 8.99 USD / 8.99 EUR / 11.99 AUD
Gamer Thumb 
Reblogged this on App 111 interactive.com and commented:
Never to many apps to choose from
Yeah it’s good for us, but I imagine it’s difficult for devs to gain traction unless you have a marketing budget to promote your app. That makes it harder for the smaller guys.