Our Development Platforms
At Rock Plant, we are committed to delivering high-performance, engaging mobile games tailored to the unique needs of the African market. Our development process is built on using the most powerful, scalable, and versatile platforms and tools to ensure seamless, optimized gameplay across devices.
Game Engines We Use
Unity
We use Unity for most of our game development. It’s a versatile and highly flexible game engine that allows us to create 2D and 3D games efficiently. With Unity, we can target multiple platforms, including Android and iOS, ensuring our games reach as many players as possible. Unity’s vast asset store, cross-platform capabilities, and community support make it the perfect choice for creating visually stunning and performance-optimized games.
Unreal Engine
For more graphically-intensive or complex projects, we use Unreal Engine. Known for its incredible rendering capabilities, Unreal allows us to create highly detailed 3D worlds and experiences. While less common in mobile game development, its flexibility and power enable us to create immersive games that stand out in the market.
Platforms We Target
Android
Android is one of the largest mobile platforms in Kenya and the broader African market. We ensure our games are optimized for Android devices of all shapes and sizes, from entry-level smartphones to high-end models. Android’s open-source nature also allows us to customize the user experience and integrate local features like mobile payment systems (M-Pesa).
iOS
We also develop games for iOS, the preferred platform for many Kenyan users who invest in premium smartphones. Our iOS games are crafted to meet Apple’s strict standards for performance, security, and user experience. We ensure smooth gameplay, quick load times, and seamless integration with Apple’s App Store ecosystem.
Development Tools
Android Studio & Xcode
For native Android and iOS development, we rely on Android Studio and Xcode. These integrated development environments (IDEs) give us complete control over the app-building process. Android Studio ensures we can access the latest Android features, while Xcode provides all the tools needed to create top-tier iOS applications.
Visual Studio Code
For coding, we often use Visual Studio Code, which is lightweight yet powerful. With a range of extensions and plugins, it supports multiple languages and frameworks, allowing us to write clean and efficient code across projects.
Design and Prototyping
Adobe XD & Figma
When it comes to UI/UX design, we use Adobe XD and Figma. Both tools allow us to quickly prototype and iterate on designs, ensuring a smooth user experience. Adobe XD enables us to create interactive prototypes that are easy to share with clients, while Figma’s collaborative features make it perfect for teamwork in real-time.
Blender & 3DS Max
For 3D modeling, Blender and 3DS Max are our go-to tools. Blender provides us with a full range of animation and modeling capabilities, while 3DS Max offers advanced features for game assets and environment creation.
Backend and Networking
Firebase
We rely heavily on Firebase for real-time databases, authentication, and cloud functions. Firebase allows us to scale our games quickly, implement leaderboards, store user data securely, and push updates instantly. It is an excellent solution for handling the dynamic needs of mobile gaming in Kenya, where internet speeds and device performance may vary.
Node.js & Express
For game backend services, we often use Node.js with Express. This combination allows us to create scalable and efficient servers that manage high levels of traffic, user accounts, and game data seamlessly.
Optimization and Testing
We use a wide array of testing tools to ensure that the games perform flawlessly on a variety of devices. This includes device farms for testing different models of Android phones, and performance profiling tools that help us fine-tune the game for smooth operation even on entry-level devices.
By focusing on optimization from the very start, we make sure that our games run efficiently, ensuring a great user experience across different network speeds, screen sizes, and hardware specifications.
Conclusion
The tools and platforms we use at Rock Plant enable us to create games that are not only fun and engaging but also tailored to the unique needs of the Kenyan and African markets. Our development process is built on the foundation of flexibility, scalability, and local adaptation, ensuring that every game we produce performs optimally and reaches a wide audience.
If you’d like more specific insights or have questions about any of the tools we use, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to discuss how we can bring your game idea to life.