Development of Island Golf: Concept to Execution
Island Golf is part of an ongoing series of games developed after a hiatus from game development. After a break from creating games, attention shifted to developing a small, well-crafted game that could be perfected over time. In December, the focus was on creating a simple game with a distinctive approach. Several prototypes were tested and discarded until a golf-like game caught attention due to its simplicity and success in the app store.
A Throwback to Early Success
Island Golf drew inspiration from earlier successes in game development. In 1996, a 2D golf game called Pretty Good Golf was developed. Shockwave did not have hit detection at the time, so basic math was used to simulate interactions. Despite its primitive graphics, the game became popular and was later licensed to another company. Over the years, the game improved before the focus shifted to other projects.
Generating Random Golf Courses
For Island Golf, the goal was to generate golf courses randomly using an algorithm. The design aimed to simplify the process of course creation. Each hole needed a fairway, rough, trees, sand, and water features that would be playable on iPhone and iPad screens. The challenge was to make the game neither too easy nor too difficult. After many iterations and model tests, the final course generation algorithm allowed for endless variety, where players could enjoy hole after hole without repeating the same layout.
Adding an Artistic Theme
During development, an idea emerged to change the background to blue, making the fairways appear like islands. This created a more artistic, tropical theme with sandy beaches and palm trees. To enhance the visual appeal, dolphins and seabirds were added. Palm trees were designed using a custom algorithm, randomly generating each tree to provide a unique look in every game.
From Toy to Game: The Shift to a Score-Based System
Initially, the game offered an infinite course, but it lacked structure. A set number of strokes was introduced to make it more engaging, with players aiming to complete as many holes as possible. Beginners could complete 7 or 8 holes, while skilled players could achieve up to 18 or more.
However, after testing, it became clear that this system created frustration, as players could not consistently beat their best scores. In response, the game was adjusted to follow a standard 18-hole round. A high score board was introduced, with courses generated daily using a random seed based on the date, ensuring every player faced the same challenge.
Screen Optimization and Compromise
Course generation had to be optimized for different screen sizes, as the iPhone X has a 19.5:9 aspect ratio, while iPads use a 4:3 ratio. Ensuring the fairways fit the screen properly while maintaining consistency for the high score board required some compromises. Adjustments were made to ensure the courses looked good on iPhone and iPad, though some variations were necessary.
Monetization Strategy
To encourage adoption, Island Golf was released for free. Monetization strategies, such as in-app purchases, ads, or a paid model, could be introduced in future updates. The intention was to build an audience first before implementing any revenue-generating features.
Future Plans and Updates
Following the release, the main focus was on increasing the number of players. Paid advertising on platforms like Apple, Facebook, Google, and Reddit was considered to help promote the game.
Potential future updates include expanding the high score board with longer scrolling lists and improving the artwork. Holiday-themed items, such as Valentine’s hearts and Christmas trees, may be added, along with various course themes to keep the game fresh and engaging.