Building a Location-based Game or App Like Pokemon

Krunal Vyas: Posted August 2, 2017 In Mobile Gamming Tech News & Trends
building location based game

Building an App needs something that not many have – perseverance. Of course, we carry out our daily tasks with dedication. But, a game needs deep thinking and that is where we begin.

Apply some foresight

The game needs many things including the Pokemon like characters, the hiding place, some twists and turns in the plot, landscaping for the game, and more. As you think about them, they will grow, and you must put them down on paper so you will not go around in circles. For starters, make the list. Then, segregate the list into important and not important. You will see that this helps you get a better picture of what you are doing and what you have accomplished.

Pick the theme for the game

This is the fun part. You are not making Pokemon, only a Pokemon like game. This means you are doing an interactive geo-based game where you place the object for interaction in some public places. These are activated by the online game alone so they will not disturb anyone else. You might want to make cards for the game, just like you have in Pokemon but you could bring in your own modifications.

Build GPS based game

Design some roles

This is again fun. You can imagine the role playing you need in your story. It might be about vampires chasing innocent children or about aliens out to kidnap the small ones. Whatever it is, you must make the story run along without a hitch. There must be enough stops and the roles must fit in with the character of the story. You can add more roles for the higher versions of the game.

Or, you can have various levels with increasing difficulty of play. The children can choose the level according to their age. Also, plan some scale in the game. This means you need to have some side-plot that will turn the game into a smaller version of the main game. You could include lines such as the hero wanders off the main street and enters some side street.

Doing the design

You know how to use the Wikitude SDK to place the Pokemons around the user. You then list them in JSON format and you can fetch the creatures from any position. You also have features on the Wikitude SDK JavaScript API that fetches the user location and places videos 2D, and 3D content in geo spaces. These are AR.Geo Objects that have a callback function. You can use user movements, longitude, altitude, and latitude to run the code inside the Wikitude AR-View.

AR.context.onLocationChanged = function(lat, lon, alt, accuracy){

// store user's location so you have access to it at any time

World.userLocation = {"latitude": lat, "longitude" : lon, "altitude" : alt };

};

You can check Wikitude if you need more clarification on the codes. The real thing is to have an action plan and make the landscaping to suit the model you have in mind. Give users the option of choosing their own models and changing between them. It makes the game interesting for them but then it is your game.

Many alternatives to design

One of the best alternatives is to use Scratch to make the game and then improvise on it. The other one is to get a RPG Maker XP, download the Pokemon Essentials, and read the tutorials there. Then, you can make the game based on Pokemon.

Make realistic estimates for the game. You cannot just arrange a couple of objects and then hope to clinch the deal. It takes extensive planning and more often than not, you will be tempted to throw in the towel and start something else. This is because you have not thought the matter through entirely from all perspectives. Remember, planning is vital and only that will carry you through to the end. Wishing you luck on your journey.

krunal Vyash

About the Author:

Krunal Vyas

B.Eng., MBA, PMP®

I’m Krunal Vyas, IT Consultant at iQlance Solutions. Is one of the name of website and Mobile app Development, I’ve helped more than 250+ Clients to build meaningful mobile apps and website. Call me today for FREE CONSULTATIONS:

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