Figure 16-1: Stack Overflow forums.
Chapter 16
Ten Websites for Android Game Developers
In This Chapter
Finding web resources for Android development
Discovering websites that talk about and review Android games
Keeping up-to-date on the latest Android news and community feedback
I’ve tried to give you foundations for creating your own great games for the Android mobile platform, but what if you have more questions? In this chapter, I’ll point you to some great resources for connecting with other Android developers who may have already solved whatever issue you’re having, or who can help you troubleshoot. There are thousands of Android developers out there at various levels of experience; many of them will be willing to help you out. Don’t overlook this amazing resource! When I first started, many of these sites were invaluable in helping me learn the basics, then later to troubleshoot some of the thorniest problems I encountered.
This section will also point you to websites devoted specifically to reviewing Android apps and games.
Consider approaching some of these sites once your game is completed and published. A nice review on an established site can go a long way in garnering downloads.
This section also includes sites for Android news and community forums. to help you keep up-to-date on the latest in the Android world. In some forums, it may be appropriate to mention or promote your game. That’s another good source of exposure.
Stack Overflow
This is an excellent collaborative question and answer site for programming. A couple of years ago, Google announced that it would be an official support environment for Android.
Most problems you’ll encounter will probably have an answer somewhere in the Stack Overflow forums (see Figure 16-1). But if not, post yours and someone will probably come along and help. I’ve used this resource extensively and it has been invaluable. They also have a cool achievements/incentives design to let you know who the most trusted commenters are. Check it out at
Android Developer
This is the official developer website for Android. The site is where you’ll download the Android SDK, which I mentioned very early on in this book. But this site has extensive resources on design principles regarding Android apps, along with tons of helpful videos and downloads, plus the latest news (see Figure 16-2). Don’t just visit to grab the SDK. Spend some time looking through the other offerings at
Figure 16-2: The official Android developer website.
anddev.org
When I first got started in Android development, this was the first site I found. It was (and still is) an awesome resource. There are forums dedicated to asking and answering specific problems related to Android programming (see Figure 16-3), as well as very helpful tutorials covering a wide range of topics.
Because the website is associated with the 2D game engine AndEngine, you can also find lots of resources devoted to that tool, if you are interested in using it.
The site is at
Figure 16-3: anddev.org community forums.
Android Developers Blog
Part of being a good game developer is keeping up-to-date on the latest news and information regarding the platforms you work on. The Android Developer’s Blog is straight from the horse’s mouth (see Figure 16-4), with members of the Android development team at Google posting the latest news regarding the platform.
You’ll probably want to put this in your feed. Find it at
www.android-developers.blogspot.com
Figure 16-4: Messages from the Android development team.
Appolicious
This is a Yahoo-sponsored app recommendation and review site with a social bent (see Figure 16-5). The site is yet another way to
See what apps are trending.
Assess your competition
Get your own game reviewed.
Find it at
Figure 16-5: Appolicious advice, backed by Yahoo.
Android Tapp
Android Tapp is a site devoted to reviews for Android apps (see Figure 16-6). Once your game is completed or near completion, you want to consider submitting the .apk to review sites to stir up initial interest.
The early days after release are the most important.
Android Tapp is one of the more established review sites, so check it out at
Figure 16-6: Reviews and news from Android Tapp.
Phandroid
This website is a great place to find the latest news on Android (see Figure 16-7). In addition, their forums are very active and are a great place to talk about Android games and gaming and possibly promote your newest creation. Check it out at
Figure 16-7: Fan fun and facts at Phandroid.
xda developers
This website is a great resource for developers and users of custom ROMs and non-factory modifications of the Android OS. Even if you’re not interested in custom ROMs, you should visit the site (see Figure 16-8). They have discussions broken down by device, which is a great resource if you’re having particular issues testing your game on a specific piece of hardware. If you can’t find an answer to a particularly difficult technical issue, look or post here:
Figure 16-8: Check xdadevelopers for device-specific help.
Droid Gamers
Andrew Huff runs this great website devoted to all things related to Android and gaming (see Figure 16-9). You’ll find news, reviews, interviews, and more, specifically for games on Android.
You should definitely visit and bookmark this one. Drop Andrew an e-mail if you’ve got a new release coming out or some other Android game-related news!
Visit them at
Figure 16-9: Droid Gamers covers gaming from virtual start to virtual finish.
Android and Me
This is another great resource for keeping up with the latest in the Android world. The site is very slick and well-designed, and up-to-date with the latest in the Android world (see Figure 16-10). Check out the site at
Figure 16-10: Android and Me delivers the latest news.
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