Buildbox is a powerful game development engine that allows you to build mobile games without coding. Founded by Trey Smith in 2014, Buildbox aims to simplify the process of game development. It achieves this by offering a simple drag-and-drop user interface, making it easy for anyone with no programming experience to use.
It’s also worth mentioning that Buildbox can easily export a game to multiple platforms, including; Android, Mac, Apple TV, Windows and iOS devices. This means that your game will work on most major platforms, exponentially increasing your revenue.
Table of Contents
- How exactly does Buildbox work?
- Do I need to be skilled to use Buildbox?
- How do you make money with Buildbox?
- How much money can you make with Buildbox?
- Pricing
- Where can I get assets for my projects?
- How do I publish to the play store?
- How do I publish to the iOS app store?
- Are there any other stores you can post to?
- Are there any alternatives to Buildbox?
- Is Buildbox worth it?
How exactly does Buildbox work?
There are many different types of game engines out there and each one has its own way of working. In this section, we’ll go through the basics of how to use Buildbox and what you need to know before you start.
- First and foremost, head over to Buildbox.com and download the software. Buildbox offers 2 different versions; 2D classic and 3D. The version you’ll pick will depend on the type of game you’re interested in making. I personally love using Buildbox 2D classic because it allows me to build simple addictive 2-dimensional mobile games. I also find it easier to use and faster at deploying ideas and games.
On the other hand, Buidlbox 3D is extremely powerful. You can create immersive 3-dimensional games without any programming knowledge. (Note: Whichever version you choose, Buildbox offers a similar experience, with a robust UI)
- Once the website opens, click get started on the top, and select either Buildbox 3D or 2D Classic. Choose the free version so you can first try out the software.
- Buildbox is available on both Mac and Windows, so make sure to select the right version.
- Once the software finishes downloading, open it and sign in using your Gmail account.
- Take a few seconds to familiarise with the UI.
Do I need to be skilled to use Buildbox?
Simply no. Buildbox has a very easy learning curve. The platform also has an active community with tutorials to help you when you’re stuck. In addition, Buildbox has a plethora of tools and templates that you can use to design your game. If you don’t want to start from scratch, these templates present you with the option of selecting a game that you can tweak, add art, levels and create something of your own.
Before using Buildbox, I would recommend you watch all tutorial videos, as this will benefit you in the long run. Click this link to see all tutorials.
How do you make money with Buildbox?
Like any other app on the AppStore, Buildbox easily allows you to integrate Google Ads and add in-app purchases for upgrades, levels or anything you see fit. Or you can simply just sell the games you make. However, most people usually prefer to place ads and offer in-app purchases.
How much money can you make with Buildbox?
The potential is unlimited but there are many caveats. If you create a smashing hit, something like Flappy Bird with millions of downloads, that is obviously life-changing. However, realistically speaking, the mobile gaming industry is competitive, and it will all boil down to what you create. But don’t be discouraged, if this is an avenue you want to test, it’s absolutely worth trying. A lot of people make money doing this, and $1000 a month in revenue is easily doable if you put in the work.
(Note: In the world of App development, $1000/month in revenue is actually considered low. Try to aim higher by setting yourself quarterly goals)
Pricing
- Buildbox 2D Classic has 3 pricing tiers. A free version, a plus version for $9.99 a month (or $89.99 annually) and a Pro version for $224.99 per year.
- Buidlbox 3D also has 3 pricing tiers. A free version, a plus version for $19.99 (or $189.99 annually) and a Pro version for $499.99 per year.
(Note: these prices are relevant to the time of writing. Click this link to see updated prices and features of each tier)
Where can I get assets for my projects?
Game assets are anything you use to create your game. They can be as simple as a character sprite or as complex as a full 3D model of a house.
The most common types of game assets include:
- Art Assets: Art assets are visual elements that go into making your game, such as backgrounds, characters, sprites and other things. These are usually drawn by hand or generated by software such as Photoshop. There are also countless resources to buy or download game assets for free.
- Sound Assets: Sound effects and music make up the audio side of your game, so they’re also an important part of creating your game. You can create these yourself using tools like GarageBand or Audacity, or purchase them from websites like AudioJungle.
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How do I publish to the play store?
Before you can publish an app to the Google Play Store, you need to have a developer account with Google. Sign up for a developer account at https://play.google.com/apps/publish/. This will cost $25 for an application.
The process of publishing an app on Google Play is fairly straightforward. Here is a quick summary to guide you through the process of publishing an app with Android Studio and Google Play Console.
- Configure your application information by filling in the “Name” field and clicking on the “Create” button.
- Check that all the details are correct by clicking on the gear icon in the top right corner of your screen and choosing “Project Settings”.
- Add screenshots and descriptions.
- Upload the APK file to the Developer Console and submit it for review
- Make sure that you have checked “Publish this APK” option under “Build”.
- Wait for review and make any changes required by Google Play Review Team.
For more information on how to publish an app on the Google play store, click this link.
How do I publish to the iOS app store?
To sign up for the iOS Developer Program, visit https://developer.apple.com/programs/ios/#submit-app and follow the onscreen instructions to sign up for the Program. Acquiring a developer account would cost you $99 a year.
Apple has strict guidelines for apps to be published on its App Store. If you want to publish an app on the App Store, you must first understand these guidelines.
Apple’s main goal is to provide a safe and secure experience for users. Therefore, it will reject any app that does not comply with these rules.
The following are some of the rules that Apple has for publishing an iOS app:
- The app should not have any functional issues and can be easily used by people who have never used it before. Since your game will be designed through Buildbox, this won’t be a problem. Just make sure navigation is cohesive.
- Your app must not contain any offensive material like sexually explicit content or hate speech (racism etc.). This means that your app cannot include images or videos of people engaged in sexual acts or exposed private part, even if they are adults over 18 years old! Also, your app cannot include any hate speech or racist comments regarding race, ethnicity or gender identity etc..
In case you don’t have an Apple ID. It’s used to sign up for the iOS Developer Program, purchase an App Store distribution certificate, and purchase a push notification certificate. Visit https://developer.apple.com/account/ios/ and follow the onscreen instructions to create an Apple ID.
For more information on how to post an app to the App store click this link.
Are there any other stores you can post to?
Other than the Play Store, iOS app store and Mac store, are there any other stores you can utilize to gain full exposure for your game?
- Amazon app store (there is no fee to join)
- Microsoft app store ($19 one-time-fee)
Are there any alternatives to Buildbox?
There are many game engines out there including popular ones like Unity and Unreal engine. However, what drew me to Builbox is how easy it is to use through its robust drag-and-drop user interface. However, this simplicity may be its Achilles heel, as seasoned developers complain about its lack of features and in-depth functions compared to other pro software.
Is Buildbox worth it?
Absolutely, especially for anyone who’s thinking about getting into the gaming industry. Like any other career, be open-minded, learn from your peers and adapt to change. Buildbox might have an easy learning curve, but there’s more to learn in the world of app development. From navigating and publishing to different app stores, to SEO and marketing, there’s always a need to advance.
