The birth and development of micro games from Apple Watch

By Robert Jackson

Smartwatches are everywhere, but thanks to Apple's strong name, innovation, and creative marketing, the Apple Watch is poised to be more successful than any of its competitors. And games have always been one of the most popular content categories for new platforms. However, due to the smaller screen size and platform limitations of the Apple Watch, games on the platform must be re-adapted to fit into a new category of games: micro games.

What are micro games?

Microgames are short-form games that last 10 to 30 seconds, delivering quick entertainment and emotional rewards. They are meant to fill the time it takes to get in an elevator or wait in line at the supermarket. Like mobile games, these new microgames will pave the way for casual gamers who are not used to the complex control schemes and maps of more traditional console games. In addition to the fun factor, these new game styles will also serve as a driving force for larger brand experiences and interactive game licenses.

Game Development

Developing for the Apple Watch required us to rethink the way we design games. For most of our careers, we were taught that as gaming technology advanced we should think bigger and better, with all subsequent platforms delivering new levels of difficulty. Now it seems like the opposite is true, with platform limitations requiring us to reinvent gaming and get back to the basics of what makes a fun gaming experience. We need to get consumers into the experience quickly, but also get them out of the game easily, to ensure the overall experience is fun and engaging. We also need to keep the platform unique in mind. Developers need to focus on the basic concepts: What is the goal and can the player complete it in 10-30 seconds? Does it balance fun and challenge to give the player a sense of accomplishment? What creative enhancements do we need to ensure a great micro-experience?

People who always hold opposing opinions

Yes, there will always be some people who find fault with the Apple Watch beyond health apps or basic utilities. But think back to the early days of the iPhone, when many people thought the phone could only be a secondary gaming platform. After all, it was primarily a communication device. But by 2015, the gaming category had grown far beyond the second largest category in the App Store.

So the same format change could happen with the Apple Watch - if Apple can continue to innovate on the platform. I often see people saying that games can't survive the limitations of smartwatches. That's bullshit. As long as consumers demand it, games will follow it, and those creative and passionate game developers will continue to find effective ways to create magic (regardless of the limitations imposed by the platform).

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Initially these microgames will only be available as companion apps or simple games. So our initial focus should be on making the platform accessible to everyone. As with smartphones and tablets, developers will learn the quirks and nuances of the platform and learn more about the players themselves in order to better leverage the creative experiences on the device.

As Apple Watch technology evolves, micro-gaming will eventually become a potential standalone gaming platform. We are only at the beginning of a whole new gaming platform, and the potential of these new devices is more exciting than the initial challenges. I have been in the field of game development for more than 20 years, and I have always been at the forefront of both online and mobile platforms. You know, one thing you can't deny is the development of technology and its impact on games.