Any successful mac apps?
idoistuff
Member Posts: 197
I know there are successful iPod/Phone/Pad apps made with GameSalad out there, but is there any successful mac apps?
I am curious because I don't want to pay a developer fee to view my games on the iDevices, so I have no choice but to go the computer/mac route.
Thanks.
I am curious because I don't want to pay a developer fee to view my games on the iDevices, so I have no choice but to go the computer/mac route.
Thanks.
Comments
Am I missing the point here?
QS
Dr. Sam Beckett never returned home...
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As far as successful apps go, word on the street is that pixelmator cashed in nicely .... Thanks to people like me ;-)
However, I did write about the success of Pixelmator, which is a Mac App Store exclusive...
http://photics.com/pixelmator-a-successful-alternative-to-adobe-photoshop
However, I'm not sure that I want to spend another $99 on a Mac App Store developer license. I looked at my current library of games... including games that I'm working on... and I'm doubtful that any of them would really stand out.
I'm actually somewhat disappointed that the Mac App Store is being supported before Game Center.
If it wasn't so risky, I would release windows versions of all of my apps but as soon as I can get hold of a suitable license that does not allow to expose me to law suits!
I think that would be much better than the tiny Mac user base .. If you subtract all the gfx workstations piled away inside corporations and studios, the market is probably in the single digits (as in less than 9%)
My interest is on the windows side. Too bad they don't have such a store set up
Are you're worried about releasing a Windows app and then getting sued by your customers?
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Unfortunately, I can not incorporate a proper company and thus, an EULA will look silly if a nobody issued it.
Eveybody who is successful is getting sued ....sooner or later.
But, I really want to release everything I have for the windows desktop next! That would be a dream
The iOS stuff doesn't worry me because it is Apple who says that they work proper on their devices and copyright is not an issue since i do not use anyone elses gfx and the knowledge behind the software is music theory.
About windows apps.
As I understand it, the only thing that protects me from the customers is the EULA
EVERY TIME I used to install widows software, I would save the EULA so I have a little collection of "legal text" I can use.
But I don't understand the consequences if some ill intended individual would sue me and not being incorporated, I would be liable if the outcome says so.
If it wasn't for that, I'd drop everything and start converting!!!
This way, I can offer free downloads of each title that function for 15 minutes or time out in x days. Then, via a simple web link, users can get the license via pay-pal or google checkout. I would LOVE to offer that.
Do you have experience in such matters?
I would welcome to discuss this (briefly) via other means than this forum
Consumers who purchase software often expect it to work as promised on the package, in advertisements, or in other publications. They don’t anticipate errors in the software itself or to have interruptions while using it. Software developers cannot guarantee that they won’t produce bad software that ends up in the marketplace, but in some instances, companies have shipped software with known errors. For example, Microsoft Windows 3.1 had 5,000 known errors, and it was still offered for sale. Whether it’s due to negligence or some other factor, bad software is out there, and companies use a software disclaimer to absolve themselves of any liability.
I think the keyword is "companies" (use a software disclaimer)
My issue is that I am not incorporated because doing this properly is very expensive!
Accounting alone would be a cost factor that is too risky to assume in case sales are not taking off.
My hope was to finance all that with selling my stuff first in iTunes but I can see now that my strategy has failed and I need to find an alternate way (to make money) such as the MS Windows desktop which is present in almost every household in North America.
But rushing into that can be a costly mistake.
Personally I wouldn't worry that much. How many independent software developers do you know that have been sued? If you're that bothered then sell them on the intel app-up store, but that's limiting your market considerably.
My wife on the other hand is VERY worried because we have a beautiful condo here in Vancouver and a nasty court case could put our existence in jeopardy. That is the risk i am facing.
My enemy are the music institutions who can not afford to have some nobody come onto the scene who gives parents the means to let their children explore music at home for $10 instead of the $80 they charge on a monthly basis.
The children's music market is huge and worth millions ...
But I need to do something because if I don't get the software out there, someone else will!
It's not just about games crashing and destroying data... which is rare-to-impossible on an iOS device, as you have limited access to the system... it's also about someone suing you because of content. Maybe your game is not original, maybe it hurts someone's feelings, maybe it's improperly harvesting private data, there are plenty of ways to get sued.
I'm not a lawyer, this is just the way I understand things.
The reason why this iTunes App Store thing works is that Apple has a good license agreement in place. It's very difficult to get a return and there are no/limited warranties.
So, where's the problem? It seems like just a matter of making your own license agreement - a strong one!
Plus, good customer service is important. Most people don't like to sue. If you treat your customers right, then they have less reason to go after you. Being incorporated isn't complete absolution from liability. If you do illegal things, there's still potential for severe trouble. That's basically what it's all about... staying out of trouble... and that's how I approach things.
With a good EULA and building good products, customers will tend to like you. If a program crashes, fix it! Don't just hide behind the EULA. Yes, The Unofficial GameSalad Textbook is sold via Google Checkout. The book is sold "As-Is" without any warranties. There's a sample ePub file, which gives people the option to decide if they want the full version.
Although, I'm planning to shut that down and move the book to the App Store exclusively. Apple does a better job at order processing and update notification than I do.
Sales are much better on the App store too.
Maybe it's not the legal aspect that's bothering you. When I find myself worrying about small details, it usually means that there's something wrong somewhere. I have a forum.
http://photics.com/forums
A conversation like this could go in the "Work" section as business discussion. Although, I think keeping the discussion over here is useful.
Basically, there is a risk. Yet, I can't sue Microsoft or Apple for lost wages when my computer crashes. Well, I could try suing them, but I'd probably lose.
I don't know about your situation. Maybe there's a reason you're worried. But here's another way to look at it... GameSalad 0.9.1 will likely bring Mac App Store publishing. What's the difference between that and publishing Windows apps... other than not giving 30% to Apple?
If the only reason you're not doing it is because you think Apple will defend you, I think that assumption is incorrect.
thanks for your info!
Towards the end of your post, you say:
"GameSalad 0.9.1 will likely bring Mac App Store publishing. What's the difference between that and publishing Windows apps... other than not giving 30% to Apple?"
The difference is HUGE!
A while ago, I spoke to an old friend who has been in professional marketing corporations all his life and he told me that the bad thing about the app store is the fact that I do not get access to who buys from me!
He further stated that "how much" I charge for my apps has little value but a list of my customers is what gives my company the real value.
To make a long story short, his final advise was to keep a database of all deals and customer details as this list would bring significant income in the future.
Personally, I am not a fan of selling customer data but that guy knows what he is talking about.
I have found a good EULA that is short and simple and basically is based on "AS IS".
I suppose that I have to take that risk and see what gives. Maybe the sales will be weak and I can not afford to sustain that operation or, if sales pick up, I should be able to afford legal advise and proper incorporation.
The bottom line is that I need to branch out into the MS Windows market and see how it goes?