FYI: Computer Scientists Are NOT Artists

Everyone expects, and should expect, programs to look nice, to have User Interface elements arranged in ways that make it easy to use, to include cool images that match the general color theme (taking for granted the program will have a "general color theme" and not all the colors of the rainbow used inconsistently over the different screens).

Of course this is the case if you use a computer game. The company that produced it spent tens of thousands of dollars, perhaps even more, in the game presentation and art. However, when you try to develop a mobile game in your garage (or in your bedroom as in my case), spending as much as $100 in the art of your game can be very painful.

I think the first consideration you have to make is whether you are developing the game just for the fun of doing it or you're actually considering to publish it either free or not. Even if you don't plan to charge for the game, if you publish the game it should look professional. I've downloaded dozens of poorly developed games and I always make sure not to go back to that site. I'm sure you don't want your name in the credits of a game that looks like a 5 year old drawing.

But then, who do you get your game to look professional without spending a lot of money? ... well, my first advice is to emulate professionally developed games. You can download hundreds of free games and trials and look for the characteristics you want for your game. Playing lots of different games will help you determine how you game should look and behave and, even more important, how your game should NOT look and behave. WARNING: of course I'm not suggesting you copy other games! It's not only immoral and illegal, It'll make you look like a loser. What I'm suggesting is to look at the distribution of user interface items, the flow of the screens, the usage of forms, etc. and then implement your game using those elements as guidelines.

The second advice comes from the subject of the post. Ask for help from a non-it person. Hopefully from a graphics designer or someone in a similar industry, but at least from a very well tasted and innovative person. You'll find that even if the person you talk to doesn't suggest color schemes and graphics you like, discussing the subject with them will let yourself identify the type of look and feel you want for your game.