Google Play Seems Off in the Head

commanderklag

First, Godot is a great game engine. It's really nice. And has the reviews and features to prove it !

Now... I'm new, but... I just looked at 20 or so Godot games (on Youtube) for 2018, and a few form 2016. I can't find any amount on Google Play. Is there some kind of issue with the market &/or Google Play ? I may be missing something but, it looks to me that only a very few true indie developers are publishing on Google Play. I mean, I may be overlooking the population or something as I only sampled. But... I found Studios that have high level really Pro games. But for Godot ? one or two people with 1 single game, maybe two. or so.

There's only 8 pages of projects here it seems. As far as Google Play goes, is it because that it's just not worth the effort, I mean, unless your a Studio with some size team ?

Also, what is the Tricksy Search with Google Play ? I couldn't manage to search with any precision. You would think the search option was broken. I mean, why can't you search with some precision ? First glance, makes me wonder, what kind of racket it is. (Besides a wealthy one) 30% per title + Add revenues OMG.

I'm not gonna be publishing on it (Maybe Steam). Unless I want to just give something to everyone out of love. From where I come from, Art cost money, if it's worth having.

What gives ? What am I missing ? Where am I wrong ? Thanks,

Ace_Dragon

Google changed their policy and are no longer okay with Godot games using Godot 3's APK publisher (due to various reasons).

The Godot team though has recently released a fixer tool to repair your APK and get it back onto the store. https://godotengine.org/article/godot-apk-fixer-tool

As for publishing to Android, keep in mind that the vast majority of individuals will not make enough money to even come close to running a studio (unless you happen to be lucky and get featured in the new app. section), even then, it's somewhat dependent on "catching lightning in a bottle" and your game going viral. The best way it would seem is to form a partnership with a large publisher like Noodlecake and make use of their resources (though you will no longer have full control over development, which is the cost of increasing your chances).

commanderklag

Ok, thanks, I thought something was wrong, but there seems to be something else wrong with (at least) with the Android Game Industry. Like I said, I'm new.

QUESTION: If I bought out an Android indie developer, Acquired their Android game titles, could I publish my acquired Android titles on my own web site and exclude them from Google, if I choose to do so ? Or, Does Google have some kind of rights or Law that gives them (what would be exclusive) rights/ownership to Android game software to be downloaded and installed on an Android device ? I know they own Android OS.

I'm not worried about that slang that's all over the internet that sayes... "No one could ever hope to be secure enough except Google Play.", "Never, download from anywhere except Google Play, only they are secure enough. Plus, they have arrived."

Thanks,