In the ever-evolving world of mobile game development, the path from idea to successful app can take unexpected turns. Today, I’m sharing the story behind my game, Naughty Math, a challenging and addictive math game that has captured the attention of over 1,000 Android users. Join me as I explore my technical journey, gameplay mechanics, and the transition from Unity to React Native that shaped this engaging educational app.

The Birth of Naughty Math

I began Naughty Math as a passion project, inspired by the popular game Freaking Math. My journey started with Unity, a powerful game engine known for its versatility and robust features. Using Unity, I crafted the initial version of Naughty Math with care, incorporating Google Play Games services to enhance the gaming experience with achievements and leaderboards.

From Unity to React Native: A Strategic Shift

While Unity served its purpose well, I, the developer, made an intriguing decision to recreate the game using React Native. This shift was driven by two primary factors:

1. Simplicity: Naughty Math, at its core, is a straightforward game that doesn’t require the full power of a complex game engine.
2. Curiosity and Skill Development: As a game developer, I saw an opportunity to explore game creation within the React Native ecosystem, broadening my skill set and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with this framework.

This transition showcases the flexibility of modern development tools and my innovative spirit as an indie game developer.

Diving into the Gameplay

Naughty Math offers a brain-teasing experience that challenges players’ quick thinking and mathematical skills. The game features two distinct modes:

1. Challenge Mode: Players race against the clock to solve math problems. As the score increases, so does the difficulty, providing a progressively challenging experience that keeps players on their toes.
2. Baby Mode: This practice-oriented mode removes the time pressure, allowing players to hone their skills without the stress of a ticking clock. While scores in this mode don’t contribute to achievements or leaderboards, it’s an excellent way for players to build confidence and improve their math abilities.

The game’s interface is minimalist yet effective, featuring just two screens — the main menu and the gameplay screen. This streamlined design ensures that players can jump straight into the action without navigating complex menus.

Technical Deep Dive

Behind the scenes, I’ve leveraged several key technologies to enhance user experience and monetization:

1. OneSignal: Implemented for push notifications, keeping players engaged and informed about new challenges or updates.
2. Firebase Analytics: Utilized to gather insights into player behavior and app performance, enabling data-driven improvements.
3. AdMob and Chartboost: Integrated for monetization, with interstitial ads appearing every three rounds to balance user experience with revenue generation.
4. React Native: The core framework I used for development, providing a smooth, native-like experience across devices.

The Power of Open Source

In a move to contribute to the developer community, I’ve made Naughty Math open source, with the code available on GitHub. This decision not only allows for collaborative improvements and innovations but also serves as a learning resource for other developers.

Looking Ahead

With over 1,000 downloads on the Google Play Store, Naughty Math has proven its appeal. The game’s success on Android paves the way for potential expansion to iOS, bringing this mathematical challenge to an even wider audience.

Conclusion

Naughty Math stands as a testament to the power of simplicity in game design and the versatility of modern development frameworks. From its origins in Unity to its rebirth in React Native, this game demonstrates how technical choices and a clear vision can come together to create an engaging, educational experience.

Whether you’re a budding mathematician looking to sharpen your skills or a casual gamer in search of a quick mental workout, Naughty Math offers a unique blend of challenge and fun. Give it a try and see how naughty you can get with math!

Download Naughty Math now on the Google Play Store!

Are you ready to challenge your math skills and climb the global leaderboard? Download Naughty Math today and join the thousands of players already enjoying this addictive mathematical adventure!