What are the key elements of a successful mobile game portfolio?

1 Choose your platform

The first step to creating a mobile game portfolio is to decide which platform you want to focus on. There are many options, such as iOS, Android, Windows, or web-based. Each platform has its own advantages and disadvantages, such as market size, development tools, monetization methods, and user preferences. You should choose a platform that matches your skills, interests, and goals. For example, if you want to target a large and diverse audience, you might opt for Android. If you want to leverage the power of Apple's ecosystem and design standards, you might prefer iOS. If you want to create cross-platform games that can run on any device, you might go for web-based.

2 Select your genre

The next step is to select the genre or genres of games that you want to showcase in your portfolio. There are many genres to choose from, such as puzzle, action, adventure, strategy, simulation, role-playing, casual, or educational. Each genre has its own conventions, expectations, and challenges. You should choose a genre that suits your passion, creativity, and expertise. For example, if you love creating immersive stories and characters, you might choose adventure or role-playing. If you enjoy testing your logic and problem-solving skills, you might choose puzzle or strategy. If you want to appeal to a wide and casual audience, you might choose casual or educational.

3 Showcase your skills

The third step is to showcase your skills and abilities as a mobile game developer. This includes not only your coding and programming skills, but also your design, art, sound, and testing skills. You should demonstrate your proficiency in using the tools and frameworks that are relevant to your chosen platform and genre. For example, if you are developing for iOS, you should show your knowledge of Swift, Xcode, SpriteKit, or ARKit. If you are developing for Android, you should show your knowledge of Java, Kotlin, Android Studio, or Unity. You should also show your ability to create engaging and attractive graphics, animations, sounds, and user interfaces. You should also show your ability to test, debug, and optimize your games for performance and compatibility.

4 Highlight your projects

The fourth step is to highlight your projects and achievements as a mobile game developer. This means presenting your games in a clear and appealing way that showcases their features, benefits, and value. You should include screenshots, videos, descriptions, and links to your games in your portfolio. You should also include any awards, recognitions, reviews, ratings, downloads, or revenue that your games have received. You should also explain your role and contribution in each project, especially if you worked in a team or collaborated with others. You should also mention any challenges, difficulties, or learnings that you encountered or gained during the development process.

5 Update your portfolio

The fifth step is to update your portfolio regularly and keep it fresh and relevant. The mobile game industry is constantly evolving and changing, and you need to keep up with the latest trends, technologies, and standards. You should also showcase your growth and improvement as a mobile game developer. You should add new projects, skills, and achievements to your portfolio as you complete them. You should also remove or revise any outdated, irrelevant, or low-quality projects or skills that might lower your credibility or reputation. You should also seek feedback and reviews from other developers, users, or experts, and use them to improve your portfolio and games.

6 Promote your portfolio

The final step is to promote your portfolio and reach your target audience. This means finding and using the best channels and platforms to showcase your portfolio and games. You should consider creating and maintaining a website, a blog, a social media account, or a YouTube channel for your portfolio. You should also consider joining and participating in online communities, forums, groups, or events related to mobile game development. You should also network and connect with other developers, publishers, influencers, or clients who might be interested in your portfolio and games. You should also be ready and prepared to pitch, demonstrate, or sell your portfolio and games when you get an opportunity.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?