As a seasoned Flutter game developer, who used to develop games in Unity. I can confidently say that for most game apps, Flutter can be used with confidence. In fact, I have build or help build games in Flutter that took only a few weeks to complete, such as a match game, MemoryMatch2, which was re-written in Flutter. Let’s compare Flutter to Unity to make the best decision for your game app.
What is Flutter Game Development?
Developing games in Flutter, can including using native Flutter functionality or third party tools such as Flame. While it was originally designed for building apps, it has progressed to have the ability to create simple games. Its programming language is Dart, which is fairly robust functionality, which can run on multiple platforms including Android, iOS and web.
What is Unity?
Unity has been around a lot longer than Flutter, and specializes in games, and has capability for advanced game design especially for 3D games. It offers powerful tools for animation, graphics and multi player settings. Traditionally, for any games Unity was the go to tool for mobile game developers.
Why I Switched from Unity to Flutter for Game Development
While originally Flutter was not know for game development, that is changing quickly, especially for 2D and simple games. Here are the reasons I tend to build games in Flutter as oppose to Unity:
- Ease of Development: As both a unity game developer and flutter game developer, I typically gravitate towards utilizing Flutter for most of my game development needs. This is because 2D games can use libraries such as Flame.
- Cross Platform Device: Flutter game development offers ability to launch on cross platform in order to reach most audiences. It is also a great tool for game prototyping and more important for games MVP development.
- MVP Games: Developing an MVP game in Flutter, allows you to test your game idea prior to investing heavily into the development and marketing of the app. As as a Flutter freelancer and flutter mentor, I typically go to Flutter as a starting point for any app, and only if the game idea is too complex for Flutter to handle, then we can develop it in Unity.
- Adding Games to Existing Apps: Flutter is also a great choice for those apps that have a game component to their existing Flutter App. For example, you may have an app for ordering food from your coffee shop, but want to do a game for those waiting in line at your coffee shop to do crossword puzzles or maybe puzzles to improve customer loyalty. You can do that with flutter game development services.
What kind of apps would I still build in Unity?
Unity is the usual choice for game developers, especially in the enterprise level. This is because it has been around much longer and it comes with every package that you would ever need to build a unique game especially in 3D. Here are some reasons I would choose Unity over Flutter for mobile app game development:
- Complex multiplayer and graphic design: If you are looking for a sophisticated complex game that requires over 3 months plus in development time, and unique programming. I would choose Unity over Flutter, which excels at more basic functionality for game developers.
- 3D game development: unity has rendering tools, animation frameworks, with massive asset store where you can utilizing lightening, advanced physics, textures for both characters and environments. These detailed graphics are very hard to replicate in Flutter.
- Cross-Platform Flexibility: If you want your game to go beyond mobile and web, but go on consoles such as Xbox, PlayStation and others, Unity is your go to choice.
As a unity developer, I have created casino games, and Dragon’s Lair, both successful games that were sold on the Sony PlayStation. These games were developed that took months to develop. For those looking for a quick game or want to test their game idea, Flutter will be enough in 90% of the mobile app game cases. As a game developer, I would recommend testing your game idea on mobile app prior to investing into Unity game for consoles.
Games build in Flutter Examples:
There are many games that were developed with Flutter including :Dungeon Lord, I/O Pinball, Sudoku and Tetris. Here are some Flutter games that I have personally worked on: MemoryMatch2 a memory game, Word Cascade a puzzle, Mafia a board game and Landover a similar app to Catan.
How do I start by launching a Flutter Game
Prior to developing an app either in Flutter or Unity, the idea and its details should be well defined. For example, graphics, functionality, monetization plan, where it will be launched and if the idea is to test the market, add a game to an existing app or develop a complex game that will go beyond mobile. If you have details on the game, but do not have a game designer. There are many graphics that you can choose from, however, we can also find a game designer freelancer to create customized graphics for your game. The next step is to start developing. Once development is done, it is crucial to get it tested. After which point, it is vital to test the game prior to launching. As flutter game developer, the next stage is to launch in the app store and google play console. It is advisable to do ASO prior to launching, it is also important to ensure there is a marketing support for your game in order for it to get the exposure you need. As a mobile game app developer, we advise to start with a basic MVP prior to adding monetization strategies, and building out a more complex version of the game.
To get your game developed, contact Brian Kayfitz, a Flutter Game Developer.