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[Manuel Magalhães]

(Posted this in the FTP thread, but it's more appropriate in here)

I'm kinda thinking of sponsoring my iOS game, since I'm not having a success with the sales. Being a paid app should I do it? And if so should I limit in functionality (e.g. Achievements, Leader-boards) or it should behave identical to the iOS version? I'm not worried about if this will further impact the sales of the iOS version, but I don't want to be flipping the bird for those who brought the game on an iOS device.

[dustin]

There are lots of games that do this so I wouldn't think it would be a problem.  People seem to be pretty used to it, they are paying for the priviladge of getting to play it on the go I guess.

[Manuel Magalhães]

Alright, thanks, now that I remember Angry Birds is also paid for mobile, non-paid for web. I'm still pondering if I should do this while I'm doing my next game since it's literally a few hours' job, but your answer helped on my reasoning.

[Destral]

Having a free flash version of the game allows you to use it as a means of promoting the iOS version, as well as putting your game and your name in front of more people. It's what I'm hoping to do with the game I'm currently working on once it's finished.

[Alistair Aitcheson]

This sounds like a good strategy to me, for all of the above reasons. Go for it! I don't think you'd need to worry about getting it sponsored though - at least don't go for an exclusivity deal. If you want to draw users to the paid game, it probably pays to have it in as many places at once, and probably not site-locked either, so it's easy to spread. As long as the game contains links to the App Store version, that could be really helpful for getting exposure for the game )

[Xienen]

We've been debating going this route, as well.  I think it's frickin perfect...now I just gotta get my business partner on board!

[dustin]

Oh and as far as sponsors caring about it being an iphone game in my experience most sponsors don't care (even if you put links to the iphone version in game) because the markets are so different (people aren't leaving their website to go play the game on their iphone, they just might play it on their iphone later)

[I_smell]

Yea, Kingdom Rush does this. I think both versions are the same, and the both have microtransactions.
The iPhone game is $0.99.

[Manuel Magalhães]

Thanks everybody, I'm totally going for it then.
I've a doubt though. I'm using FGL to find a sponsor, but since I want a non-exclusive license only should I use the Game Shop or should I bid the game anyway?

[dustin]

you don't want a non-exclusive license online. You can get a primary or exclusive license and still sell the game on iphone/android.  The contracts only give them rights to web distribution which your iphone/android game will not be.