Creating your own mobile game is an exciting process that opens the door to the world of software development. The Match 3 genre remains one of the most popular in app stores, attracting millions of users with its simplicity and addictive gameplay. However, behind the apparent ease lies the complex logic of the algorithms, which requires careful study. If you are wondering how to make three in a row on Android, then you have to go from an idea to a finished APK file, ready for installation on smartphones and tablets.
Development requires not only a creative approach to level design, but also a deep understanding of the principles of the platform. Android. You will have to master basic programming concepts, work with graphics and sound, and learn how to optimize application performance. Modern tools have greatly simplified this process, allowing you to create high-quality projects even without years of coding experience. In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of production, from choosing a game engine to monetizing the finished product.
Selecting a game engine and development tools
The first and perhaps most important step is choosing the right software to create your game. The market offers many solutions, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. For beginners who want to quickly get results and understand how to make three in a row on Android, visual constructors or engines with an extensive knowledge base are ideal. The most popular choice is Unity, which occupies a leading position in the mobile development industry due to its flexibility and powerful set of tools.
An alternative is the engine Godot, which is becoming increasingly popular due to its lightweight and completely open source code. It is great for 2D projects and does not require powerful hardware to work. It is also worth paying attention to Construct 3 or GDevelop - these are tools that allow you to create game logic without writing code, using a system of blocks and events. The choice depends on your goals: if you are planning a serious career as a developer, it is better to start with Unity or Godot.
In addition to the engine itself, you will need a development environment (IDE) and a graphics editor. To work with code in Unity, you use Visual Studio or Rider, and for Godot the built-in editor is quite sufficient. Graphics can be drawn in Photoshop, Aseprite or even in free Krita. It is important to immediately set up the environment so that the project export to the platform Android occurs without errors.
⚠️ Attention: Before you start installing heavy engines, make sure that your computer meets the system requirements. Insufficient RAM or a weak processor can lead to a freezing development environment and the loss of an unfinished project.
Designing game mechanics and logic
The heart of any Match 3 game is its algorithm. Before writing code, you need to clearly understand how the elements on the field will interact. The main task of the app is to track the player’s movements, check for matches and remove suitable pieces. The logic must be impeccable: if a player swaps two crystals, the system must instantly calculate whether a line is formed from three or more identical objects.
The process of checking matches is usually implemented by searching through the data arrays representing the playing field. Each element has its own coordinates X and Y, as well as a unique type identifier. When swapping places, the horizontal and vertical checking function is launched. If a match is found, these elements are marked for deletion, and new ones fall on top. This cycle is repeated until a stable state is established in the field.
It is important to provide for the handling of edge cases. What happens if a player makes a move that does not result in a match? In classical mechanics, the pieces must return to their places. Implementing such a “rollback” requires saving the previous state of the array before making a move. It is also necessary to consider a bonus system: creating figures of 4 or 5 elements should generate special objects with unique effects, such as exploding an area or deleting an entire row.
Secrets of optimizing the algorithm
Use two-dimensional arrays instead of lists of lists to store the field. This will speed up access to elements and reduce the load on the mobile device processor, which is critical for older phone models.
Customizing the graphical interface and assets
The visual component plays a key role in holding the user’s attention. Even the most perfect logic will not save a project if it looks unattractive. The Match-3 genre is characterized by a bright, rich picture with clear details. You'll need to create a set of sprites for the main shapes, background, menu interface, and controls. All images must be optimized for different screen resolutions of Android devices.
When importing graphics into the engine, it is important to configure the compression settings and tekstur format. Using the format .png with an alpha channel allows you to create a transparent background for the figures, which is necessary for their overlay on the playing field. Don't forget about the animations: the smooth movement of chips, the disappearing effect when matching and particles (particles) when collecting bonuses make the gameplay lively. To create animations, you can use the engine's built-in tools or pre-prepared sprite sheets.
The user interface (UI) should be intuitive. The “Pause”, “Level Restart” buttons and the score counter should be located in convenient areas of the screen, without blocking the playing field. Fonts must be readable on small smartphone screens. It is considered good practice to have an interface that is adaptable: elements should scale correctly on both compact phones and large tablets.
- 🎨 Use vector graphics for the interface to avoid loss of quality when scaling on high DPI screens.
- 📱 Test the button size on a real device: the minimum clickable area should be at least 48x48 pixels for comfortable finger control.
- 🌈 Choose a color palette so that the shapes contrast well with the background, ensuring high visibility of elements.
To speed up development, use ready-made asset packages in the Unity Asset Store or itch.io. This will allow you to focus on programming, rather than drawing each crystal by hand.
Programming basic functions in C# or GDScript
Coding is the stage where an abstract idea turns into a working application. In the environment Unity the main language is scripting C#, while Godot offers its own language GDScript, syntactically similar to Python. You will write scripts for grid management (Grid Manager), user input processing (Input Handler) and match logic (Match Logic). The code should be modular: each function should be responsible for one specific task.
The key point is the implementation of the input system. On touch screens, touch events must be handled correctly. The script should determine which cell the user clicked on, remember the first selected shape, and wait for the second to be selected. After this, the distance between them is calculated: if they are adjacent, an exchange is made. For debugging, it is convenient to output logs to the console using commands like Debug.Log in Unity.
Below is an example of pseudocode for checking horizontal matches, which illustrates the basic principle of the algorithm:
for (int y = 0; y < height; y++) {for (int x = 0; x < width - 2; x++) {
if (grid[x, y] == grid[x+1, y] && grid[x, y] == grid[x+2, y]) {
MarkForDeletion(x, y);
MarkForDeletion(x+1, y);
MarkForDeletion(x+2, y);
}
}
}
In addition to the basic mechanics, it is necessary to implement a level system. It is better to store data on the location of figures, obstacles and victory conditions for each level in external files, for example, in the format JSON or XML. This will allow you to add new levels to the game without recompiling the entire project. Variables responsible for complexity, such as the number of moves or time, should be placed in separate configuration files for easy balancing.
☑️ Programmer's checklist
Adaptation for various Android devices
Fragmentation of the Android market means that your game will run on thousands of different device models with different characteristics. Screens have different aspect ratios, from elongated 21:9 to standard 16:9 and square tablets. It is critical to set up the camera and coordinate system so that the playing field remains visible and proportional at all times, regardless of display size. Using pontos (anchor points) in the interface helps solve this problem.
Performance is another important aspect. Budget smartphones may not be able to handle complex shaders and large numbers of particles. It is recommended to implement a graphics settings system that allows the user to select the quality of textures and effects. You should also test the game on devices with different versions of the operating system, starting Android 8.0 and higher, since older versions are becoming less common, but still have their market share.
Power management also plays a role. The game should not heat up the device excessively or drain the battery quickly. Optimizing the update cycle (Update loop) helps reduce CPU load. Avoid heavy calculations inside a loop that runs every frame; move them into separate functions, called less frequently or on an event basis.
| Device parameter | Minimum requirements | Recommended requirements | Impact on the game |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAM (RAM) | 2 GB | 4 GB or more | Level loading speed and stability |
| Android version | 7.0 (Nougat) | 10.0 (Q) and higher | Access to modern APIs and functions |
| Screen resolution | 1280x720 (HD) | 1920x1080 (Full HD) | Clearness of graphics and UI elements |
| Processor (CPU) | 4 cores, 1.5 GHz | 8 cores, 2.0 GHz+ | Smooth animations and physics |
⚠️ Attention: Android operating system interfaces and Google Play requirements are regularly updated. Be sure to check the developer documentation before publishing to ensure that your project meets the Target SDK Level.
Testing, Debugging, and Publishing to Google Play
The final stage of development is thorough testing. Errors (bugs) can spoil the impression of the game, so it is necessary to carry out a series of checks. Look for situations that can “break” the game: pressing buttons quickly, lack of Internet (if the game is online), minimizing the application during animation. Use the profiling tools built into the engine to find performance bottlenecks and eliminate freezes.
To publish your game, you will need to create a developer account in Google Play Console. This is a paid service with a one-time fee. When downloading an application, you need to prepare high-quality screenshots, a description, an icon and a promotional video. It is important to fill out the metadata correctly using keywords so that users can find your game through search. Don't forget to set the age limit and privacy policy.
Monetization of the project is an issue that should be resolved before the release. You can choose a Free-to-Play model with advertising (AdMob, Unity Ads) or in-game purchases (IAP). Ads can be shown between levels or for viewing bonuses. In-app purchases allow players to purchase extra lives, moves, or turn off ads. The balance between profitability and player comfort is very delicate: too aggressive monetization will scare off the audience.
Successful publication depends not only on the quality of the code, but also on the correct design of the page in the store. Invest time in creating an attractive icon and describing the benefits of the game.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need to know programming to make a Match Three game?
Deep knowledge of programming greatly expands the possibilities, but is not strictly required at the initial stage. There are engines with visual programming (for example, Construct 3 or Bolt for Unity), where the logic is built from blocks. However, to create complex mechanics and optimization, a basic understanding of algorithms is still required.
How long does it take to develop a simple Match-3 game?
Development time varies greatly. A prototype with basic mechanics can be assembled in 1-2 weeks. Creating a full-fledged game with 50 levels, menus, sounds and polishing can take from 3 to 6 months of work by one specialist or team.
Is it possible to make money on a game made alone?
Yes, many indie developers successfully monetize their projects. However, the market is highly competitive. Not only the quality of the game is important for success, but also marketing, ASO (page store optimization) and player retention through regular content updates.
Which programming language is better to choose for Android?
If you use Unity, then it is C#. For native development without engines, Kotlin or Java is used. For Godot - GDScript or C#. C# is the most universal choice thanks to a huge number of lessons and ready-made solutions on the Internet.
Where to get graphics and sounds for the game?
You can draw them yourself, hire a freelancer, or use free and paid resources. Popular sites with assets: Kenney.nl, OpenGameArt.org, Unity Asset Store, itch.io. Always check the license for commercial use.