Unsafe Permissions

Where iOS gamers tend to pay for their gaming with a credit card, it seems that Android gamers prefer to pay with their privacy. Google has implemented warnings on unsafe permissions for the user to review before launching an app for the first time. Most users will click away the warnings without reading.

I am proud of the fact that my game does not require a single unsafe permission, as can be witnessed on its google play page:

Out of curiosity, I checked the permissions of the Top 100 free Android games on Google Play. It turns out that apart from my The Little Crane That Could, there was only one other game (Duck Hunt Mario) that did not require unsafe permissions. Those are pretty astonishing results, I would say. And it makes me even more proud that I managed to pull this off: a successful game generating a handsome revenue without compromises. I wish Google Play would open up a new category for safe apps, to promote safety in the ecosystem.

A conversation with a user

I had an interesting conversation with a user of my game recently. Some background info: my game is a free game, and there is a 'BUY' button that lets you unlock extra levels in the game. If you press it, it will take you to the Google Play store, where it lists the price in your local currency, and describes the purchase.

For every 10000 downloads, I get one email from a user asking about the price of the in-app-purchase. I totally understand why they email me: they fear that pressing 'BUY' will immediately charge them without knowing the price in advance. I can relate to that, as mobile games have done sneakier things in the past. So I always respond to the email, and tell them the price is $2.89 or the equivalent in their local currency.

Now, customer is of course king, and should be treated in the best possible way. Somehow, my patience ran out on Randy, and this conversation ensued. Was I professional? Not as much as I could be. Was it funny? Yes.

On Friday, November 16, 2012, Randy [REDACTED] wrote: How much for the upgrade? The site don't say anything about that....free would be nice...lol Thanks for your time

On Nov 16, 2012 3:40 PM, "Bram Stolk" wrote: $2.89

On Fri, Nov 16, 2012 at 11:32 PM, Randy [REDACTED] wrote: How many levels?.. consistently updated??...

On Nov 17, 2012 1:03 AM, "Bram Stolk" wrote: 18 more levels

On Saturday, November 17, 2012, Randy [REDACTED] wrote: Love the game.. was just wondering how often this game is updated/more levels added.. before I purchase Thanks

On Nov 17, 2012 12:19 PM, "Bram Stolk" wrote: I do not expect new levels soon, just bug fixes for now.

On Sunday, November 18, 2012, Randy [REDACTED] wrote: Cool game and time waster... but I can't see spendig that money (even tho minimal) when one don't update with new levels or added game play.. keep me posted as to when lvls or game play added and I'll be more than happy to purchase...thanks

On Nov 17, 2012 11:46 PM, "Bram Stolk" wrote: Talk about time waster.... How much time do you think I have trying to convince you to spend that measly 2.89? Almost a 1000 people a day make the purchase, so I am not going to look up your email and send you a message just to get your money. Some people will never spend money, that is fine.

On Nov 18, 2012 12:22 AM, "Randy [REDACTED]" wrote: I have plenty of money to spend.. and even more time .blogging and pasting what "proActive" man you are and your response to a simple question.. hell , I guess if you dont have time for your People or your program; choose a different career...don't hate.. a I Stated before, I have nothing better to do than to make you look foolish and post the negativity; which you exude upon me.. thanks..for keeping me from buying your program.. and many others, from making the same mistake..

On Nov 18, 2012 12:38 AM, "Randy [REDACTED]" wrote: I am In Vancouver.. let me know where you at? Talk your smartass..