5 Mistakes to Avoid While Developing a Ludo Game

Mistakes to Avoid While Developing a Ludo Game

Real-Time Multiplayer Synchronization

The most common trend with the Ludo game app is real-time multiplayer, i.e., more than one player playing at the same time with different devices & locations. However, synchronization among multiple players across different devices can lead to different errors. This can be desynchronization, lag, and unresponsive gameplay, ultimately frustrating users. 

Common Issues:

• Poor integration of WebSocket or Socket.IO connections
• Improper resynch logic for out-of-synch players
• Lack of player management during disconnection

Solution:

• Using dedicated game servers like Photon, Node.js + Socket.IO, or Firebase Realtime DB with rules
• Integrating fallback reconnection logic.
• For smooth player actions, implement a latency compensation technique. 
• Before the final launch, test the multiplayer behavior using different networks to check the real-time multiplayer scenario
  

Scalable & Secure Backend

Due to the multiplayer feature, there are a load of challenges on the backend. Hence, the server faces downtime and gets slow. However, ignoring the backend security and its scalability can lead to data leaks, cheating, and in more sensitive cases, it may ban the application. This is one of the ludo app development pitfalls that a ludo app developer must consider.

Common Issues:

• Poor Database Structure
• Lack of load balancing & scalability
• No limit to encryption for the sensitive data of the user

Solution:

• AWS, Firebase, or Google Cloud Functions offer more scalability
• Handle game logic on the server side
• Make use of secure protocols like HTTPS
• Optimize with caching and performance.
• Try to build architecture with serverless functions that help to improve scalability and performance

UI/UX Design & Cross-Platform Compatibility

For an intuitive and engaging gaming experience, UI/UX is one of the most important parts. This is the overall appearance of the Ludo game application. Hence, performance optimization in ludo game development is a must. It is rightly said that ‘Your First Impression Matters’ and in the case of users, they don’t take a while to uninstall the app due to a boring and unresponsive UI/UX that does not support their devices

Common Issues:

• Complicated menu & navigation flow
• Unresponsive touch to specific game controls
• Low Contrast Visuals
• No Onboarding for new users

Solution:

• User-friendly & responsive layout for all screen sizes
• Animated transitions & real-time feedback that keeps the users engaged
• Intuitive Controls and CTAs
• Clear visuals for dice rolls, movements, and when the player turns
• Figma or Adobe XD is used for prototyping
• Before implementing the design into the code, go with user testing

Read More: Multiplayer Ludo Game Development: Challenges & Best Practices

Don’t Skip Testing the Ludo Game App

This is the most common mistake while developing a Ludo game app. An unstable app with errors can frustrate the user and reduce the rating of the app. As Ludo is a multiplayer game, it must be tested right from unit testing to performance testing. 

Common Issue:

• No Automated testing was done for game rules
• Over-relying on manual testers with no regression testing
• Insufficient test coverage
• Avoiding cross-platform testing

Solution: 

• Perform unit testing for game logic
• Making use of tools like Appium or Espresso for automated testing
• Use of tools like Charles Proxy or Firebase Test Lab

Monetization and Retention Strategy

During the ludo game development process, this is the top mistake to avoid. Many of the Ludo game developers just focus on developing a ludo game app without planning for monetization and user retention. Without a strategic approach, building a ludo game app is just a piece of fun to play. 

Common Issue:

• Ads disrupting the gameplay
• No rewards for returning users
• No personalization for the gameplay
• Avoiding analytics to analyze the behavior of the user

Solution: 

• To boost user retention, offer daily rewards, referral bonuses, or spin the wheel
• Offer extra dice rolls or skills by implementing reward videos
• On progression, add achievements or allow customization of avatars
• Use analytics tools like Firebase Analytics, Mixpanel, or Amplitude that help to make changes in the application as on user behavior. 
• Perform AB testing on different monetization methods that help with better opportunities for revenue generation. 

Also Read: How to Choose the Right Ludo Game Development Partner?