BlockSwipePuzzle

• 

  BlockSwipePuzzle

• 

  BlockSwipePuzzle

• 

  BlockSwipePuzzle

• 

  BlockSwipePuzzle

• 

  BlockSwipePuzzle

Inspiration

BlockSwipePuzzle was inspired by classic block puzzle games like Tetris. I wanted to create a game that offers a fresh twist, combining strategy and fun in a way that appeals to both casual players and puzzle enthusiasts. The RevenueCat Ship-a-ton provided the perfect motivation to bring this concept to life, as it challenged me to ship a complete app with in-app purchases in a limited timeframe.

What it does

In BlockSwipePuzzle, players place randomly generated blocks on a 9x9 grid. The objective is to clear full rows and columns by strategically placing blocks, all while aiming for the highest score. A unique twist is that players drag their finger to place the blocks, making placement intuitive and tactile. Additionally, you can only have up to 4 blocks of the same color in any row or column, adding an extra layer of difficulty. If the board fills up and there’s no room left to place blocks, the game is over!

How we built it

BlockSwipePuzzle was built from the ground up using Swift and SwiftUI, leveraging native iOS frameworks to create a seamless, responsive experience. SwiftUI’s declarative nature was ideal for handling real-time gestures, smooth transitions, and animations, which allowed the game to feel fluid and engaging. Every aspect of the game, from the placement of blocks to the satisfying block-clear animations, was made using SwiftUI's built-in tools to create a polished and cohesive final product.

The RevenueCat SDK played a crucial role in simplifying the implementation and management of in-app purchases. By streamlining the process of handling one-time purchases, it allowed me to focus on delivering a seamless user experience without getting bogged down by the complexities of payment infrastructure.

The monetization strategy is integrated into the gameplay, offering valuable power-ups that enhance the player’s experience. Power-ups like ‘Hint’ and ‘Shuffle’ provide strategic advantages, making the game more enjoyable while maintaining balance. I feel this approach encourages players to make in-app purchases without feeling pressured, ensuring that the monetization complements the overall design of the game.

Challenges I ran into

One of the biggest challenges was balancing the game’s difficulty. It was important to ensure that blocks were generated randomly in a fair way, while still providing enough challenge to keep players engaged. To prevent experienced players from playing indefinitely, I developed a weighted random system that increased the game’s difficulty as the score increased.

The tight timeline of the RevenueCat Ship-a-ton added another layer of complexity, forcing me to prioritize functionality over perfection. This was a challenge but it helped me stay focused on shipping a complete, working product by the competition deadline.

Accomplishments that I'am proud of

I’m proud of how the finished product turned out! I started working on BlockSwipePuzzle from scratch after hearing about the Ship-a-ton from Sean Allen´s YouTube video on August 12. I dedicated my free time to developing the app and managed to create, polish, and publish it within a month.

In addition to meeting the competition's challenge of shipping a functional app with in-app purchases, I also set a personal challenge to write all the UI and animations in SwiftUI, without relying on third-party libraries like Lottie for animations. Completing the game under these conditions, while maintaining high-quality design and user experience, is an accomplishment I’m truly proud of.

I'm also proved of the work I did around App Store Optimization (ASO) to ensure BlockSwipePuzzle will reach a broader audience. I implemented keyword-rich descriptions and created engaging videos and screenshots that highlight the game’s unique features. I worked hard to create an app icon that would attract more downloads, and hopefully stand out in the competitive marketplace.

What we learned

Working under the time constraint of the RevenueCat Ship-a-ton taught me the importance of prioritizing features and functionality. I couldn’t afford to get bogged down in making every detail perfect. From this, I realized that the code I write and the apps I make don’t have to be perfect before I shipped them. It’s better to release a product and improve it over time than to delay endlessly, waiting for everything to be 100% perfect.

I also learned a lot about game balancing, especially in a puzzle game where randomness plays a significant role.

What's next for BlockSwipePuzzle

Moving forward, I plan to continue building on BlockSwipePuzzle to make it even more engaging and feature-rich. One of my top priorities is to refine the block placing logic, ensuring smoother and more intuitive interactions as players place blocks on the grid. I also want to introduce new power-ups, such as an “undo” feature, which will give players a second chance to correct mistakes, and multi-colored blocks, adding a new layer of strategy and complexity to the game.

In addition, I plan to implement more micro animations to make the game feel more interactive and alive. I think subtle animations, from blocks shifting smoothly into place to celebratory effects when rows and columns are cleared, will enhance the user experience by making the game feel more dynamic, responsive and fun!

I’ll also be paying close attention to feedback from players to identify any issues and spot areas for improvement. Early feedback will be essential in shaping future updates and ensuring the game stays balanced and fun for all players.

To increase engagement and replayability, I’m also exploring the possibility of integrating leaderboards and achievements. These features would provide players with more goals to strive for, fostering a sense of competition and accomplishment. Leaderboards would allow players to compete for high scores, while achievements could reward players for mastering different aspects of the game.

As I continue to develop and refine BlockSwipePuzzle, I’m excited to see how the game evolves based on both my vision and my community’s input over on Instagram. Advertising the game will also be a key focus, helping to grow the player base and reach new audiences. Overall, I’m committed to making BlockSwipePuzzle a long-term, enjoyable experience for all puzzle enthusiasts.

Built With

• mixpanel
• revenuecat
• swift
• swiftui