So I'm starting to get back into programming and want to take a shot at game development (hence why I'm here). I've been going back and forth in my head trying to figure out what direction I want to go. At first I was thinking PC or xBox games, but now I'm leaning towards learning how to make mobile apps for iOS and Android. I don't think I'll have the time to commit myself to making a full RPG game like I dream about, so figure I should aim for smaller games and apps for mobile so I have a higher chance of delivering.

My end goal is to make a fun, simple RPG mobile game and I have a few ideas that could be neat. I'm a ways away from that, but that's that point I want to reach. In the meantime, I want to try and make some basic education apps for my sister who is an elementary teach. I figure this would be a good start to learn how to programs apps for iOS and Android, and then I can take the next step to make a full game.

From all the questions I've asked before and what I've read in other forums, it sounds like C# is the way to go. What I'm trying to figure out now is the best tools to go about programming apps. I've always used Visual Studio for programming in the past, but that was a long time ago. I see that Apple offers a program called Xcode for making apps. Is this worth getting, or are there other programs (like Visual Studio) that are fine for making apps as long as you get the APIs for iOS and Android. What's the most popular tools for making apps and games for iOS and Android?

Thanks for your help.

For iOS development the standard language is Objective-C. For Android development the standard is Java.

Using the respective SDKs you can create "from scratch".

But, you can use "Cocos2d-x" a c++ based framework for both (android + ios). http://www.cocos2d-x.org/

Or, Corona SDK, the problem (for me) is the "code-less" part. http://www.coronalabs.com/products/corona-sdk/

Or Particle SDK. With Java or ActionScript 3.0. Supports Android, iOS, windows, and HTML5. http://www.particlecode.com/

Or Marmalade SDK. With C++. http://www.madewithmarmalade.com/

Or Mono touch and Mono droid both with C# http://xamarin.com/monotouch - http://xamarin.com/monoforandroid

Or PhoneGap. With Javascript, CSS, or HTML5. Supports multiple mobile platforms. http://phonegap.com/

Also, right now this is just a hobby for me so I don't want to purchase anything to build these apps until I know I have something good and want to publish to the market. I'm sure there are plenty of tools ideal for hobbyists.

Thanks for the suggestions riverreal. I'll have to check these out. Is there a particular one that you like most, or have heard works best?

Thanks for the suggestions riverreal. I'll have to check these out. Is there a particular one that you like most, or have heard works best?

You had better choose a tool that accommodates your likes.

If you are a beginner I recommend to DO NOT start with C++. So we can discard cocos2d-x and marmalade SDK.

If you want programming we can discard Corona SDK.

Particle SDK looks a little bit complex.

Mono solutions looks good for you. It works with C# and it supports android, iOS, windows, linux, mac...

PhoneGap is a mobile aiming framework, so it also is a good option.

I'm not passionate with mobile development so I don't have much experience.

I think you should wait for a better answer from a experienced mobile developer.

You can also develop native iOS applications using FreePascal.

The incoming Mobile Studio of Embarcadero will also allow you to create native iOS and Android applications, which is essentially Delphi for iOS/Android.

I just want to point out some things I don't think have been pointed out yet.

To have your app published and put on the Apple App Store you must

* be a registered developer ($99 a year)

* I am almost positive that you must have a Mac to submit it.

Now to have it published on the official Google Play Store:

* be a registered developer ($25)

It will cost to get a license to publish your MonoTouch games on an actual device.

While it is very good that you wan to start small, if you are new I would aim even smaller right now. Developing apps to be published on a mobile device is still not an easy task and is not really for a beginner.

I am not trying to bust your bubble or anything. I just wanted to point those things out so you would know. I wish you the best of luck!

Just want to point out that he said for a start he was going to try to work on some basic education apps for his sister the teacher. Now if he's making specific apps for his sister as a means to help her out in the classroom that seems like a good start to me. You can manually install and run android apps without ever having to touch the play store (I have no idea if the same holds true on iOS but I would imagine it must be possible even if just for development purposes).

Yes, you are correct. I'm just looking to make some simple education applications for my sister to get use to creating app for iOS and Android. I use to be a developer for a few years, but that was many years ago so need to get the rust out. Figured this is a good start. I'm definitely not a beginner, just don't know the interfaces and tools to develop.

This was actually going to be one of my follow-up questions. I know you can load apps to android devices, but not sure about iOS devices. I'm thinking the answer might be no just given Apples background. Also, I sure hope you don't need a Mac to submit to the App Store. If that's really the case, then screw them and I'm going android 100%. I don't think that's true though. Such a limitation.