Hello,

I've been doing some research on the many, many different routes I can go with Android development, and I'm hoping someone might be able to help narrow down my choice. My experience is currently web related, PHP/HTML/CSS, with knowledge of intermediate Javascript, etc.

I'd like to create a very similar game to Football Manager, but less ambitious. For those that aren't aware, it's a simulation game where you're the manager of a soccer team.

My ambition is to keep it very simple, dumbed down. No need to watch the games, pretty much all text with simple graphics for some things.

My issue is, trying to find a place to start. There's literally a lot of different routes, and I'm overwhelmed. Do I use HTML5? Java? One of the programs like Unity, Construct?

For my specific game, and idea, what would be your best suggestion on what to use?

Thanks in advance.

From everything you've said it sounds like Unity might be a good idea but it all depends. Will this game be using 3D graphics? Will you be publishing this game on more platforms than just Android? Do you plan on spending money on this game (there is a free version of Unity but it doesn't publish mobile games and working with teams is challenging)? If you said yes to any of those questions then those are more reasons to use Unity.

I appreciate the help.

No 3D graphics on launch, wishful feature way down the road. Android to start, maybe/most likely to others in the future. I'm hoping to develop it freely, so no money unless absolutely needed.

I'd rather not have to pay royalties, or licensing fees of any kind when using an engine.

The free version of unity includes iOS and Android support now.

Oh thanks I didn't know that. In that case, paying isn't necessary.

No 3D graphics on launch, wishful feature way down the road. Android to start, maybe/most likely to others in the future. I'm hoping to develop it freely, so no money unless absolutely needed.

I'd rather not have to pay royalties, or licensing fees of any kind when using an engine.

Unity supports 2D stuff as well but I haven't looked into it enough to know if there are better free alternatives out there. As for 3D stuff I know that it's great, though. I don't think that you need to pay royalties for Unity, but I would double-check if you plan on selling/monetizing your game.

From what I can understand, cannot be used by an entity with revenue over $100,000.

http://unity3d.com/company/legal/eula

Unity Free, which include the free platform add-on products, may not be licensed or used by a commercial entity with annual gross revenues (based on prior fiscal year) in excess of US$100,000, or by an educational, academic, non-profit or government entity with a total annual budget for the entire entity (based on prior fiscal year) in excess of US$100,000.

--

Doubt that would ever be a problem, but is Unity regarded as the best route for this project either way?

I'd say HTML5/JS is perfect for him. No need for a full blown engine like Unity.