›

Patching Games Post-Release

PendantPendant Posts: 3Member
in General Discussion
I haven't seen much talk about post-release patching in the Ouya marketplace, other than that it was planned to be possible.

Firstly, is it in fact possible?

Secondly, how is it done? Is the patch stored separately from the main APK, or is the APK entirely replaced by the new version?

Ideally, I'd like for this scenario to the the case (which it *is not* on the 360 and PS3):
  1. We release our game.
  2. We update our game with a patch.
  3. A user downloads the game for the first time and receives the updated version automatically without having to download the patch separately.

Please, please, please.

Comments

  • PendantPendant Posts: 3Member
    edited July 2013
    Also, is it possible to update the description and/or images on the Ouya Marketplace page for the game post-release, or are they set in stone forever?

    Thanks!
    Post edited by Pendant on
  • StoicHamsterStoicHamster Posts: 113Member
    Yes, you can update your game after release. In this way it's much like the Google Play store I believe. There's no "patch" system (in the original sense of the word) where a patch modifies some baseline game binaries. Instead, you just upload new APKs with no dependencies on any previous downloads. You can also update descriptions and such.

    Whenever a new user downloads your game, they will always get the latest version as of that moment. One extra thing Ouya does that I like (not even Google Play does this), is that users are actually forced to update if they have an old version. The Play button is replaced with an Update button when their APK is older than the latest APK on the server. So, users are unable to run old versions of your game without resorting to hackery.
    Jarcas Studios - Check out our latest Ludum Dare game: The Vengeful Baby-Men

    Take some time and learn Designer-Friendly Programming 101.
  • PendantPendant Posts: 3Member
    Wow.. this is one of those rare occasions where I could not possibly ask for a more positive response.

    Thank you for the good news, StoicHamster, and for such a clear and helpful answer. *internet handshake*
Sign In or Register to comment.