Microsoft Casual Games

Game Intro

Microsoft Casual Games has created some of the most-played game titles in the world.

Microsoft Solitaire, Microsoft Mahjong, and Microsoft Ultimate Word Games have been around for decades and boast tens of millions of daily players.

The Microsoft Casual Games team partnered with Double Coconut because of our expertise at Web and mobile User Experience and HTML5 Game Programming to port their desktop games to work flawlessly on the web.

Gallery

Timing

4 to 6 months initial work per game - plus ongoing maintenance

Team Composition

Project Manager
UX Designer
Senior HTML5 Engineers x3
Mid HTML5 Engineers x3
Senior Web / Angular Engineer x2
DevOps Specialist
2D Artists x4
Animators x2
QA

Our Contribution

The Problem

There were a few key challenges:

The existing user experience was optimized for desktop and mouse-play only
Implementing complex game animations, subtle motion graphics, and high-quality particles and visual effects not usually found in web games
Porting legacy games from native .NET that only work on Windows PCs
Keeping the same back end APIs
Making games playable on sites such as Zone.com and MSN Games, as well as able to be distributed across any online games arcade.
Rolling out video ads for monetization across numerous platforms
Carrying over complex meta-game features driven by legacy back-end data such as Daily Quests, Achievements, and Personal Stats.

Our Solution

Our team worked closely with Microsoft Casual Game producers and designers to re-work the User Experience to make each moment feel great on all mobile and desktop browsers.

UI/UX Concepts: We drew on our years of mobile game development experience to take an existing full screen web game and reduce it down for phones and tablets. While the gameplay and much of the art was the same, we needed to create a new interface for the user that would allow for gameplay and card management in a smaller space.

We also ensured all game functions work smoothly with tap, swipe, and touch -- and without counting on hover states.

Mobile Engine: Using a combination of HTML5 (built atop the Phaser game framework), some custom tools for particles and visual effects, and folded into AngularJS as the web framework, we were able to create a fast and dynamic interface that allowed for different screen resolutions and devices.

Overview of Double Coconut's Game Development Expertise

Double Coconut specializes in the development and porting of casual games, leveraging extensive experience to enhance user engagement across multiple platforms. Their approach combines innovative game design with technical proficiency, ensuring that each title meets the high standards expected by players and partners alike.

The company's portfolio includes a variety of successful projects that showcase their ability to adapt gameplay mechanics for web and mobile environments. By utilizing modern frameworks and technologies, Double Coconut effectively bridges the gap between traditional gaming experiences and the evolving demands of online platforms.

Challenges in Porting Casual Games

Porting games from desktop to web and mobile environments presents unique challenges, particularly when it comes to user experience and technical limitations. Double Coconut faced hurdles such as adapting complex animations and interactions that were originally designed for mouse and keyboard input.

Additionally, maintaining the integrity of legacy games while ensuring compatibility with modern web standards required innovative solutions. The team tackled issues like optimizing performance for various devices and ensuring seamless gameplay across different platforms, which is crucial for retaining player engagement.

Technical Solutions for Enhanced User Experience

To overcome the challenges of porting legacy games, Double Coconut implemented a robust technical framework that includes HTML5 and AngularJS, allowing for a responsive and dynamic gaming experience. This combination not only facilitated the development of visually appealing graphics but also ensured that gameplay remained smooth across devices.

Moreover, the integration of custom tools for particle effects and animations enhanced the overall visual quality of the games. By focusing on touch and swipe interactions, the team ensured that mobile users could enjoy a gameplay experience that felt as intuitive as traditional gaming.

Future Directions for Microsoft Casual Games

As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, Double Coconut is dedicated to exploring new opportunities within the realm of casual games. This includes expanding their portfolio to include more diverse genres and innovative gameplay mechanics that cater to a broader audience.

By staying ahead of industry trends and leveraging user feedback, Double Coconut aims to enhance their contributions to Microsoft Casual Games, ensuring that they remain a key player in the casual gaming market. Their commitment to quality and user satisfaction positions them well for future growth and success.