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Ask HN: Is it possible to ditch Google Play as a solo mobile app dev?

19 points appsDev | 2 comments | 17 Oct 24 20:39 UTC | HN request time: 0.001s | source

Hey everyone! I need some advice..

I am a student and solo app dev, and I recently made a game on iOS that reached the top of the front page on Hacker News. I want to bring the game to Android, but am struggling with Google Play's policies for solo devs.

The one that is bothering me most is having to display my physical, home address on the play store for paid apps. I personally think this would be a pretty big security and privacy hazard, but there isn't any way around it that I have seen. There are also other things like requiring solo devs to test any new app with 20 testers for 2 weeks.

My Point Is: If I launch the app instead on the Epic Game Store / Amazon App Store, or even both, do you think the app can still be successful? Is it really possible to get good reach without the Play store, or will users just ignore the app if it's not on Google Play?

I am on iOS and don't know too much about the Android stores / user behavior, so any advice is appreciated.

Thanks!

Link to app for reference: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6720712299

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yen223 ◴[18 Oct 24 00:32 UTC] No.41875251[source]▶
Yeah, the new Google Play requirements around Personal accounts are extremely hostile to solo developers. The "simple" workaround is to start a company with a virtual address, and sign up for an Organization account. They'll still publish your company's address, but at least you won't have that ridiculous 20-tester rule.

I don't have much experience with alternative app stores - and I suspect most of your users won't have either. It's hard enough to monetise on Google Play as it is, let alone on an app store that significantly fewer users.

replies(1): >>41882196 #
appsDev ◴[18 Oct 24 18:36 UTC] No.41882196[source]▶
Thats the issue, asking users to download and use another store just for my app seems like it will not work out well, and I don't think any other store has the reach of google. Wish they would be nicer to solo devs.

I would like to start a company eventually, but the thing is right now it just seems too early.

replies(1): >>41883729 #
1. yen223 ◴[18 Oct 24 21:36 UTC] No.41883729[source]▶
Starting a company might be easier than you think.

Where I'm at, registering a business and getting a D&B number was cheaper than the $99/year Apple makes you pay for the app dev account.

This depends on where you are based in and your current situation, of course.

Good luck!

replies(1): >>41885171 #
2. appsDev ◴[19 Oct 24 02:24 UTC] No.41885171[source]▶
Definitely something to look into then - My thought was that I would have to open an LLC or something which would cost a couple hundred - will research about it more as a real option tho, thx :)