Hi there, I'm a developer from TwoLivesLeft, and we just recently released our new game Pilot Winds (formally known as inCline Racer). The game was in development since early last year, and we actually released it on the app store (ipad launch title - see the trailer). After a mediocre response we decided to pull the game off the store and give it the polish it deserved. Unfortunately it took much longer than we expected, with several set backs and real life problems delaying the game significantly. Then comes Tiny Wings, an exceptionally polished and charming game, but with significant similarities to Pilot Winds. We don't harbor any ill will towards Andreas Illiger, he made a great game and deserves all the positive attention he gets. We were recently featured on new and noteworthy (yay!) on the US app store along with several others. The issue we are now facing is a slew of negative reviews on iTunes, most of them accusing us of blatantly ripping off Tiny Wings, almost all of them 1 star. I know there's probably nothing we can do to change these people's minds (we do have proof, given the timestamp on the youtube trailer from last year). But most people either have no idea or just want to bash our game on public forum. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to improve the public's perception of our game? I don't really want to directly rebut the accusations on iTunes via our game description, given the chance that it could backfire. Cheers, -JtM
You really can't change people's oppinion, it's true that there are some similarities regarding the gameplay, but they are two diffrent games!In the end there is nothing you could really do to make things better!If a person likes your game he will buy it no matter what the reviews say!Unfortunately, people like to point out similarities, but that does not mean they won't buy the game! Cheers and good luck with that!
Thanks for the kind words. I guess I just need to stop worrying about what those people think, who are most likely just a very vocal minority.
I think it could make an interesting story for the iOS games sites. Having them post the true situation could be the best way to spread the word.
The biggest "problem" is that your game is free to download. Even Tiny Wings would end up with some ignorant comments if it was free. I'd be shocked if the Tiny Wings fans accusing you of ripping it off would have downloaded your app if is was 0.99 cents. There is a huge underbelly of users that will gladly download a free app and trash it. And all things being equal, a 99 cent app will get more critical reviews than a $1.99 one - price-sensitive people tend to be some of the most demanding/critical.
This is why i listen to the reviews of professional like TA or slidetoplay instead of the itune reviews
