Word Mix Lite update #2

Think we have the crashing issues figured out. Will be rolling out v1.9.3.2 as a phased rollout to a subset of users. If the issues appear to have been solved, the new version will be released to all. If you have the chance in Google Play to do the update to v1.9.3.2, please do so. As always, we appreciate it when anyone reports any issues!

Word Mix Lite issues

Looks like some crashing issues and score resets are happening after the last update. Looking into the issue. Stay tuned.

In response to inappropriate words

There have been reports of inappropriate words showing up in Word Frenzy recently. While we make every effort to provide a clean and appropriate words list for everyone to enjoy, sometimes inappropriate or derogatory words might slip through the cracks and our algorithms. We will be reviewing the words list used by our applications and remove the inappropriate words that have been reported as well as any others that we may find. Updates to our applications will follow.

We wholeheartedly apologize for any offenses we may have caused and we will put safeguards in place to make sure words like those will not show up again.

If anyone finds any questionable words as they play, please take the time to report them so we can take action.

Word Mix Lite bug on Amazon Appstore

Amazon Appstore users: There is a bug that has been discovered that will cause a crash in Word Mix Lite upon starting a level if you are not connected to the internet. This is being worked on and a fix will be available in the next couple days (small delay due to the US holiday tomorrow). Sorry for this! Will post an update when the fix is released.

Amazon announces Amazon Coins

Kindle Fire users! Amazon has announced a new program called Amazon Coins. The basic concept is as you make purchases, use apps, etc. on your Kindle, you can earn Amazon Coins that can then be used to purchase apps, in app items, etc. like real money. I imagine it will be similar to when you purchase some music or apps and get some MP3 or Appstore credit towards your next purchase. Interesting concept and it looks like a win-win for you all and developers!

Get more details below:
Amazon Coins

Migration away from OpenFeint

We’ve been working hard to get Word Mix and Word Frenzy migrated away from OpenFeint. Here is the short/long term plans:

Word Mix:
For Word Mix, we had several platforms we could have used to replace OpenFeint. Due to the nature of some major updates we are working on in the near future (hint: it’s gonna be fun!), we decided to roll our own with the assistance of Parse. We feel that Parse will give use the most flexibility in building out some new features as well as the needed scalability that we will require. So, you may be asking: What will happen to all of my scores and achievements and items once this migration happens? Below is a breakdown of how things will work for the initial release:

Accounts

  • You will need to create an account in the app to get the most out of Word Mix now and in the future (hint again: The future will be really fun if you do!)
  • You will be required to specify a unique username, email address, and password. Why do we ask for the email address? It is solely used to facilitate forgotten password requests. It will not be sold to aliens, used for nefarious purposes, or otherwise abused.
  • You will be able to link with your Facebook account if you so desire (not required).
  • Upon account creation, high scores will automatically be migrated to the new leader boards.

So, I create my account, what do I get out of it?

  • Game syncing across all your devices including scores, items, and level progression.
  • Your scores posted to the leader boards
  • Access to additional features in later releases (Hint for the 3rd time: Trust us! It’s gonna be great!)
  • Achievements may not make it into the initial release. Please keep in mind we intend to make achievements available with this service, it may just take us a bit longer to get those fully implemented.

But I spent so much time investing in my OpenFeint account. Why should I trust my data with this new service?

  • The good thing about using Parse as our backend, if at any time we are dissatisfied with the service or Parse goes into shambles, Parse has been gracious enough to give us the ability to download all of the Word Mix data into a format that we can easily place into a new system. In other words, none of your data will be lost if Parse is shut down in the future as OpenFeint is now.
  • Also, we are now able to backup all of your important game data and allow you to sync your games across devices!

Ok, I’m sold! When can I expect this awesome update to Word Mix???

  • Be looking for it in Google Play and Amazon before December 14. It will be on the Nook by that date or a little after

Word Frenzy:
Word Frenzy will be migrated over to Scoreloop for the foreseeable future. The Nook version of Word Frenzy has been on Scoreloop since it was released over a year ago. All of the features that Word Frenzy currently has will continue across to the Scoreloop infrastructure. For those of you with OpenFeint accounts, you will need to create a new account once the update has been released. You should be prompted to do so when the app starts for the first time. High scores should be migrated over once you create your account.

2 Year Anniversary!

Word Mix IconWord Frenzy IconWord Master Icon

Today marks the 2 year anniversary of my first app(s): Word Mix and Word Mix Lite.

I had an itch to try to write a game app.  I had thought about writing a game for a while but kept saving that project for “later”.   Two years ago I decided to give it a go.  I created Word Mix for fun in my spare time.  It was my exercise in creating an Android app.  I was pretty happy with the game’s structure and playability so even though the graphics were quickly done and not up to my standards, I decided to release it on the Android market.  I watched the stats with great anticipation and Word Mix started moving up the charts.  It gained over 10k in its first 6 weeks.  Not too shabby.  At this point I realized my experiment might really take off.  I decided to take it all more seriously and started work on an update.  This update included better graphics and a global leader board.  Downloads kept exceeding expectations and reached over 250k at the 8 month mark, all the while maintaining a 4.5 star average rating.  Both versions made it into the top 50 in their category during this time.


After about 10 months of being released, the decision was made to team up with OpenFeint to manage high scores and achievements for Word Mix.  In October of 2010, Word Mix was featured by OpenFeint.  For this opportunity, I released another update.  With it came the current revision of graphics for Word Mix (and the most widely received).  This brought a big boost in downloads and a lot of new users.


The next big thing for Word Mix was being featured as the Amazon Free App of the Day in September 2011.  A lot of work went into a major update for Word Mix for the Amazon promotion.  Added were rewards that are given at certain scoring levels in the game as well as official support for tablets and large screen devices.  This promotion was very successful because it brought in over 100k new users in a 24 hour period.  The app was well received by the new users and (thankfully) maintained a 3+ star rating.


The most recent news for Word Mix has been it being released on the Nook Market for the Nook Color.  This move has been very positive!  During the initial release, Word Mix almost surpassed Angry Birds in rank.  Almost…ok, about 6 spots below it, but still!  The version of Word Mix for the Nook Color is slightly different than other versions, the most notable difference was the use of Scoreloop to handle the high scores and achievements.  Word Master is also available for the Nook and Word Frenzy is currently in review, soon to be released.


What does the future hold?  Well, more updates to Word Mix!  A new theme is in the works that should be released by late November.  There are also a few new apps in the oven, not quite yet fully baked.  I have also been developing the services side of Greenrift Software.  If you have an iPhone app that you want ported to Android or if you have any app ideas, please feel free to contact Greenrift Software.  The most recent project has been porting “hAPPy family” by Mobile Parent Inc. to Android.


From the beginning of this experiment, I knew that I wanted to be a good steward to my users.  I am so grateful for all the feedback I have received.  I take customer service very seriously and respond to all emails in a timely and friendly manner no matter if the issue is big or small.  If the customer cares enough about my game to write me an email about an issue they are experiencing or a question about game-play then I want to show them the same consideration and more.  I like to think that this attitude and attention played a big part in making Word Mix the success is has become.   My little app is growing up so fast and I am proud of what it has accomplished.


Currently Word Mix, Word Master, and Word Frenzy are all (or soon to be) available on the Android Market, Amazon App Store, and Nook Market.


Word Mix and Word Master on the Nook!

This just in:

Word Mix and Word Master are now LIVE on the Nook Market!

Word Mix: http://goo.gl/5Sclg
Word Master: http://goo.gl/7fV07

Enjoy Nook friendly layouts and a fresh, clean leader board thanks to Scoreloop. Special game play for the Nook is also included. Download today to be one of the first on the leader boards!

Word Mix updated on the Amazon app store (v1.8.1)

Word Mix update (v1.8.1) is now available on the Amazon App store. This fixes the Galaxy Tab 7-inch issue as well as introduces a new twist on game play: Rewards! As you progress through the game, at certain score levels, you will be given a reward. The reward is a certain quantity of one of the following: Retries, Super Hints, or Timer Boosts. Enjoy!

Oh, and if you downloaded the app yesterday, please take time to rate it on the Amazon store…even if you have a scathing review! :)

Here’s the BIG THING

Tomorrow, 9/13/2011, Word Mix will be featured on the Amazon App store as the Free App of the Day! This is an exclusive updated version that brings tablet & large screen support and in-app goodies that enhance game play. Keep your eyes open and pick yourself up a copy!

http://goo.gl/Z9Dgh

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