The challenge
We wanted to prove that React Native can create complete mobile games — not just productivity apps. The goal: a business simulation tycoon with pixel art graphics, competitive AI and a balanced economy, all running at 60fps on iOS and Android from a single codebase.
The approach
Pixel art without sprites
Instead of loading sprite sheets, we decided to render everything procedurally with @shopify/react-native-skia. Every building, tree and character is drawn with 8x8 pixel rectangles directly on a Canvas. This eliminates asset management and makes the graphics completely dynamic: the player’s tower grows in real time based on employee count.
Game engine in TypeScript
The game loop processes each simulation “day” calculating revenue, expenses, active effects and AI competitor actions. We used Zustand with 5 slices (game, player, competitor, event, UI) for predictable and efficient state management.
Competitors with personality
Each of the 6 AI competitors has distinct weights for their decisions: aggressiveness, hiring bias, launch bias or marketing bias. Nebula Systems hires aggressively, Vortice Gaming bets on product launches, Pagina Azul focuses on marketing. They can attack the player, steal talent and even go bankrupt.
Dynamic events
Over 10 random events with activation conditions and options with real consequences. A critical bug can cost you morale or money. An angel investor offers cash in exchange for dilution. Every game is different.
Tech stack
- React Native 0.86 + Expo 57 — Framework and build system
- @shopify/react-native-skia — High-performance 2D rendering
- Zustand — Global state with 5 specialized slices
- expo-sqlite — Game persistence and leaderboard
- i18next — Bilingual Spanish/English
- expo-haptics — Tactile feedback on actions and events
- Strict TypeScript — Full typing of the game engine
Result
A functional MVP with 35 days of simulation, 6 strategic actions, over 10 dynamic events and a visual progression system (the tower grows from 1 to 8 floors). Auto-save, local leaderboard and bilingual support included. Ready for App Store and Google Play publication.
How we work
Every project follows our artisan process, adapted to each client's specific needs.
Discovery & Requirements
Deep dive into business, users and objectives. Ideation workshops, market research and MVP scope definition.
Design & Architecture
Wireframes, interactive prototypes and technical architecture. Client validation before writing code.
Development & Testing
2-week sprints with demos. CI/CD, code review and continuous testing. Feedback every iteration.
Delivery & Evolution
Production deploy, monitoring and support. Post-launch metrics and continuous improvement roadmap.