We develop mobile puzzle games with procedural level generation. Our team has over 5 years of experience and has shipped 10+ puzzle projects. We integrate soft monetization that boosts LTV by 20–30% compared to hard paywalls. Content costs are cut by 3x using automated generation, and we provide full-cycle development from prototype to publication.
How We Build the Level Generation Architecture
The most common mistake in puzzle development is storing levels as monolithic JSON files with static solutions. That works for the first 50 levels. When scaling to 500+, problems start: level designers can't quickly add content, difficulty balance defies analysis, and A/B testing new levels requires a new build.
The correct approach is procedural generation with a constraint solver. For logic puzzles (sliding puzzles, sokoban-like, pipe connector), we use constraint propagation (Arc Consistency AC-3 algorithm) plus backtracking to generate and guarantee a unique solution. For match-3-like mechanics, we simulate with a given seed and check for dead-end states. This method is described in the theory of constraint satisfaction problems.
In Unity, we implement this as a separate C# service without MonoBehaviour dependencies, so generation can run both in editor-time (generating levels for designers) and in runtime (Daily Challenges, endless mode). This automated level creation cuts content costs by 3x and allows quick difficulty adjustments. Unlike manual design, it scales infinitely with no extra time.
Comparison of Level Storage Approaches
| Parameter | Static JSON | Procedural Generation |
|---|---|---|
| Content flexibility | Low: each level manual | High: generation via parameters |
| Scaling to 500+ | Requires bulky files | Easy, no size increase |
| A/B testing | Requires new build | Via Remote Config |
| Difficulty balancing | Manual, subjective | Analytical, configurable |
| Cost per level | $50+ per level via designer | $5 per level (automated) |
Technology Stack
| Component | Tool | Version |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Unity | Latest LTS (URP) |
| Animations | DOTween | Latest |
| Asset loading | Addressables | 1.21 |
| Configuration management | Firebase Remote Config | 9.0 |
| Ad monetization | ironSource / AppLovin MAX | Latest |
Why Soft Monetization Works Better for Puzzles
For puzzles, soft monetization is critical: hard paywalls at level 30 kill organic growth. A working scheme includes hints as consumables, extra moves via rewarded video, and additional chapters as a one-time purchase. We integrate ironSource Mediation or AppLovin MAX for rewarded video with eCPM optimization. Users dislike hard locks—they cause mass churn. A proper balance of ads and purchases lets you monetize both payers and free players, boosting LTV by 20–30% compared to hard restrictions. Additionally, ad revenue from rewarded video can add $0.10–$0.50 eCPM, increasing overall monetization.
What's Included in Our Development Work
We offer full-cycle turnkey development:
- Prototyping and mechanic testing
- Procedural level generation (500+ levels) – 3x faster than manual
- Monetization integration (IAP, ads)
- Analytics (Firebase, Amplitude)
- Publication preparation (App Store, Google Play)
- Technical support for 3 months after release
Development Process
- Analysis and prototype (2–4 weeks): Define core mechanics, create a playable prototype.
- Content and architecture (4–8 weeks): Generate levels, configure addressable loading.
- Monetization and analytics (3–6 weeks): Implement IAP, ad networks, event analytics.
- Polish and testing (2–4 weeks): Performance optimization, usability tests.
- Release and support (2 weeks): Submit to stores, monitor, hotfix.
Level Generator Implementation Example
public class LevelGenerator { public int[,] GeneratePuzzle(int size, int seed) { // constraint propagation implementation return new int[size, size]; } } Timelines and Budget
MVP with 100 levels, basic monetization, and analytics: 3–5 months. Full release with 300+ levels, IAP, LiveOps infrastructure: from 6 months. Budget is calculated individually for your project, typically starting from $50,000 for a full release. Request a consultation—we'll assess the scope.
Contact Us
Discuss your idea with our engineers. Write to us and we'll prepare a detailed estimate. We guarantee a transparent process and regular reports. Our engineers have 5+ years of mobile development experience and Unity certifications. We have completed 10+ puzzle projects and serve clients globally.