WatchBlocks v1.5 is now available: a sandbox game built for Apple Watch

Hi everyone!

After about 4-5 months of development, I released WatchBlocks v1.5 today.

The project started as an experiment to answer a simple question: Could you build a real sandbox survival game that runs well on Apple Watch? It eventually grew into a cross-platform game supporting Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Some of the technical challenges I enjoyed solving included:

  • Optimizing rendering and gameplay for watchOS.
  • Designing controls around the Digital Crown and the watch display.
  • Building multiplayer across Apple platforms.
  • Creating a content system that lets players make and share their own blocks, items, mobs, and biomes.

The new update also transitions the game to a free-to-start model, making it easier for people to try it before deciding whether to unlock the full experience.

I’d love to hear from other developers building for watchOS. It’s a platform that doesn’t get much attention for games, but I think there’s a lot of untapped potential.

If anyone has questions about developing games for Apple Watch, I’m happy to answer them.

App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/watchblocks-craft-build/id6760209351

WatchBlocks v1.5 is now available: a sandbox game built for Apple Watch
 
 
Q