User Metrics
Downloads Breakdown (Dec. 2024)
When I turned 19, I transferred all legal holdings of my games from my dad's name to my own name, so metrics were reset and almost a year of download metrics were lost. However, using available numbers, here are the new cumulative totals:
Android: 487,000 downloads
iOS: 995,000 downloads
Total: 1,482,000 downloads
Android: 487,000 downloads
iOS: 995,000 downloads
Total: 1,482,000 downloads
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Downloads Breakdown (Nov. 2022)
Android: 393,000 downloads
iOS: 888,000 downloads
Total: 1,281,000 downloads
iOS: 888,000 downloads
Total: 1,281,000 downloads
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Peak Ranking
Unfortunately, due to my games being removed by China's censors, they are no longer on the Chinese store. Here's two screenshots of their rankings at their heights:
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More Information
Chinese App Suspension
Like I mentioned, my games were removed from China. Here's their reasoning:
The websites cited are here: http://www.cac.gov.cn/2018-11/15/c_1123716072.htm and http://www.cac.gov.cn/2016-11/07/c_1119867116.htm and I found the specific provisions...
Article 13 (first link): 网信部门和公安机关发现具有舆论属性或社会动员能力的互联网信息服务提供者拒不按照本规定开展安全评估的，应当通过全国互联网安全管理服务平台向公众提示该互联网信息服务存在安全风险，并依照各自职责对该互联网信息服务实施监督检查，发现存在违法行为的，应当依法处理。Translation: my game contained possibilities of internet communication, so it is subject to "safety inspections" and subsequent internet laws I violated.
Article 12 (second link): 任何个人和组织使用网络应当遵守宪法法律，遵守公共秩序，尊重社会公德，不得危害网络安全，不得利用网络从事危害国家安全、荣誉和利益，煽动颠覆国家政权、推翻社会主义制度，煽动分裂国家、破坏国家统一，宣扬恐怖主义、极端主义，宣扬民族仇恨、民族歧视，传播暴力、淫秽色情信息，编造、传播虚假信息扰乱经济秩序和社会秩序，以及侵害他人名誉、隐私、知识产权和其他合法权益等活动。Translation: I either threatened China's national security, national interests, made attempts to overthrow the government, overthrow socialist order, splinter the nation, or spread terrorism, extremism, ethnical hate, violence, or pornography. After reading all that, I still don't know what I did. I guess guns and the Taiwan flag fall under these blanket terms.
Article 47: 网络运营者应当加强对其用户发布的信息的管理，发现法律、行政法规禁止发布或者传输的信息的，应当立即停止传输该信息，采取消除等处置措施，防止信息扩散，保存有关记录，并向有关主管部门报告。Translation: I did not censor online content and enforce the "content safety" of my users. It probably means I didn't have chat censorship or a panel of humans banning players for anything that might be deemed "harmful" by China.
Article 68: 网络运营者违反本法第四十七条规定，对法律、行政法规禁止发布或者传输的信息未停止传输、采取消除等处置措施、保存有关记录的，由有关主管部门责令改正，给予警告，没收违法所得；拒不改正或者情节严重的，处十万元以上五十万元以下罚款，并可以责令暂停相关业务、停业整顿、关闭网站、吊销相关业务许可证或者吊销营业执照，对直接负责的主管人员和其他直接责任人员处一万元以上十万元以下罚款。电子信息发送服务提供者、应用软件下载服务提供者，不履行本法第四十八条第二款规定的安全管理义务的，依照前款规定处罚。Translation: this actually outlines the punishments of violating article 47, which supposedly demands a confiscation of my revenue, and in severe cases, a fine of $100-500K RMB, removal of business license, and a direct fine to me between $10-100K RMB. I don't have this money and I'm not planning on paying it anytime soon.
Article 13 (first link): 网信部门和公安机关发现具有舆论属性或社会动员能力的互联网信息服务提供者拒不按照本规定开展安全评估的，应当通过全国互联网安全管理服务平台向公众提示该互联网信息服务存在安全风险，并依照各自职责对该互联网信息服务实施监督检查，发现存在违法行为的，应当依法处理。Translation: my game contained possibilities of internet communication, so it is subject to "safety inspections" and subsequent internet laws I violated.
Article 12 (second link): 任何个人和组织使用网络应当遵守宪法法律，遵守公共秩序，尊重社会公德，不得危害网络安全，不得利用网络从事危害国家安全、荣誉和利益，煽动颠覆国家政权、推翻社会主义制度，煽动分裂国家、破坏国家统一，宣扬恐怖主义、极端主义，宣扬民族仇恨、民族歧视，传播暴力、淫秽色情信息，编造、传播虚假信息扰乱经济秩序和社会秩序，以及侵害他人名誉、隐私、知识产权和其他合法权益等活动。Translation: I either threatened China's national security, national interests, made attempts to overthrow the government, overthrow socialist order, splinter the nation, or spread terrorism, extremism, ethnical hate, violence, or pornography. After reading all that, I still don't know what I did. I guess guns and the Taiwan flag fall under these blanket terms.
Article 47: 网络运营者应当加强对其用户发布的信息的管理，发现法律、行政法规禁止发布或者传输的信息的，应当立即停止传输该信息，采取消除等处置措施，防止信息扩散，保存有关记录，并向有关主管部门报告。Translation: I did not censor online content and enforce the "content safety" of my users. It probably means I didn't have chat censorship or a panel of humans banning players for anything that might be deemed "harmful" by China.
Article 68: 网络运营者违反本法第四十七条规定，对法律、行政法规禁止发布或者传输的信息未停止传输、采取消除等处置措施、保存有关记录的，由有关主管部门责令改正，给予警告，没收违法所得；拒不改正或者情节严重的，处十万元以上五十万元以下罚款，并可以责令暂停相关业务、停业整顿、关闭网站、吊销相关业务许可证或者吊销营业执照，对直接负责的主管人员和其他直接责任人员处一万元以上十万元以下罚款。电子信息发送服务提供者、应用软件下载服务提供者，不履行本法第四十八条第二款规定的安全管理义务的，依照前款规定处罚。Translation: this actually outlines the punishments of violating article 47, which supposedly demands a confiscation of my revenue, and in severe cases, a fine of $100-500K RMB, removal of business license, and a direct fine to me between $10-100K RMB. I don't have this money and I'm not planning on paying it anytime soon.
Zack Sima (as Feng Yong) vs. Azur Games: copyright dispute
The game "Map Wars" I made last year got "sued" by Azur Games because they claimed it to be a "complete ripoff". I received the message on a weekend morning and immediately spend several hours making my heated rebuttal... I was particularly mad because they claim that I caused "significant losses" on a 300-strong game company, when I made something like barely a thousand dollars from the entire game. If that's a significant loss for a company that big, I'd say they're underpaying their staff. Here's the back and forth on this "online court":
Their statement
Dear Apple team,
Azur Interactive Games Limited is a popular and highly respected mobile game company that develops and publishes mobile games around the world. In addition, Azur Interactive Games Limited is currently one of the Top 3 mobile worldwide publishers by downloads.
Azur Interactive Games Limited is the official copyright holder of the mobile game "State.io - Conquer the World". It means that Azur Interactive Games Limited is the owner of the exclusive rights to the UI, game and level mechanics, visual effects and APK.
Azur Interactive Games Limited has recently discovered that the total clone of its game was published: "Map Wars".
According to the information, placed on the website of the mobile game, yong feng has posted the mobile game "Map Wars".
Azur Interactive Games Limited states that "Map Wars" game infringes its copyright because it replicates the gameplay organization and experience of the original game:
· APK;
· game mechanics;
· UI;
· visual effects;
· level mechanics.
yong feng uses the copyright of Azur Interactive Games Limited. Meanwhile, Azur Interactive Games Limited did not provide yong feng with an authorization to use these subjects.
In accordance with the Article 512(c) of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act a service provider is liable for the infringement of copyright in case if it has been informed about the infringement.
Please find in the attached screenshots violation of the mobile game "State.io - Conquer the World".
Azur Interactive Games Limited believes that actions of yong feng create confusion among users, caused by unauthorized use of copyright objects, and causes confusion with respect to the copyright holder of the mobile game and its quality. In addition, due to the presence of the clone game on the App Store, potential users of "State.io - Conquer the World" can download and play "Map Wars" instead of Azur Interactive Games Limited game. As a result, Azur Interactive Games Limited incurs significant losses because of infringement of its copyrights.
Thus, we kindly ask you to review our claim to "Map Wars" and delete this game from the platform.
Thank you,
[Redacted]
You can reach Complainant through [Redacted], copied on this email. Please exchange correspondence directly with Complainant.
We look forward to receiving written assurance that your application does not infringe Complainant's rights, or that the parties are taking steps to promptly resolve the matter. Please keep us apprised of your progress.
Please note that during the course of this matter:
1. Correspondence to Apple must include the reference number noted above in the subject line and copy the other party. All correspondence sent to Apple may be shared with the other party.
2. Written assurance of rights may include confirmation that your application does not infringe Complainant's rights, an express authorization from Complainant, or other evidence acceptable to Apple, and should include documentation wherever possible.
3. Should you choose to remove your application (for example, while you make any necessary changes), visit App Store Connect at https://appstoreconnect.apple.comand access your app in the Manage Your Application module.
• Access your app in the "My Apps" module
• Click on the "Pricing and Availability" tab from the App Summary Page and select "Edit" by "Availability"
• Select and deselect "All" territories to uncheck all App Store territories
• Click on the "Done" button
4. Developers with a history of allegations of repeat infringement, or those who misrepresent facts to Apple and/or the Complainant are at risk of termination from the Developer Program.
5. Failure to respond to the Complainant or to take steps toward resolving a dispute may lead to removal of the app(s) at issue as in violation of the App Store Review Guidelines and/or the iOS Developer Program License Agreement. Please keep Apple apprised of your progress.
Thank you for your immediate attention.
Azur Interactive Games Limited is a popular and highly respected mobile game company that develops and publishes mobile games around the world. In addition, Azur Interactive Games Limited is currently one of the Top 3 mobile worldwide publishers by downloads.
Azur Interactive Games Limited is the official copyright holder of the mobile game "State.io - Conquer the World". It means that Azur Interactive Games Limited is the owner of the exclusive rights to the UI, game and level mechanics, visual effects and APK.
Azur Interactive Games Limited has recently discovered that the total clone of its game was published: "Map Wars".
According to the information, placed on the website of the mobile game, yong feng has posted the mobile game "Map Wars".
Azur Interactive Games Limited states that "Map Wars" game infringes its copyright because it replicates the gameplay organization and experience of the original game:
· APK;
· game mechanics;
· UI;
· visual effects;
· level mechanics.
yong feng uses the copyright of Azur Interactive Games Limited. Meanwhile, Azur Interactive Games Limited did not provide yong feng with an authorization to use these subjects.
In accordance with the Article 512(c) of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act a service provider is liable for the infringement of copyright in case if it has been informed about the infringement.
Please find in the attached screenshots violation of the mobile game "State.io - Conquer the World".
Azur Interactive Games Limited believes that actions of yong feng create confusion among users, caused by unauthorized use of copyright objects, and causes confusion with respect to the copyright holder of the mobile game and its quality. In addition, due to the presence of the clone game on the App Store, potential users of "State.io - Conquer the World" can download and play "Map Wars" instead of Azur Interactive Games Limited game. As a result, Azur Interactive Games Limited incurs significant losses because of infringement of its copyrights.
Thus, we kindly ask you to review our claim to "Map Wars" and delete this game from the platform.
Thank you,
[Redacted]
You can reach Complainant through [Redacted], copied on this email. Please exchange correspondence directly with Complainant.
We look forward to receiving written assurance that your application does not infringe Complainant's rights, or that the parties are taking steps to promptly resolve the matter. Please keep us apprised of your progress.
Please note that during the course of this matter:
1. Correspondence to Apple must include the reference number noted above in the subject line and copy the other party. All correspondence sent to Apple may be shared with the other party.
2. Written assurance of rights may include confirmation that your application does not infringe Complainant's rights, an express authorization from Complainant, or other evidence acceptable to Apple, and should include documentation wherever possible.
3. Should you choose to remove your application (for example, while you make any necessary changes), visit App Store Connect at https://appstoreconnect.apple.comand access your app in the Manage Your Application module.
• Access your app in the "My Apps" module
• Click on the "Pricing and Availability" tab from the App Summary Page and select "Edit" by "Availability"
• Select and deselect "All" territories to uncheck all App Store territories
• Click on the "Done" button
4. Developers with a history of allegations of repeat infringement, or those who misrepresent facts to Apple and/or the Complainant are at risk of termination from the Developer Program.
5. Failure to respond to the Complainant or to take steps toward resolving a dispute may lead to removal of the app(s) at issue as in violation of the App Store Review Guidelines and/or the iOS Developer Program License Agreement. Please keep Apple apprised of your progress.
Thank you for your immediate attention.
My response
Dear Apple and Azur Games,
I, Feng Yong, am a student developer and respected individual that creates original games and publishes them around the world. I also holds the rights to the game "Map Wars".
I have received complaints by Azur Games that my game Map Wars is a "clone" of their product State.io. I vehemently disagree and will attempt to prove point by point why this is not the case. In their argument, they state that I replicate their product in terms of game mechanics, UI, visual effects, and level mechanics (I do not understand what APK stands for in this context, as I certainly did not use an APK file for any of Apple's services). I will also attach screenshots of both apps side-by-side and explain the vast amount of differences that exist between all aspects of the two games.
1. Game mechanics
First, although it is true that both games use maps of world countries, it is not a copyrighted concept to have world maps that split into regions or provinces. It is in decades-old strategy games like Risk, which I will attach a screenshot of as well to compare.
Second, the method of gameplay is completely different, because Map Wars and State.io have completely different attack systems: my app, Map Wars, only allows the movement of "populations" from one tile to an ADJACENT tile, whereas State.io allows movement from one tile to another ANYWHERE on the map.
Third, my game, Map Wars, has a heavy emphasis on special Perks, the Map Editor, and community content, none of which have meaningful comparisons in State.io. My Map Editor allows users to create their own versions of maps and upload them to a server that showcases community content, which now includes thousands of original "levels" made my users. As such, I also do not believe the game infringes on the "level mechanics" of State.io.
2. UI
Side-by-side screenshots of Map Wars and State.io do not show any comparable UI, because I drew and created all of my UI using Unity and Photoshop and did NOT copy State.io. The shape of certain maps may look similar, because both apps used world maps as potential settings for certain levels. State.io does not hold the exclusive rights to use world maps, as world maps are available in public domain. All aspects of the menu UI, shop UI, community UI (of which there is no corresponding page in State.io), and settings UI in Map Wars have ZERO similarities to State.io's UI. The usage of a bar at the top of the page to represent the presence of populations may be implemented in a similar manner, but similar bars can be found in a vast variety of games published before State.io, of which I will attach one example, Ravenfield.
3. Visual effects
Map Wars has minimal visual effects due to my lack of expertise in animation, and the game itself mostly just includes a colorful map. I do not understand which particular copyrighted visual effect I borrowed from State.io, because I did not borrow any.
4. Level mechanics
Azur Games claims that I copied their level mechanics, but my game literally has a linear level-by-level game progression, including two categories of playable levels. State.io has a similar level system in that its level system also goes level-by-level, so the only similarity in the two games in level mechanics is the fact that both games have a linear level system. Linear level systems have evidently been in games for much longer than State.io, and is definitely not a copyrighted concept. Also, in order to begin a level, State.io has a "tap to play" button on its main menu. Map Wars, on the other hand, requires players to select a level after clicking on "play" from a dropdown of levels, which also includes other offshoot levels like United States' elections and AI battles, none of which exist in State.io. On top of this, Map Wars includes an entirely different community section, as mentioned previously, that allows users to create and download their own content using a map editor and a community maps page that showcases user-generated levels.
Thus, I kindly ask that a review be made accordingly and my app's rights be protected against claims by State.io.
I am deeply distressed that Azur Games plainly requests a "deletion" of my game and cites their "high respectability" as a "Top 3 publisher in the world by downloads". As a student in California, I do not have the resources to sustain legal actions and can only defend myself with my own words. Azur Games' blanket claim that my game is a "clone" of theirs is a completely unjustified claim, as I have demonstrated in my attempts to argue against every point the made against me. If there are any elements of my game that Apple deems to require a change, I am willing to modify them in accordance, but because the game is fundamentally different from State.io, I strongly believe that a "deletion" of my app is entirely inappropriate.
Sincerely,
Feng Yong
I, Feng Yong, am a student developer and respected individual that creates original games and publishes them around the world. I also holds the rights to the game "Map Wars".
I have received complaints by Azur Games that my game Map Wars is a "clone" of their product State.io. I vehemently disagree and will attempt to prove point by point why this is not the case. In their argument, they state that I replicate their product in terms of game mechanics, UI, visual effects, and level mechanics (I do not understand what APK stands for in this context, as I certainly did not use an APK file for any of Apple's services). I will also attach screenshots of both apps side-by-side and explain the vast amount of differences that exist between all aspects of the two games.
1. Game mechanics
First, although it is true that both games use maps of world countries, it is not a copyrighted concept to have world maps that split into regions or provinces. It is in decades-old strategy games like Risk, which I will attach a screenshot of as well to compare.
Second, the method of gameplay is completely different, because Map Wars and State.io have completely different attack systems: my app, Map Wars, only allows the movement of "populations" from one tile to an ADJACENT tile, whereas State.io allows movement from one tile to another ANYWHERE on the map.
Third, my game, Map Wars, has a heavy emphasis on special Perks, the Map Editor, and community content, none of which have meaningful comparisons in State.io. My Map Editor allows users to create their own versions of maps and upload them to a server that showcases community content, which now includes thousands of original "levels" made my users. As such, I also do not believe the game infringes on the "level mechanics" of State.io.
2. UI
Side-by-side screenshots of Map Wars and State.io do not show any comparable UI, because I drew and created all of my UI using Unity and Photoshop and did NOT copy State.io. The shape of certain maps may look similar, because both apps used world maps as potential settings for certain levels. State.io does not hold the exclusive rights to use world maps, as world maps are available in public domain. All aspects of the menu UI, shop UI, community UI (of which there is no corresponding page in State.io), and settings UI in Map Wars have ZERO similarities to State.io's UI. The usage of a bar at the top of the page to represent the presence of populations may be implemented in a similar manner, but similar bars can be found in a vast variety of games published before State.io, of which I will attach one example, Ravenfield.
3. Visual effects
Map Wars has minimal visual effects due to my lack of expertise in animation, and the game itself mostly just includes a colorful map. I do not understand which particular copyrighted visual effect I borrowed from State.io, because I did not borrow any.
4. Level mechanics
Azur Games claims that I copied their level mechanics, but my game literally has a linear level-by-level game progression, including two categories of playable levels. State.io has a similar level system in that its level system also goes level-by-level, so the only similarity in the two games in level mechanics is the fact that both games have a linear level system. Linear level systems have evidently been in games for much longer than State.io, and is definitely not a copyrighted concept. Also, in order to begin a level, State.io has a "tap to play" button on its main menu. Map Wars, on the other hand, requires players to select a level after clicking on "play" from a dropdown of levels, which also includes other offshoot levels like United States' elections and AI battles, none of which exist in State.io. On top of this, Map Wars includes an entirely different community section, as mentioned previously, that allows users to create and download their own content using a map editor and a community maps page that showcases user-generated levels.
Thus, I kindly ask that a review be made accordingly and my app's rights be protected against claims by State.io.
I am deeply distressed that Azur Games plainly requests a "deletion" of my game and cites their "high respectability" as a "Top 3 publisher in the world by downloads". As a student in California, I do not have the resources to sustain legal actions and can only defend myself with my own words. Azur Games' blanket claim that my game is a "clone" of theirs is a completely unjustified claim, as I have demonstrated in my attempts to argue against every point the made against me. If there are any elements of my game that Apple deems to require a change, I am willing to modify them in accordance, but because the game is fundamentally different from State.io, I strongly believe that a "deletion" of my app is entirely inappropriate.
Sincerely,
Feng Yong
My dad (Feng Yong) didn't actually know about this happening until I "won" the case when Azur Games ignored Apple's request that they offer a rebuttal to my rebuttal of their claims. So I won a case for him he didn't know existed. Below are the attachments, of which I hope you're able to distinguish which is mine and which is theirs:
