[twostraws]

If you try the game and like it – if you've run through the 10 tutorial challenges and thought, "I like this and want more" – there's a separate version of the app that is an up-front, one-time purchase with no in-app purchases at all. You pay once and get everything. Get it here: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6754342195

[xandrius]

Show them X free levels and with free hints.

When they get into the groove, at X+1 level show them "Did you like this? You can get 200+ levels if you convince your parents that this is a worthwhile investment for your learning." (copy TBD) and bam, you have a traditional game with a demo and a way to buy it that doesn't train kids to expect in-app purchases for every breath they take.

And btw, $25 is high even for an indie steam game, a mobile game will be even harder to market at that price. Just FYI. Best of luck!

[randunel]

Oh, so having a separate (paid for) app makes targeting kids with in app purchases OK in the (free) app you advertise?

[twostraws]

If I only released an up-front payment version, people would complain that they weren't able to try the app first. If I only released a free version with in-app purchases, people would complain that they don't like in-app purchases. I did both, and I'm still getting complaints. I get that my solution is imperfect, but I'm trying my best.

[stronglikedan]

yes, absolutely. options are always the right thing. nothing wrong with "targeting kids with in app purchases" if you're up front about it

[figassis]

Thank you. I am always willing to pay a premium for kids apps that don't have any dark patterns, subscription crap or in app purchases. It's sad that the market has been so corrupted that now customers are asked to pay a premium to keep kids safe and sane.

[twostraws]

You'll be pleased to know that the app is not only a one-time payment, but also has zero tracking – no analytics, no logging, no adverts, and no data collection of any kind.