Step 1: Import the project to Android Studio
You will need to import the project to Android Studio as a Eclipse project. File – New – Import Project and select the folder with your Monkey-X android build. This is usually ../appname/main.buildv86e/android_new although your main.build folder may be named differently depending on which version of Monkey you are compiling against.
Step 2: Rename the package
The default package name is “com.monkeycoder.monkeygame”. This must be renamed as that is already taken on the Play store.
You will need to rename this in the Android Manifest, the main Java file, the res – layout – main.xml file, and the gradle build script. In the Java file you will need to rename the package at the top as well as the ANDROID_APP_PACKAGE variable (constant?).
I also recommend renaming the application and activity labels in your AndroidManifest.xml file from “Monkey Game” to your games title.
Step 3: Create an Icon
You will need to bring in your own icon for the app. This needs to be brought into the “res” folder and then referenced from the AndroidManifest.xml file.
Simply do a File – New – Image Asset and select the file you want to import. Android studio will generate various resolution versions of it for you.
I believe you will want at least a 512×512 pixel image. It kills 2 birds with one stone because Android will use it for the icon and 512×512 is the resolution needed to upload your icon to the Play store page.
Step 4: Test it on an actual device
After doing these steps, sometimes you miss something and the app will crash. Make sure to test your Android Studio build on an actual device now.
Step 5: Create a Signed APK
You will need to create a Signed APK file to upload. Android Studio makes this pretty easy. If you don’t have a key or a keystore already, it will walk you through setting one up. Then use the key to create a Signed build of your game that will be used to publish.
Step 6: Fill out information on Google Play and Upload the Signed APK
You now need to go through all of the questions and info for the Google Play store. This includes uploading your icon as well as a feature image that at time of this writing is 1024×500 pixels. You can put whatever you want here but probably should make it related to your game. Additionally it asks for screenshots. Most phones can do this although it could be difficult with an action game, or you could do it with an emulator.
There is also an area to put a link to a youtube video if you want to cut a short promotional video for your game.
Other steps include filling out a content rating questionnaire, linking to a privacy policy, and setting up purchases and adds (to name a few).
Quick and Dirty
This is a brief overview of the whole process. Mostly just notes to myself with reminders about changing things in Android Studio for the next time I release a game like this.
Hope you find this helpful.