# App Store Connect Metadata Configuration Complete reference for all App Store Connect fields and settings for BaoLife. --- ## App Information ### Basic Details **App Name:** BaoLife - Life Simulator - 30 character limit - Must be unique across App Store - Includes subtitle in search **Subtitle:** Live a lifetime in your pocket - 30 character limit - Appears below app name in search results - Should complement app name, not repeat it **Bundle ID:** com.baolife.app - Must match Xcode project bundle ID - Cannot be changed after first version approval - Format: reverse domain name notation **SKU:** BAOLIFE-001 - Your internal product identifier - Not visible to users - Cannot be changed after creation **Apple ID:** [Assigned by Apple upon creation] - Unique numeric identifier - Generated when you create the app --- ## Categories ### Primary Category **Category:** Games **Subcategory:** Simulation **Why Simulation:** - Core gameplay is life simulation - Fits with similar apps (BitLife, InstLife, The Sims) - Strong category for ASO ### Secondary Category **Category:** Games **Subcategory:** Role Playing **Why Role Playing:** - Players create and develop characters - Story-driven gameplay - Character progression and development - Expands discoverability ### Alternative Category Options Consider these if needed: - Games > Strategy (long-term planning) - Games > Casual (easy to learn) - Entertainment (if not categorized as Game) --- ## Age Rating ### Recommended: 12+ **Content Descriptors Selected:** - Infrequent/Mild Mature/Suggestive Themes - Infrequent/Mild Simulated Gambling (if in-game gambling activities exist) - Infrequent/Mild Profanity or Crude Humor (AI-generated content disclaimer) **Rating Justification:** - Life simulation with mature themes (dating, relationships, death) - AI-generated content may occasionally produce unexpected results - No graphic violence, sexual content, or drug use - Age 12+ provides appropriate audience while maintaining broad appeal ### Alternative: 9+ If content is strictly controlled: - No mature themes - Filtered AI responses - Child-friendly only - **Trade-off:** Smaller audience, limits realistic life simulation ### Age Rating Questionnaire Answers **Cartoon or Fantasy Violence:** None **Realistic Violence:** None **Sexual Content or Nudity:** None **Profanity or Crude Humor:** Infrequent/Mild (due to AI) **Horror/Fear Themes:** None **Mature/Suggestive Themes:** Infrequent/Mild (dating, relationships) **Alcohol, Tobacco, or Drug Use:** None (or Infrequent/Mild if simulated) **Gambling Simulated:** None (or Infrequent/Mild if game includes casinos) **Medical/Treatment Information:** None **Unrestricted Web Access:** No **Gambling and Contests:** No --- ## Pricing & Availability ### Pricing Tier **Base Price:** Free **Monetization Model:** Freemium - Free to download and play - Optional in-app purchases (diamonds) - Optional subscription (if implemented) ### Pricing by Territory **All Territories:** Free - Global release - Price localized automatically by Apple ### Pre-order Options **Pre-order:** No (for initial launch) - Consider for major version 2.0+ updates - Requires approved version already on store ### Availability **Make this app available on the App Store:** Yes **Territories:** All (230+ countries) - No geographic restrictions - Localization recommended for major markets **Release Options:** - **Automatic Release:** App goes live immediately upon approval - **Manual Release:** You control when to publish (recommended for coordinated launch) --- ## Version Information ### Version Number **Version 1.0.0** - Semantic versioning: MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH - 1.0 = Initial public release - Increment for each submission ### Copyright **Copyright:** © 2025 BaoLife. All rights reserved. - Standard copyright notice - Update year annually ### Build Number **Build:** 1 - Increment for each build upload - Can be same as version or separate (e.g., 1.0.0 build 42) --- ## What's New in This Version ### Version 1.0.0 (Launch) ``` Welcome to BaoLife! Experience the full journey of human life in the most immersive life simulator on iOS. ✨ CREATE YOUR CHARACTER • Customize appearance and personality • Choose your starting attributes • Begin from birth 🌟 LIVE YOUR LIFE • Make meaningful choices that shape your future • Experience realistic life events and milestones • Progress through education, career, and beyond ❤️ BUILD RELATIONSHIPS • AI-powered conversations feel natural and real • Develop friendships and romantic relationships • Start a family and watch it grow 🎯 PURSUE YOUR DREAMS • 50+ activities and hobbies • Multiple career paths • Hundreds of achievements to unlock 📊 TRACK YOUR PROGRESS • Detailed life statistics • Achievement system • Multiple playthroughs with different outcomes Start your story today! ``` **Character Limit:** 4000 characters **Best Practices:** - Use bullet points for readability - Highlight key features - Keep sentences short - Use emojis sparingly for visual interest --- ## App Privacy ### Privacy Policy URL **URL:** https://baolife.app/privacy - Must be publicly accessible - Must be in HTML format - Must comply with Apple's requirements - Update if URL changes ### Privacy Practices #### Data Collection **Account Information:** - Collected: Username, Email (optional) - Purpose: Account creation and management - Linked to User: Yes **Gameplay Data:** - Collected: Character data, progress, choices - Purpose: Game functionality - Linked to User: Yes **Device Information:** - Collected: Device model, OS version, app version - Purpose: Analytics and crash reporting - Linked to User: No **Purchase History:** - Collected: Transaction receipts - Purpose: In-app purchase validation - Linked to User: Yes **Identifiers:** - Collected: Device ID, push notification token - Purpose: App functionality - Linked to User: Yes #### Data Usage **Third-Party Analytics:** - Firebase Analytics: Yes - Purpose: App performance and usage statistics - Data tracking: Device info, usage patterns **Third-Party Advertising:** - No advertising networks - No tracking for advertising purposes **App Functionality:** - OpenAI API for AI conversations - Character data sent to OpenAI (anonymized) #### Data Rights **Access:** Users can access their data via in-app export **Deletion:** Users can request account deletion **Portability:** Data export feature (GDPR compliance) --- ## App Review Information ### Contact Information **First Name:** [Your First Name] **Last Name:** [Your Last Name] **Phone Number:** [Your Phone Number with country code] **Email Address:** support@baolife.app **Response Time:** Within 24 hours during business days ### Demo Account (Required for review) **Username:** reviewer@baolife.app **Password:** ReviewPass2025! **Demo Account Features:** - Pre-configured character with progress - Sufficient diamonds for testing IAP features - Access to all game features - Pre-established relationships for testing **Demo Account Notes:** Provide to reviewer: ``` Demo Account Details: Username: reviewer@baolife.app Password: ReviewPass2025! This account includes: - A 25-year-old character with career and relationships - 1000 diamonds for testing premium features - Multiple relationship levels to demonstrate AI conversations - Access to all activities and features Feel free to: - Test all game features - Make in-app purchases (use sandbox account) - Create a new character to test onboarding - Speed up time to see progression ``` ### Notes **Additional Information for Reviewers:** ``` BaoLife is a single-player life simulation game focused on meaningful choices and character development. Key Features to Review: 1. Character Creation - Fully customizable starting experience 2. AI Conversations - Powered by OpenAI, filtered for appropriate content 3. Life Progression - Time-based simulation with realistic aging 4. Relationships - Dynamic affinity system with multiple NPCs 5. In-App Purchases - Diamond packages ($0.99, $4.99, $9.99) AI Content Moderation: - All AI-generated content is filtered for inappropriate material - Character names are validated against offensive terms - Content suitable for 12+ audience Testing Notes: - Use the demo account for established character testing - Create new character to test onboarding flow - Time can be accelerated using speed controls (top right) - Energy regenerates automatically over time We are available 24/7 during review period for questions or clarification. ``` --- ## Support URL **Support URL:** https://baolife.app/support - Must be publicly accessible - Should include FAQs and contact information - Link to privacy policy and terms of service --- ## Marketing URL (Optional) **Marketing URL:** https://baolife.app - Main website or landing page - Not required but recommended - Can include screenshots, trailer, features --- ## Rating & Reviews ### Review Prompts **When to Ask for Reviews:** - After completing first major life milestone - After 5 hours of gameplay - After achieving first major achievement - After successful in-app purchase **Implementation:** ```swift import StoreKit func requestReviewIfAppropriate() { // Don't ask too frequently let lastReviewRequest = UserDefaults.standard.object(forKey: "lastReviewRequest") as? Date if let lastRequest = lastReviewRequest { let daysSinceLastRequest = Calendar.current.dateComponents([.day], from: lastRequest, to: Date()).day ?? 0 if daysSinceLastRequest < 90 { return } } // Request review if let scene = UIApplication.shared.connectedScenes.first as? UIWindowScene { SKStoreReviewController.requestReview(in: scene) } UserDefaults.standard.set(Date(), forKey: "lastReviewRequest") } ``` --- ## App Store Promotion ### Featured Consideration **Why BaoLife Should Be Featured:** - Unique AI-powered gameplay - High-quality user experience - Innovative life simulation mechanics - Polished design and smooth performance - Regular content updates planned - Positive community engagement ### Promotional Assets (If Requested by Apple) - App Preview Video (15-30 seconds) - Featured banner (1024x1024) - Custom screenshots - Marketing copy --- ## Localization ### Initial Launch Languages **Version 1.0:** English (U.S.) ### Future Localization Priority 1. **Spanish** (Latin America & Spain) 2. **Chinese (Simplified)** (China market) 3. **Japanese** (High iOS penetration) 4. **Korean** (Strong mobile gaming market) 5. **French** (Europe) 6. **German** (Europe) 7. **Portuguese** (Brazil) ### What Needs Localization - App Store metadata (name, description, keywords) - In-app text and UI - Character dialogue (AI prompts) - Tutorial messages - Achievement names/descriptions - Error messages --- ## Metadata Optimization Schedule ### At Launch - Use initial metadata as documented above - Monitor impressions and conversion rates ### Week 2 - Analyze keyword performance - Update promotional text - Adjust screenshots order based on engagement ### Month 1 - Refine keywords based on data - Update description to highlight popular features - A/B test subtitle variations ### Quarterly - Complete metadata refresh - Update screenshots with new features - Revise description for seasonal relevance - Evaluate category performance --- ## Checklist for App Store Connect Before submission, verify: - [ ] App name and subtitle are optimized - [ ] Bundle ID matches Xcode project - [ ] Categories are appropriate - [ ] Age rating accurately reflects content - [ ] Privacy policy URL is accessible - [ ] Privacy questionnaire is complete - [ ] Support URL is functional - [ ] Demo account is active and tested - [ ] Review notes are comprehensive - [ ] Screenshots for all device sizes uploaded - [ ] App icon (1024x1024) uploaded - [ ] Keywords are optimized (100 char limit) - [ ] Description is proofread and compelling - [ ] Copyright year is current - [ ] Version number follows convention - [ ] "What's New" is clear and engaging - [ ] In-app purchases are configured - [ ] All legal documents are finalized --- ## Common Rejection Reasons & How to Avoid ### 1. Privacy Policy Issues **Avoid:** Ensure privacy policy URL works and matches data collection ### 2. Age Rating Inaccuracy **Avoid:** Honest assessment of content, include AI disclaimer ### 3. Demo Account Problems **Avoid:** Test demo account before submission, provide clear instructions ### 4. Incomplete Metadata **Avoid:** Fill all required fields, proofread everything ### 5. In-App Purchase Issues **Avoid:** Test all IAPs in sandbox, clear descriptions, working restore ### 6. Crash on Launch **Avoid:** Thorough testing on multiple devices and iOS versions ### 7. Misleading Metadata **Avoid:** Screenshots and description accurately represent gameplay ### 8. Intellectual Property **Avoid:** No copyrighted content, no trademark violations --- ## Post-Launch Metadata Updates ### Can Update Without Review: - Promotional text - Screenshots (in some cases) - Preview video ### Requires Review: - App name - Subtitle - Keywords - Description - Age rating - Categories - Privacy policy URL - New version submission --- ## Contact for Questions For App Store Connect setup assistance: - Email: support@baolife.app - Developer support: https://developer.apple.com/support/