Armadillo is a counter app, also sometimes called a tracker app. It's designed to help you keep track of any points or numbers you might need to keep track of. Particularly in trading card and board games, e.g. Life Points.
It can support up to 52 individual trackers per player (up to 12 visible at a time), most with customisable icons to help you keep track of what you are tracking.
That's the short simple description. So, what about the in-depth, passionate description?
Frankly, I want this to be the most amazing counter app ever! I know this will be an uphill battle, but I have a vision and think I can realise it.
I don't want this to be some boring app where you tap, tap, on your phone while seeing banner ads. There is something tactile and beautiful about dice and physical counters. I want to replicate this sensation on your device. I want the movements to make sense, and the feedback to be satisfying. I remember one of the first times I showed this to a friend, she did not play any game that could utilise this, but her reaction was, "This is fun! I don't know what it's for, but I just want to keep spinning it!"
No ads, no jank (eventually, bear with me through the early versions), just making the most of your haptic engines and device capabilities.
I also don't want this app to be game specific. I want this app to be YOU specific. Instead of references to any specific game, we are building comprehensive theming allowing you to make your app your own. Then you can use it for the games you love. Or any random activity you love.
Right now, the app is in its infancy (April 2026). My first goal is refinement of the core components. Once we have that, I will start on the themes and additional features – and you bet I have grandiose plans for this.
I also want to listen to my audience and community, which is why I am using community platforms to help build a connection and allow my users to inspire and shape the growth of the app.
What about pricing? Monetisation.
Yeah, it will happen. Here is the goal. Up front, transparent:
- No ads – I will not monetise through ads in my app. I refuse to ruin your experience.
- No data – I have no interest in dealing with people's data. I don't want it for myself; I don't want it to sell to others. Realistically speaking, at some point, data will transfer through my app – some stuff is compulsory for payments etc. But none of that marketing data nonsense.
- If you see something that is free now – it will remain free always.
- I will continue to support free use of the app and add free features.
I am not entirely ready to share how I will monetise the app, but it will be in the realm of add-ons. Themes and additional features that you feel are worth your money. I will also set up external platforms for anyone that really wants to support this journey.
This is a passion project. The app and website have all been worked on by me, not a hired team. I have learnt to program for this – I come from an industrial design background. Friends and family have helped test the app, and my lovely partner has been essential in supporting me through the countless late nights and tied-up weekends as I work on this, as well as the final set-up stages, rounding up testers and preparing for release.
I hope you download the app, try it out with your friends on the next game night, and I hope to hear from you through our community channels.
But most importantly, I hope it brings you joy!
Regards,
Igor Silva