Gossip Harbour: A Mobile Game's Unexpected Move to Alternative App Stores
You've likely seen the ads, even if you don't play it. Gossip Harbour, a merge and story puzzle game, is a quiet success story, generating over $10 million for developer Microfun on Google Play alone. But its journey isn't ending there. Instead of focusing on further Google Play expansion, Microfun, in partnership with Flexion, is venturing into the world of "alternative app stores."
What are alternative app stores? Simply put, they're any app stores besides Google Play and the iOS App Store. Even major players like the Samsung Store are dwarfed by the dominance of the two giants.
The Profit Motive and the Future of Mobile Gaming
The move to alternative app stores is driven by increased profitability. However, it's also a strategic move based on the growing significance of these alternative platforms. Recent legal challenges against Google and Apple are forcing a reevaluation of the mobile app distribution landscape, leading to increased pressure to legitimize alternative app stores. Companies like Huawei, with its AppGallery, are capitalizing on this shift through promotions and sales initiatives. Established games like Candy Crush Saga have already made the leap.
Microfun and Flexion are betting on the future growth of alternative app stores. Whether this strategy proves successful remains to be seen, but it highlights a significant change in the mobile gaming market.
While we won't comment on Gossip Harbour's quality, if you're looking for excellent puzzle games, check out our list of the top 25 best puzzle games for iOS and Android!
