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-based puzzle game, is a quiet success story, generating over $10 million for developer Microfun on Google Play alone. However, its next move is surprising: a partnership with Flexion to distribute the game through "alternative app stores."
For those unfamiliar, alternative app stores are any app marketplaces besides Google Play and the iOS App Store. Even established stores like the Samsung Galaxy Store are dwarfed by the dominance of the two giants.
The Profit Motive and the Future of Mobile App Distribution
The reason behind this shift? Profitability. Alternative app stores are increasingly attractive due to their lower fees and potentially higher revenue for developers. Furthermore, recent legal challenges against Google and Apple are forcing a reevaluation of the mobile app ecosystem, paving the way for alternative stores to gain wider acceptance. This is leading to increased competition, with stores like Huawei's AppGallery offering promotions and sales to attract users and developers. Established titles like Candy Crush Saga have already made the transition.
Microfun and Flexion are betting on the growth of this alternative market. Whether this strategy proves successful remains to be seen, but it highlights a significant shift in the mobile gaming landscape.
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!
