Gossip Harbour is a massively-successful game making the leap to alternative app stores, but why?

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 surprising 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 promotion, Microfun, in partnership with Flexion, is venturing into the world of "alternative app stores."

What exactly are alternative app stores? Simply put, they're any app store besides Google Play and the iOS App Store. Even major players like the Samsung Store are dwarfed by the dominance of these two giants.

The Profit Motive and the Future of Mobile Gaming

The shift to alternative app stores is driven by increased profitability. However, it's also a strategic move, anticipating the growing significance of these alternative platforms.

Recent legal challenges against Google and Apple are forcing a reevaluation of the mobile app marketplace, potentially leading to a more level playing field. This presents an opportunity for alternative stores, like Huawei's AppGallery, to attract developers and users through promotions and competitive pricing. Established titles, such as Candy Crush Saga, have already made the switch.

Microfun and Flexion are betting on the future success of alternative app stores. Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen.

Looking for more puzzle games? Check out our list of the top 25 best puzzle games for iOS and Android!