Gossip Harbour: A Puzzle Game's Unexpected Move to Alternative App Stores
You've likely seen the ads, even if you don't play it. Gossip Harbour, the 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 launch on alternative app stores.
For those unfamiliar, alternative app stores are any marketplaces besides Google Play and the iOS App Store. Even seemingly significant stores like the Samsung Galaxy Store are dwarfed in comparison.
The Profit Motive and the Future of Mobile App Distribution
The reason behind this shift is simple: profitability. Alternative app stores offer potentially higher revenue. Furthermore, recent legal challenges against Google and Apple are pushing for the wider acceptance of alternative app stores, creating a more competitive landscape. Companies like Huawei, with its AppGallery, are capitalizing on this, offering promotions and sales. Established titles like Candy Crush Saga have already made the switch.
Microfun and Flexion are betting on the growing prominence of alternative app stores. Whether this strategy proves successful remains to be seen, but it highlights a significant shift in the mobile gaming market.
While we won't comment on Gossip Harbour's quality, if you're searching for excellent puzzle games, explore our curated list of the top 25 best puzzle games for iOS and Android!
