You've likely seen ads for Gossip Harbour, even if you don't play it. This merge and story puzzle game is a surprising success, earning its developer, Microfun, over $10 million on Google Play alone. However, instead of focusing on further Google Play promotion, Microfun, in partnership with Flexion, is taking an unconventional route: alternative app stores.
But what are alternative app stores? Simply put, they're any app store besides Google Play and the iOS App Store. Even seemingly significant stores like the Samsung Store are dwarfed by the market dominance of the two giants.
The Alternative Advantage
The move to alternative app stores is driven by increased profitability. Furthermore, these stores are poised for significant growth. Recent legal challenges to Google and Apple are forcing a re-evaluation of alternative app stores, leading to increased acceptance and promotion, as seen with initiatives from stores like Huawei AppGallery. Even major titles like Candy Crush Saga have already made the switch.
Microfun and Flexion are betting on the future of alternative app stores. 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!
