Gossip Harbour: A Mobile Game's Unexpected Move to Alternative App Stores
You've likely seen its 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. However, its recent partnership with publisher Flexion isn't about expanding its presence on established platforms. Instead, Gossip Harbour is venturing into the world of "alternative app stores."
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 Galaxy Store are dwarfed in comparison to these two giants.
The Profit Motive and the Future of Mobile App Distribution
The move to alternative app stores is driven by increased profitability. However, it's also a strategic play anticipating the growing significance of these alternative marketplaces. Recent legal challenges against Google and Apple are forcing a reevaluation of the mobile app ecosystem, pushing for less restrictive app distribution models. This shift is opening doors for alternative stores, with some, such as the Huawei AppGallery, actively promoting themselves through sales and special offers. 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. Regardless of Gossip Harbour's success in this new market, there are plenty of other compelling puzzle games out there. Check out our list of the top 25 best puzzle games for iOS and Android for some excellent alternatives!
