You've likely seen ads for Gossip Harbour, the surprisingly successful merge-and-story puzzle game. Its developer, Microfun, has earned over $10 million on Google Play alone. But instead of focusing on further Google Play promotion, Microfun is partnering with Flexion to distribute the game through "alternative app stores."
What are alternative app stores? Simply put, they're any app stores besides Google Play and the iOS App Store. Even major players like the Samsung Store are dwarfed in comparison.
Why the Shift to Alternative App Stores?
The move is driven by profitability. Alternative app stores are projected to grow significantly. Recent legal challenges against Google and Apple are forcing a reevaluation of these alternative platforms, leading to increased competition and promotions. Established games like Candy Crush Saga have already successfully transitioned to this market.
Microfun and Flexion are betting on the future growth of alternative app stores. Whether this strategy will be universally successful remains to be seen.
For those seeking engaging puzzle games, check out our list of the top 25 best puzzle games for iOS and Android!
