Gossip Harbour Finds Success Beyond Google Play

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-based puzzle game, is a quiet success story, generating over $10 million for developer Microfun on Google Play alone. Its popularity, however, isn't the most intriguing aspect. The real news is its strategic shift to alternative app stores, a move facilitated by a partnership with publisher Flexion.

This isn't about expanding its Google Play presence. Instead, Microfun is venturing into the often-overlooked world of "alternative app stores." These are essentially any app marketplaces outside of the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Even seemingly significant stores like the Samsung Galaxy Store are dwarfed in comparison to these two giants.

The Allure of Alternative App Stores

The reason behind this move is simple: profitability. Alternative app stores are poised for significant growth, fueled by recent legal challenges facing Google and Apple. This legal pressure is pushing for the normalization of alternative app stores, creating opportunities for companies like Huawei with its AppGallery to offer competitive sales and promotions. Established titles like Candy Crush Saga have already made the switch.

Microfun and Flexion are betting on the burgeoning potential of alternative app stores. Whether this gamble pays off 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 searching for excellent puzzle games, explore our curated list of the top 25 best puzzle games for iOS and Android.