Gossip Harbour is a massively-successful game making the leap to alternative app stores, but why?

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 surprising success story. Developer Microfun has reportedly earned over $10 million on Google Play alone. However, instead of focusing on further expansion within established app stores, Microfun, in partnership with Flexion, is venturing into the world of "alternative app stores."

This strategic move raises questions: What are alternative app stores, and why the shift?

Alternative app stores are simply any app marketplaces outside of Google Play and the iOS App Store. Even seemingly significant platforms like the Samsung Store are dwarfed by the dominance of the two giants.

The Allure of Alternative App Stores

The primary reason for Gossip Harbour's move is simple: increased profitability. However, the broader context is the growing significance of alternative app stores in the mobile gaming landscape.

Recent legal challenges against Google and Apple are forcing a reevaluation of the dominance of their app stores. This creates opportunities for alternative platforms, like Huawei's AppGallery, to attract developers and users through competitive pricing and promotions. Established titles like Candy Crush Saga have already demonstrated the viability of this approach.

Microfun and Flexion are betting on the future growth of alternative app stores. Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen.

For those seeking high-quality puzzle games, explore our curated list of the top 25 best puzzle games for iOS and Android.