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-based puzzle game, is a quiet success story, generating over $10 million for developer Microfun on Google Play alone. However, its next move is surprising: a partnership with Flexion to launch on "alternative app stores."

What are alternative app stores? Simply put, they're any app stores besides Google Play and the iOS App Store. Even prominent options like the Samsung Galaxy Store are dwarfed by the market dominance of the two giants.

The Appeal of Alternative App Stores

The shift to alternative app stores is driven by profitability. However, it's also a strategic move, anticipating the growing significance of these platforms in the mobile gaming market. Recent legal challenges against Google and Apple are pushing for a more open app store ecosystem, creating opportunities for alternative stores to thrive. Companies like Huawei, with its AppGallery, are actively capitalizing on this, offering attractive sales and promotions. Established titles like Candy Crush Saga have already successfully transitioned to alternative platforms.

Microfun and Flexion are betting on the future growth of alternative app stores. Whether this strategy pays off remains to be seen, but it highlights a significant shift in the mobile gaming landscape.

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