Gossip Harbour Leaps to App Market Success

Gossip Harbour: A Puzzle 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 sleeper hit that's generated over $10 million for developer Microfun on Google Play alone. But instead of focusing on further expansion on established platforms, Microfun, in partnership with Flexion, is taking an unconventional route: alternative app stores.

For those unfamiliar, alternative app stores are any app marketplaces besides Google Play and the iOS App Store. Even seemingly significant stores like the Samsung Galaxy Store are dwarfed in comparison.

The Appeal of Alternative App Stores

The move to alternative app stores is driven by increased profitability and the burgeoning potential of this market segment. Recent legal challenges against Google and Apple are pushing for the normalization of alternative app stores, leading to increased competition and opportunities. Companies like Huawei, with its AppGallery, are capitalizing on this trend through promotions and sales. Established titles like Candy Crush Saga have already made the switch.

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

While we don't comment on game quality, if you're seeking engaging puzzle games, check out our curated list of the top 25 best puzzle games for iOS and Android.