Gossip Harbour Expands Reach to Multiple App Stores

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 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 distribute the game through "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 by the market dominance of the two giants.

The Allure of Alternative App Stores

The shift to alternative app stores is driven by profitability. Recent legal challenges against Google and Apple are forcing a reevaluation of the mobile app ecosystem, leading to increased pressure to legitimize alternative app stores. This presents a lucrative opportunity. Companies like Huawei, with its AppGallery, are capitalizing on this shift with promotions and sales. Established titles such as Candy Crush Saga have already made the move.

Microfun and Flexion are betting on the growing significance of alternative app stores. Whether this strategy will be universally successful remains to be seen.

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