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 surprising success story. Developer Microfun has earned over $10 million on Google Play alone. However, instead of focusing on further Google Play promotion, they've partnered 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 seemingly significant stores like the Samsung Galaxy Store are dwarfed in comparison.

The Profit Motive and the Future of Mobile App Distribution

The move to alternative app stores is driven by increased profitability. However, it also reflects a broader shift in the mobile app landscape. Recent legal challenges to Google and Apple's dominance are forcing a reevaluation of alternative app stores. This is leading to increased competition and promotional activity from stores like Huawei's AppGallery. Established games, such as Candy Crush Saga, have already made the switch.

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

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