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, the merge and story puzzle game, is a quiet success story, generating over $10 million for developer Microfun on Google Play alone. But its journey isn't ending there. Instead of focusing on further Google Play promotion, Microfun, in partnership with Flexion, is venturing into the realm of "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 by the dominance of the two giants.

The Profit Motive and the Future of Mobile Gaming

The move to alternative app stores isn't just a gamble; it's a strategic decision driven by increased profitability. Recent legal challenges faced by Google and Apple are forcing a reevaluation of alternative app stores, leading to increased pressure to make them more accessible. This shift is creating opportunities for alternative stores to gain market share through promotions and sales, attracting major players like Candy Crush Saga. Microfun and Flexion are betting on this trend to propel Gossip Harbour's continued growth.

Whether this strategy proves successful remains to be seen. However, the move highlights a significant shift in the mobile gaming landscape. For those seeking high-quality puzzle games, we recommend checking out our list of the top 25 best puzzle games for iOS and Android.