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

This isn't about expanding reach on Google Play; it's about exploring a different, potentially more lucrative market. Alternative app stores encompass any platform besides Google Play and the iOS App Store. Even prominent pre-installed stores like the Samsung Store are dwarfed by these two giants.

The Allure of Alternative App Stores

The shift to alternative app stores offers several advantages. Primarily, it's more profitable. Furthermore, alternative app stores are poised for significant growth. Recent legal challenges against Google and Apple are forcing a reevaluation of these alternative platforms, leading to increased pressure to de-stigmatize them. Companies like Huawei, with its AppGallery, are capitalizing on this with promotions and sales. Established titles like Candy Crush Saga have already made the transition.

Microfun and Flexion are betting on this trend. Whether it becomes a mainstream success 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 searching for excellent puzzle games, check out our curated list of the top 25 best puzzle games for iOS and Android.