Gossip Harbour might not be on your radar, but it's a game you've likely stumbled upon in ads or heard about from someone like your mom. It's a sleeper hit that has quietly amassed over $10 million for its developer, Microfun, solely on Google Play.
But here's the twist: following this success, Microfun has teamed up with Flexion, not to push Gossip Harbour further on Google Play, but to venture into "alternative app stores."
If you're scratching your head wondering what an alternative app store is, it's simple: any app store outside of Google Play or the iOS App Store. Even prominent ones like the Samsung Store don't hold a candle to these giants.
Why Go Alternative?So, why is Gossip Harbour making the move to alternative app stores? It's all about profitability. Plus, with the growing trend, alternative app stores are poised to become a significant part of the mobile gaming landscape.
The recent legal battles involving Google and Apple have pushed for a more open environment, destigmatizing alternative stores. Platforms like Huawei AppGallery are capitalizing on this shift with promotions and sales. Big names like Candy Crush Saga have already made the switch.
Flexion and Microfun are betting big on this trend, hoping it will draw in more users. Whether it will become the next big thing remains to be seen.
And while we're not here to critique the game's quality, if you're in the mood for some top-notch puzzle games, check out our curated list of the top 25 best puzzle games for iOS and Android. You won't be disappointed!