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 reportedly earned over $10 million on Google Play alone. However, instead of focusing on further expansion within established app stores, Microfun, in partnership with Flexion, is venturing into the realm of "alternative app stores."

This might sound unfamiliar, but simply put, alternative app stores are any app marketplaces besides the Google Play Store and Apple's App Store. Even seemingly significant stores like the Samsung Galaxy Store are dwarfed in comparison.

The Appeal of Alternative App Stores

The shift to alternative app stores is driven by increased profitability. Furthermore, these stores are poised for significant growth. Recent legal challenges against Google and Apple are forcing a reevaluation of alternative app store ecosystems, leading to increased competition and promotional activity. Major titles like Candy Crush Saga have already made the transition.

Microfun and Flexion are betting on the future potential of alternative app stores. Whether this strategy proves successful remains to be seen, but it highlights a significant shift in the mobile gaming landscape.

While we don't endorse specific games, if you're interested in puzzle games, check out our list of the top 25 best puzzle games for iOS and Android.