King's Candy Crush Solitaire: A Multi-Platform Launch and a Shift Towards Alternative App Stores
King is taking a significant step with the upcoming release of Candy Crush Solitaire, its first simultaneous launch across multiple app stores. This strategic move, facilitated by a partnership with Flexion, marks a notable shift towards alternative app stores beyond the traditional Google Play and iOS App Store dominance.
The game will debut on five alternative app stores, including the Samsung Galaxy Store and Huawei AppGallery. This simultaneous release signifies King's recognition of the growing potential of these alternative platforms, a previously underutilized avenue for reaching a broader audience.
The Significance of a Simultaneous Launch
King's immense popularity and financial success with its match-three puzzle games often overshadows the potential of alternative app stores. However, the simultaneous launch of Candy Crush Solitaire strongly suggests a strategic shift. By releasing the game across multiple platforms at once, King demonstrates its belief in the viability of these alternative stores as significant channels for player acquisition. This action could signal a broader trend among major gaming companies to acknowledge and utilize the potential reach of alternative app stores.
The inclusion of Huawei's AppGallery is particularly noteworthy. For more information on the AppGallery and its recognition of top-performing apps, you can explore the 2024 AppGallery Awards. This move by King underlines the increasing importance of alternative app stores in the gaming landscape.
