Gossip Harbour: Why the Hit Game is Moving to Alternative App Stores

You might not play Gossip Harbour, but chances are you've seen it. This sleeper hit, often enjoyed by casual gamers like your mom, has proven to be a financial juggernaut, amassing over $10 million on Google Play alone for developer Microfun. But what's truly fascinating is the game's next move: venturing into alternative app stores.

If you've spent any time on YouTube or are a dedicated mobile gaming enthusiast, you've likely encountered the less-than-stellar ads for Gossip Harbour, a merge and story-based puzzle game. Despite the ads, the game's success is undeniable. However, the real story here is Microfun's strategic partnership with Flexion, not to further promote Gossip Harbour on Google Play, but to expand its reach into what are known as "alternative app stores."

What exactly are alternative app stores? Simply put, they are any app distribution platforms outside of the giants, Google Play and the iOS App Store. Even well-known platforms like the Samsung Store, which comes pre-installed on many devices, don't hold a candle to these two behemoths.

Why Go Alternative?

So, why is Gossip Harbour making the leap to alternative app stores? The primary reason is profitability. These platforms can offer better revenue shares for developers. Additionally, with the recent legal pressures on Google and Apple to open up their ecosystems, alternative stores are poised to become a more significant part of the mobile gaming landscape. Stores like the Huawei AppGallery are capitalizing on this shift with promotions and sales, and big names like Candy Crush Saga have already made the move.

Flexion and Microfun are betting on this trend becoming the next big thing in mobile gaming. Whether it will be enough to draw in a broad audience remains to be seen.

While we're not here to critique the quality of Gossip Harbour, if you're in the market for top-notch puzzle games, check out our curated list of the top 25 best puzzle games for iOS and Android. You're sure to find something that piques your interest!