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 Google Play and the iOS App Store.
The game will debut on five alternative app stores, including the Samsung Galaxy Store and Huawei AppGallery. This simultaneous release highlights King's recognition of the growing potential of these platforms, a previously overlooked avenue for reaching a wider audience. The company's decision underscores a broader trend among major gaming developers to seriously consider alternative app stores as viable distribution channels.
The Significance of Alternative App Stores
King's immense popularity and financial success, rivaling that of some smaller nations, makes their previous lack of focus on alternative app stores somewhat surprising. However, this simultaneous launch signals a change in strategy. By releasing Candy Crush Solitaire on multiple platforms concurrently, King clearly views these alternative app stores as crucial for expanding their reach and player base. This approach suggests a growing awareness among industry leaders of the untapped potential within these ecosystems.
For those interested in learning more about one of these alternative app stores, the Huawei AppGallery's 2024 awards offer insights into successful app releases on that platform.