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 platforms. This strategic move, facilitated by a partnership with publisher Flexion, marks a considerable expansion 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 launch is noteworthy, as King explicitly highlighted it as a first for the company, suggesting a growing interest in exploring alternative distribution channels.
The Significance of Alternative App Stores
King's immense popularity and revenue generation often overshadow their previous reluctance to embrace alternative app stores. The simultaneous launch of Candy Crush Solitaire, however, indicates a shift in strategy. King clearly views these alternative stores as viable avenues for reaching a broader audience, no longer treating them as secondary options. This decision signals a growing recognition among major gaming companies of the potential within these alternative ecosystems.
For those interested in learning more about one of these alternative app stores, the Huawei AppGallery's 2024 awards offer insight into the platform's top-performing titles.