Supercell's Squad Busters: A Solid Start, But Falling Short of Expectations
Supercell's latest mobile game, Squad Busters, a MOBA/RTS hybrid, has achieved 40 million installs and $24 million in net revenue within its first month. Its popularity is particularly strong in the US, followed by Indonesia, Brazil, Turkey, and South Korea.
However, these figures, while respectable, significantly lag behind Supercell's previous successes. Brawl Stars generated $43 million in its first month in 2018, while Clash Royale amassed over $115 million in its initial 30 days back in 2016. Furthermore, Squad Busters' install rate has shown a concerning decline, peaking at 30 million in the first week and dropping below 5 million by the end of the month. Spending has also decreased since launch.
Supercell Fatigue?
The diminishing returns for Squad Busters, despite Supercell's apparent high hopes for the title, raise questions. For context, Honkai Star Rail achieved a staggering $190 million in its first month, highlighting the significant gap in performance.
While Squad Busters is a well-made game, its similarity to Supercell's existing portfolio might be contributing to player fatigue. The long-term success of Squad Busters remains uncertain, and only time will tell if it can overcome this potential hurdle.
To discover other noteworthy mobile games released in 2024, explore our list of the best mobile games of 2024 (so far)! Alternatively, check out our comprehensive list of the year's most anticipated mobile games for a glimpse into the future of mobile gaming.
