King and Flexion Partner to Bring Candy Crush Solitaire to App Stores

King's Candy Crush Solitaire: A Multi-Platform Launch and a Shift Towards Alternative App Stores

King is taking a significant gamble with its upcoming release of Candy Crush Solitaire, hoping the combination of its popular franchise and the classic solitaire card game will attract a large player base. However, this launch is notable for another reason: it marks King's first simultaneous release across multiple app stores, extending beyond the usual Google Play and iOS App Store.

This strategic move is thanks to a partnership with Flexion, a publisher that will distribute Candy Crush Solitaire across five alternative app stores, including the Samsung Galaxy Store and Huawei AppGallery. While Flexion celebrates the collaboration, King’s emphasis on the simultaneous launch across these platforms is noteworthy. This suggests a potential shift in the company's strategy, indicating a growing interest in alternative app store distribution.

The Significance of Alternative App Stores

King's immense popularity and profitability are often underestimated. The financial success of its match-three puzzle games is substantial. Therefore, the company's relatively late exploration of alternative app stores is somewhat surprising.

The key takeaway from this simultaneous launch is King's recognition of alternative app stores as a viable path to reaching a broader audience. These stores, previously considered secondary, are now seen as significant avenues for growth. This decision signals a growing trend among major gaming companies to acknowledge and utilize the potential of alternative app stores.

For those interested in learning more about the Huawei AppGallery, exploring the 2024 AppGallery Awards provides insights into the platform's top-performing apps of the previous year.