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 impressive early results, boasting over 40 million installs and $24 million in net revenue within its first month. The game's popularity is particularly strong in the US, followed by Indonesia, Brazil, Turkey, and South Korea.
However, these figures pale in comparison to Supercell's previous successes. Brawl Stars generated $43 million in its first month in 2018, while Clash Royale amassed over $115 million during its initial launch period in 2016. More concerning is the downward trend in both spending and installs for Squad Busters, which saw a significant drop after its initial week's peak of 30 million installs.
Supercell Fatigue?
The diminishing returns for Squad Busters, despite Supercell's apparent confidence in the title, raise questions about potential market saturation. Competitors like Honkai Star Rail, which achieved $190 million in its first month, further highlight Squad Busters' relatively modest performance.
While Squad Busters is a well-made game, its similarity to Supercell's existing portfolio might indicate a growing sense of "Supercell fatigue" among players. Only time will tell if Squad Busters can overcome this hurdle and achieve long-term success.
For a look at other top-performing mobile games released in 2024, check out our list of the best mobile games of 2024 (so far)! You can also explore our comprehensive list of the most anticipated mobile games of the year to see what's on the horizon.