Supercell's Squad Busters: A Solid Start, But Falling Short of Expectations
Supercell's latest mobile game, Squad Busters, a MOBA RTS hybrid, achieved impressive early results with over 40 million installs and $24 million in net revenue within its first month. The US led the charge in player numbers, 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, with install numbers dropping significantly after the first week.
Supercell Fatigue?
The diminishing returns for Squad Busters, despite Supercell's apparent high hopes for the title, raise questions. Competitor Honkai Star Rail, for instance, achieved a staggering $190 million in its first month. While Squad Busters is a well-made game, its similarity to Supercell's existing portfolio might indicate a potential market saturation – a case of Supercell fatigue.
The long-term performance of Squad Busters remains to be seen. For a broader perspective on the current mobile gaming landscape, explore our list of the best mobile games of 2024 and our highly anticipated mobile games of the year.