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. This performance 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 in 2016. Furthermore, Squad Busters' install rate has significantly declined since its peak of 30 million in the first week, dropping to under five million by the end of the month. Spending per player has also been decreasing.
Supercell Fatigue?
The diminishing returns for Squad Busters, despite Supercell's apparent investment, raise questions about potential market saturation. Competitor Honkai Star Rail, for example, achieved a staggering $190 million in its first month, significantly outperforming Squad Busters.
While Squad Busters is a well-made game, its similarity to Supercell's existing titles might contribute to player fatigue. 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 of 2024, check out our list of the best mobile games of 2024 (so far)! You can also explore our list of the most anticipated mobile games of the year to see what's on the horizon.
