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. The game saw strong initial performance in the US, followed by Indonesia, Brazil, Turkey, and South Korea.
However, these figures, while respectable, pale in comparison to Supercell's previous successes. Brawl Stars generated $43 million in its first month in 2018, and Clash Royale amassed over $115 million during its initial launch in 2016. Furthermore, Squad Busters' install numbers have declined significantly since its peak, dropping from 30 million in the first week to under five million by the end of the month.
Supercell Fatigue?
The performance of Squad Busters raises questions about potential "Supercell fatigue" among mobile gamers. The game, while well-made, occupies a similar niche to Supercell's existing titles. This, coupled with the significantly higher first-month revenue of competitors like Honkai Star Rail ($190 million), suggests a potential market saturation.
While Squad Busters' future performance remains to be seen, its initial trajectory indicates a less-than-stellar launch compared to Supercell's historical standards. For a broader perspective on the current mobile gaming landscape, explore our list of the best and most anticipated mobile games of 2024.