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 significant traction 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, falling below five million by the end of the month. Spending per player has also shown a concerning downward trend since launch.
Supercell Fatigue?
The performance of Squad Busters raises questions about potential Supercell fatigue among mobile gamers. The game, while well-received, 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 possible saturation point for Supercell's established formula.
While the future performance of Squad Busters remains uncertain, its initial figures indicate a need for Supercell to adapt and potentially explore new genres or gameplay mechanics to recapture its former market dominance. For a broader perspective on the current mobile gaming landscape, explore our list of the best and most anticipated mobile games of 2024.