Supercell's Squad Busters, a MOBA RTS mobile game, achieved impressive initial results: over 40 million installs and $24 million in net revenue within its first month. This success, however, pales in comparison to Supercell's previous blockbuster hits. While the US led in player numbers, followed by Indonesia, Brazil, Turkey, and South Korea, a concerning trend emerged. Spending decreased post-launch, falling significantly short of Brawl Stars' ($43 million) and Clash Royale's ($115 million) first-month revenues in 2018 and 2016, respectively. Install numbers also declined sharply, peaking at 30 million in the first week and dropping below five million by the end of the month.
This underperformance raises questions about potential Supercell fatigue within the mobile gaming market. Competitor Honkai Star Rail's significantly higher first-month revenue of $190 million underscores this concern. Although Squad Busters is a well-made game, its similarity to Supercell's existing titles may contribute to market saturation. The game's long-term performance remains to be seen, but the initial figures suggest a potential plateau in Supercell's market dominance. For a broader perspective on the current mobile gaming landscape, explore our curated lists of the best and most anticipated mobile games of 2024.
