You might not play Gossip Harbour, but you've almost certainly seen its ads. This seemingly unassuming merge and story-based puzzler is a sleeper hit, quietly generating over $10 million for developer Microfun on Google Play alone. But its success story takes an intriguing turn.

Instead of focusing on further expansion within the established Google Play ecosystem, Microfun, in partnership with publisher Flexion, is venturing into the world of "alternative app stores." This strategic move raises a key question: what exactly *are* these alternative app stores?

Simply put, alternative app stores are any app marketplaces besides Google Play and the iOS App Store. Even seemingly significant platforms like the Samsung Galaxy Store are dwarfed by the market dominance of the two giants.

Why Alternative App Stores?

The shift to alternative app stores for Gossip Harbour isn't arbitrary. It's a calculated move driven by increased profitability and the burgeoning potential of this largely untapped market. Recent legal challenges against Google and Apple are forcing a reevaluation of the mobile app landscape, leading to a gradual destigmatization of alternative app stores.

Companies like Huawei, with its AppGallery, are actively capitalizing on this shift, offering attractive sales and promotions. Even major players like Candy Crush Saga have already made the leap, demonstrating the growing viability of alternative distribution channels. Microfun and Flexion are clearly betting on this trend becoming the next big thing in mobile gaming.

While we won't comment on the game's quality, if you're searching for engaging puzzle games, be sure to check out our curated list of the top 25 best puzzle games for iOS and Android!