Supercell's Squad Busters: A Solid Start, But Falling Short of Expectations
Supercell's latest mobile game, Squad Busters, a MOBA RTS hybrid, achieved 40 million installs and $24 million in net revenue within its first month. The game saw particular success in the US, followed by Indonesia, Brazil, Turkey, and South Korea.
Despite these impressive figures, there are concerns. Revenue has steadily decreased since launch, significantly underperforming compared to Supercell's previous hits. Brawl Stars generated $43 million in its first month (2018), while Clash Royale amassed over $115 million (2016). Furthermore, daily installs plummeted from a peak of 30 million in the first week to under five million by the end of the month.
Supercell Fatigue?
The diminishing returns for Squad Busters, a game Supercell clearly invested heavily in, raise questions. Competitor Honkai Star Rail, for instance, generated a staggering $190 million in its first month, highlighting the disparity.
While Squad Busters is a well-made game, its similarity to Supercell's existing portfolio might indicate a potential market saturation – a case of "Supercell fatigue." Only time will tell if Squad Busters can overcome this initial slump and achieve lasting success.
For a look at other top mobile games released in 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 coming next.
