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. This performance is particularly strong 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 has also been consistently decreasing since launch.
Supercell Fatigue?
The diminishing returns for Squad Busters, despite Supercell's apparent high investment, raise concerns. Competitor Honkai Star Rail, for instance, achieved a staggering $190 million in its first month. While Squad Busters is a well-made game, its similarity to Supercell's existing portfolio might be contributing to player fatigue. Only time will tell if Squad Busters can overcome this trend.
For a broader perspective on the current mobile gaming landscape, explore our list of the best mobile games of 2024 (so far) and our even more extensive list of the most anticipated mobile games of the year.