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. Its popularity is particularly strong in the US, followed by Indonesia, Brazil, Turkey, and South Korea.
However, these figures, while respectable, 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 30 days in 2016. Furthermore, Squad Busters' install numbers have significantly declined since its peak of 30 million in the first week, falling below five million by the end of the month. Spending, too, has been on a downward trend since launch.
Supercell Fatigue?
The diminishing returns for Squad Busters, a game Supercell clearly invested heavily in, raise concerns. For context, Honkai Star Rail achieved a staggering $190 million in its first month, significantly outperforming Squad Busters.
While Squad Busters is a well-made game, its similarity to Supercell's existing titles might be contributing to player fatigue. Whether this is a temporary dip or a more significant trend remains to be seen. The game's long-term performance will be crucial in determining the impact of potential Supercell fatigue.
To explore other noteworthy mobile games released this year, check out our list of the best mobile games of 2024 (so far)! For a look at upcoming titles, explore our comprehensive list of the year's most anticipated mobile games.