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, dropping below five million by the end of the month. This suggests a potential market saturation or player fatigue.
Supercell Fatigue?
The comparatively lower performance of Squad Busters, even considering the considerable investment Supercell made in its development, raises questions about potential Supercell fatigue among mobile gamers. Competitor Honkai Star Rail's impressive $190 million first-month revenue highlights this disparity.
While Squad Busters is a well-made game, its similarity to Supercell's existing portfolio might be contributing to its underperformance. The long-term success of Squad Busters remains to be seen. Only time will tell if this represents a temporary slump or a more significant shift in player preferences.
For a look at other top-performing mobile games released in 2024, check out our list of the best mobile games of 2024 (so far)! Alternatively, explore our comprehensive list of the year's most anticipated mobile games.