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 success is particularly strong in the US, followed by Indonesia, Brazil, Turkey, and South Korea.
However, these figures pale in comparison to Supercell's previous hits. Brawl Stars generated $43 million in its first month in 2018, while Clash Royale amassed over $115 million in its initial 30 days back 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. Spending has also shown a concerning downward trend since launch.
Supercell Fatigue?
The diminishing returns for Squad Busters, despite Supercell's apparent confidence in the title, raise questions. Consider Honkai Star Rail's phenomenal $190 million first-month revenue—a stark contrast to Squad Busters' performance.
While Squad Busters is a well-made game, its similarity to Supercell's existing portfolio might be contributing to player fatigue. The long-term success of Squad Busters remains uncertain, requiring further observation.
For more information on other successful mobile games released in 2024, check out our list of the best mobile games of 2024 (so far)! You can also explore our comprehensive list of the year's most anticipated mobile games.