Candy Crush Solitaire hits one million downloads, breaks some minor records

King's Candy Crush Solitaire, a hybrid of their popular match-three franchise and TriPeaks Solitaire, has surpassed one million downloads, setting a record as the fastest Tripeaks Solitaire game to reach this milestone in over a decade. While not exceptionally groundbreaking in the larger context of mobile gaming, this achievement is noteworthy considering several factors.

Solitaire games, despite their enduring popularity, have faced stiff competition from flashier, simpler mobile alternatives. Even King, a dominant force in casual puzzle games, has seen its market share challenged. The success of Candy Crush Solitaire suggests that blending familiar elements from their established franchise with a classic genre like Tripeaks Solitaire proved a winning strategy.

Expanding Reach

The game's rapid success is also attributed to its availability on alternative app stores through King and Microsoft's partnership with Flexion. This wider distribution, coupled with the recent announcement of a similar partnership between Flexion and EA, suggests a growing trend in utilizing alternative app stores to boost downloads.

The implications for gamers remain uncertain. However, this success could lead to more Candy Crush spin-offs and underscores the potential of alternative app stores for publishers.

Interested in the development of Candy Crush Solitaire? Read our interview with executive producer Marta Cortinas for insights into King's latest release.