Puzzle game Candy Crush's reach is huge, so why isn't it more talked about culturally?
The Straits Times|November 22, 2022
Three of the top 10 highest-grossing mobile games ever launched in 2012 Candy Crush Saga, Clash Of Clans and Puzzle & Dragons - have each generated billions of dollars in revenues, before counting spinoff titles or licensing deals.
Tim Bradshaw
Puzzle game Candy Crush's reach is huge, so why isn't it more talked about culturally?

They came out when smartphone screen sizes were getting larger, giving developers more real estate to play with. Games makers were beginning to master the business model of free-to-play games that charge for extra lives, power-ups or personalised outfits.

Mobile has gone from being a sideshow in the gaming market to its biggest source of revenue. Turning games into "live services", with a constant stream of new levels or limited-time events, can sustain a popular mobile game for just as long as a console title, if not longer.

Candy Crush Saga has been the most enduring global hit of that 2012 cohort. It has had three billion downloads and still attracts more than 200 million players a month.

This story is from the November 22, 2022 edition of The Straits Times.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the November 22, 2022 edition of The Straits Times.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE STRAITS TIMESView All
NORRIS RIDES A WAVE OF SUPPORT
The Straits Times

NORRIS RIDES A WAVE OF SUPPORT

Briton gets congratulations from peers and politicians after breakthrough win in Miami

time-read
3 mins  |
May 07, 2024
I DIDN'T WANT TO GO HOME: MITCHELL
The Straits Times

I DIDN'T WANT TO GO HOME: MITCHELL

Cavs’ Game 7 hero says they are in play-offs to win and will be ready for the Celtics

time-read
3 mins  |
May 07, 2024
SPEECH INSPIRES ACS(I) TO VICTORY
The Straits Times

SPEECH INSPIRES ACS(I) TO VICTORY

‘Psyched up’ by the sidelined Jeremiah, they beat St Andrew’s to regain B Div rugby title

time-read
3 mins  |
May 07, 2024
KRANJI'S VERY BIG 220 SURPRISE
The Straits Times

KRANJI'S VERY BIG 220 SURPRISE

Stunner saves Class 5 dweller from M’sia trip, gives Espindola 100 per cent record

time-read
3 mins  |
May 07, 2024
Expanding global outreach among priorities for SICCI as it turns lOO
The Straits Times

Expanding global outreach among priorities for SICCI as it turns lOO

Digitalisation and sustainability are two other focus areas for trade association

time-read
2 mins  |
May 07, 2024
The Straits Times

Indonesia's QI GDP growth beats forecasts but outlook uncertain

Keeping strong pace will be hard due to tight local monetary policy, global factors

time-read
2 mins  |
May 07, 2024
Qantas to pay $89m penalty over 'ghost flights'
The Straits Times

Qantas to pay $89m penalty over 'ghost flights'

Aussie airline will also compensate those who bought tickets on flights already axed

time-read
2 mins  |
May 07, 2024
Luxury watch investment firm found to be in breach of contract
The Straits Times

Luxury watch investment firm found to be in breach of contract

A company founded by Singaporean watch expert Dominic Khoo that runs a luxury timepiece investment scheme has been found by the High Court to have breached its contractual obligations to five investors from Hong Kong.

time-read
3 mins  |
May 07, 2024
The Straits Times

Jail for scam mastermind who cheated company director of 1.5m

Man who devised loan ruse to dupe victim into handing over sum gets 5-year sentence

time-read
3 mins  |
May 07, 2024
End of an era
The Straits Times

End of an era

Thambi Magazine Store in Holland Village closes down after more than 80 years

time-read
3 mins  |
May 07, 2024