Candy Crush Saga, the massively popular mobile matching game, has hit an extraordinary milestone by accumulating $20 billion in revenue since its inception in 2012. The game’s maker, King, announced the news and also revealed future plans for the game, including adding levels up to 15,000. This article provides an in-depth analysis of Candy Crush Saga’s journey to this milestone, the comments from King’s management, and the implications for the mobile gaming industry.

A Brief History of Candy Crush Saga

Originally debuting on a website, Candy Crush Saga gained significant traction when it moved to Facebook and subsequently to mobile platforms. To date, the game has been downloaded an astounding 5 billion times. In particular, its transition to mobile platforms is when the game truly captured the public’s attention.

The Freemium Business Model

Candy Crush Saga is notable for popularizing the “freemium” model in mobile gaming. Under this model, players can download and play the game for free but have the option to make in-app purchases to enhance their gameplay. Alternatively, they can also watch advertisements to gain extra moves. This business model has been integral in reaching the $20 billion revenue milestone.

Remarks from King’s Management

In a recent interview, King President Tjodolf Sommestad expressed that Candy Crush Saga and other King titles like Farm Heroes Saga have proven that mobile games can possess long-term appeal. “We’ve proven to ourselves and to the industry that it is possible to reignite games that are years old and keep them relevant for a decade or longer,” Sommestad stated. He emphasized that the game has been able to break records even a decade after its initial release.

Todd Green, the general manager of Candy Crush, highlighted that the game is constantly updated to maintain player interest. Enhancements range from optimizing minor details like the bounce of candies landing on the grid to introducing new levels, such as the forthcoming 15,000-level milestone.

Industry Significance

According to Sommestad, Candy Crush has been the top-grossing franchise in U.S. app stores for the last six years. This fact not only underscores the game’s success but also presents a formidable challenge for new developers entering the market. “The bar is very high, and it takes a lot to launch a new game nowadays,” Sommestad said.

Ownership and Financial Contribution

Since 2016, King has been a part of Activision Blizzard, the U.S. company also known for the “Call of Duty” franchise. In the second quarter of this year, King accounted for $747 million in net revenue, making up 31% of Activision Blizzard’s total revenue. The acquisition by Microsoft of Activision Blizzard for $69 billion further adds to the conversation around Candy Crush’s valuation and future within the conglomerate.

Conclusion

Candy Crush Saga’s achievement of $20 billion in revenue is a testament to the game’s enduring appeal and the effectiveness of its freemium business model. As King plans to introduce more levels and continue to optimize the user experience, the game shows no signs of slowing down. This enduring success story highlights not only the potential for longevity in the mobile gaming space but also sets a high bar for new entrants. With King’s sustained efforts in maintaining the game’s relevance and an impressive contribution to Activision Blizzard’s earnings, Candy Crush Saga looks set to maintain its high-grossing status for years to come.

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