King's latest venture, Candy Crush Solitaire, has quickly become a notable success in the mobile gaming world. By merging the beloved mechanics of their iconic match-three series with the classic TriPeaks Solitaire, this game has surpassed one million downloads. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it marks the fastest a tripeaks solitaire game has reached this milestone in over a decade.

While the number might not seem staggering at first glance, a closer look reveals its significance. Solitaire and its variations have been a staple in gaming since the dawn of home computing. However, on mobile platforms, they've often been eclipsed by more visually engaging and straightforward games. King, a dominant force in the casual puzzle market, has faced challenges in maintaining its lead. Their strategic move to combine elements from their successful franchise with a timeless puzzle game appears to have been a smart play, resonating well with players.

Another factor contributing to Candy Crush Solitaire's reach is its availability on alternative app stores. This was facilitated through King and Microsoft's partnership with Flexion, a move that has caught the attention of other major publishers like EA, who have also joined forces with Flexion. This trend suggests that alternative distribution channels could be key for publishers looking to expand their audience.

The success of Candy Crush Solitaire could signal more spin-offs from the Candy Crush series in the future. Additionally, it underscores the potential of alternative storefronts to significantly boost game downloads. Whether this will ultimately benefit the average player remains to be seen.

For those interested in the behind-the-scenes story of Candy Crush Solitaire, consider reading our interview with Marta Cortinas, one of the executive producers on the project, to gain deeper insights into King's latest release.