Revolutionizing Mobile Gaming: Skich's Journey from Discovery App to Alternative Store
In an industry ripe for innovation, Skich emerges as a groundbreaking force, aiming to redefine how we discover and engage with mobile games. Starting as a discovery and recommendation app, Skich is now on the path to creating its own alternative app store, leveraging recent regulatory changes to carve out a niche in the competitive app market landscape.
With a user-friendly interface reminiscent of Tinder for mobile games, Skich allows users to swipe left or right to express interest in games, offering a customizable experience including sorting, collecting, launching, and deleting games as per their preferences. This intuitive approach to game discovery is complemented by a feature that showcases the "best game of the week," attracting a base of around 100,000 users and experiencing organic growth of approximately 25% month-to-month.
Skich's focus on product metrics rather than just audience growth reflects a strategic understanding of the challenges in distributing an alternative app store. Sergey Budkovski, CEO of Skich, highlights the impact of the EU’s Digital Markets Act in facilitating the emergence of alternative app stores by opening the market and leveling the playing field.
By the end of 2024, Skich aims to launch the Skich Store, entering a realm with significant competition but armed with a keen focus on discoverability for developers. This venture draws inspiration from Spotify’s transformation of the music industry, with Skich betting on changing the mobile gaming landscape through enhanced game discovery and recommendation.
Skich’s algorithm, designed to understand a gamer's preferences over time, aims to connect hardcore gamers with games that resonate, improving recommendations. Matchmaking gamers with suitable games and offering tools for developers to navigate the changing market landscape is at the core of Skich's mission.
Founded in 2020 as a pet project by Budkovski, Skich transitioned to a full-time endeavor in April 2022, reflecting the team's commitment to bringing their vision to life. With an initial funding of $1 million from GEM Capital, the company plans to initiate a new funding round to fuel further growth.
Skich stands at the forefront of compliance with EU laws, ready to adapt to market changes, much like those anticipated in the United States due to platforms akin to Spotify's influence on the music sector. As mobile gaming continues to evolve, Skich's innovative approach to game discovery and distribution positions it as a key player in shaping the future of the industry.
Analyst comment
Positive news: Skich’s Journey from Discovery App to Alternative Store represents a groundbreaking force in the mobile gaming industry. With its user-friendly interface and focus on discoverability, Skich aims to redefine how we engage with mobile games. The company’s strategic understanding of regulatory changes and its commitment to compliance with EU laws positions Skich as a key player in shaping the future of the industry. The company’s organic growth and planned launch of the Skich Store indicate a positive outlook for the market.
