iOS/Android/Steam Sales Case Study: Golf Peaks

This case study examines the sales performance and discoverability of the puzzle game Golf Peaks across iOS, Android, and Steam. By analyzing data from the developer, Afterburn, the study highlights the critical role of platform-specific editorial featuring in driving sales for premium mobile-first titles. The findings demonstrate that store features and version updates consistently correlate with significant spikes in unit sales, particularly in North American markets, which accounted for over 50% of total sales on both iOS and Android.

The analysis covers the period between the game’s initial launch in November 2018 and late 2019. While the game was designed for mobile, it was also ported to Steam, where it achieved 2,250 sales. Notably, the game maintained a high review-to-purchase ratio of 1:37.5 and a wishlist-to-purchase conversion rate of 1:3.6, suggesting a highly engaged, albeit niche, audience on PC. The developer successfully recouped development costs within one month of launch, a result attributed to a disciplined five-month development cycle and the lower operational costs associated with being based in Poland.

Methodologically, the study relies on direct sales data provided by the developer, supplemented by qualitative insights from an interview regarding marketing strategies and platform expectations. The findings underscore that for small, premium-priced indie games, success is heavily dependent on securing editorial support from platform holders. The developer concludes that while mobile-first titles face challenges on PC, maintaining a manageable project scope and focusing on core mechanics are essential strategies for new teams to achieve financial sustainability in the current market.