Aptoide report finds 73% of developers expect revenue boost from alternative app stores

A new report from Aptoide reveals growing discontent among mobile game developers toward the dominance of Apple’s App Store and Google Play, as 73% expect double-digit revenue growth from adopting alternative app distribution platforms.

The CTRL ALT DEL Campaign White Paper, based on a survey of 300 senior professionals from mobile game studios in the US and UK, shows that 87% of developers still rely on Apple and Google for most of their revenue, but the majority believe this dependence is unsustainable. Eighty-four percent said the industry cannot survive long-term under the control of just two major stores.

According to the report, developers are increasingly frustrated by the constraints of the current system. High platform fees (51%), rising marketing and acquisition costs (46%), and rigid policies (44%) were identified as top concerns, along with discoverability challenges (43%). Nearly two-thirds (67%) expressed worry about their reliance on the two dominant platforms.

As regulatory changes such as the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) open the door to new distribution models, developers are looking beyond traditional app stores for growth. The report found that 74% of respondents expect alternative app stores to become a central part of their distribution strategy within the next five years, citing better economics, more flexible monetization, and greater creative freedom as key motivators.

Aptoide CEO and co-founder Paulo Trezentos said the findings highlight an inflection point for the mobile gaming ecosystem:

“For too long, an entrenched duopoly has stifled commercial and creative potential, setting too many rules and taking too much revenue. Developers are ready to reclaim control. Alternative app stores are unlocking new opportunities for innovation and fairer economics.”

The report also points to growing support for a more diverse app ecosystem that encourages competition and transparency. Developers surveyed see alternative app stores not only as a means of improving margins but also as a way to reach untapped audiences across emerging markets and niche gaming communities.