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Nexters’ ‘Hero Wars: Alliance’ Reaches $1.5 Billion Milestone

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 26, 2024

Nexters, the international game development company based in Limassol, Cyprus, has recently announced that its flagship mobile game, “Hero Wars: Alliance,” has surpassed $1.5 billion in revenue. This achievement is underpinned by over 150 million downloads across Android and iOS platforms, securing its position as a top contender in the global mobile gaming market.

“Hero Wars: Alliance” has achieved significant success since its launch, consistently ranking within the top tiers of mobile RPG games worldwide. According to AppMagic, the game has attained the #4 spot in the Worldwide Top Free RPG Games rankings and is listed among the Top 20 Grossing RPG Games globally. This impressive performance reflects Nexters’ ability to blend engaging gameplay with effective monetisation strategies, catering to a broad and dedicated user base.

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The game’s success can be attributed to its captivating blend of strategy and role-playing elements, appealing to a diverse audience. Players engage in building and strengthening their teams of heroes, competing in various in-game events, and participating in alliances that foster community and collaboration. This multifaceted approach has helped maintain high user engagement and retention rates, critical factors in the mobile gaming industry’s competitive landscape.

Nexters has also demonstrated adeptness in leveraging partnerships and media coverage to bolster its game’s visibility and reach. The company’s acknowledgement of support from industry media outlets like Mobidictum, PocketGamer.com, Game World Observer, and GamesPress underscores the role of strategic public relations in amplifying their milestones and achievements.

The $1.5 billion revenue mark is not merely a financial achievement but also a testament to the company’s innovative approach and market acumen. It highlights Nexters’ capability to sustain growth and profitability in a highly volatile and competitive market. The success of “Hero Wars: Alliance” positions Nexters as a formidable player in the mobile gaming industry, showcasing its potential for future developments and expansions.

Looking ahead, Nexters is likely to continue capitalising on the momentum generated by “Hero Wars: Alliance.” The company’s focus on enhancing game features, expanding its player base, and exploring new market opportunities will be crucial for maintaining its growth trajectory. As the mobile gaming sector continues to evolve, Nexters’ strategic vision and execution will be key determinants of its long-term success.

The Decline Of Smartwatches: A Turning Point In The Wearable Tech Industry

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 13, 2025

For the first time in history, the smartwatch market is facing a significant downturn. Shipments are expected to drop by 7% in 2024, marking a major shift in a segment that has been growing steadily for over a decade. A report by Counterpoint reveals that while Apple still holds the top spot, its dominance is being challenged by a surge from Chinese brands like Huawei, Xiaomi, and BBK. Even as the overall market struggles, some companies are thriving.

The Big Picture: Why Smartwatches Are Slowing Down

Apple’s flagship products have long been the driving force in the smartwatch market, but even the tech giant is feeling the pressure. The company’s shipments are projected to fall by 19% this year, though it will remain the market leader. Meanwhile, brands from China are capitalizing on the shift, with Huawei showing an impressive 35% growth in sales, driven by the booming domestic market and a broad range of offerings, including smartwatches for kids.

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Xiaomi, too, is experiencing remarkable success, with a staggering 135% increase in sales. In contrast, Samsung is seeing more modest growth, up 3%, thanks to its latest Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra series.

While some companies are succeeding, the broader market is facing headwinds. The biggest factor behind the overall decline is the slowdown in India, where consumer demand for smartwatches has stagnated. The segment is suffering from a lack of innovation and fresh updates, leaving many consumers with little incentive to upgrade their devices. Add to that market saturation, and it’s clear why many users are content with their current models. The Chinese market, however, is bucking the trend, showing 6% growth in 2024.

A Glimpse Into The Future

Looking ahead, the smartwatch market may begin to recover in 2025, driven by the increasing integration of AI and advanced health monitoring tools. As these technologies evolve, the industry could see a resurgence in demand.

Huawei’s Remarkable Comeback

Huawei’s impressive performance in the smartwatch space signals a broader recovery for the company, which has been hit hard by US sanctions. Once the world’s largest smartphone maker, Huawei’s business was decimated when it lost access to advanced chips and Google’s Android operating system in 2019. But in China, Huawei has maintained its dominance, with its market share growing to 17% in 2024.

This resurgence was partly driven by the launch of the Mate 60 Pro, a smartphone featuring a 7-nanometer chip developed in China. Despite US sanctions, the device surprised many with its capabilities, a testament to China’s rising investment in domestic semiconductor production.

In February, Huawei also unveiled its Mate XT foldable smartphone, the world’s first device to fold in three directions. Running on HarmonyOS 4.2, Huawei’s proprietary operating system, the phone further demonstrates the company’s resilience and ability to innovate despite international challenges.

Huawei’s smartwatch offerings are also catching attention, particularly the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro, which launched in September of last year. With a premium titanium alloy design, a high-resolution AMOLED display, and impressive health tracking features, the GT 5 Pro has become a standout in the market, available to both Android and iOS users.

A Brief History Of The Smartwatch Revolution

The smartwatch market has had its fair share of milestones, but the real breakthrough came in 2012 with the Pebble, a Kickstarter-funded project that raised over $10 million. Pebble introduced the world to smartphone integration, app downloads, and long battery life, becoming the first truly mass-market smartwatch.

In 2013, Samsung entered the game with the Galaxy Gear, marking its first attempt at wearable tech. But it was Apple’s entry in 2014 that truly set the industry on fire. The Apple Watch’s sleek design, integration with iOS, and emphasis on health and fitness catapulted it to the top of the market, establishing a standard that many other brands would try to follow.

By 2021, the smartwatch industry had grown to over $30 billion in revenue, with annual growth reaching 20%. Yet now, it finds itself at a crossroads, with innovation stagnating and market saturation taking a toll.