In a week that's been overshadowed by premium releases from the likes of Gameloft (N.O.V.A. 2, Shadow Guardian), Square Enix (Lara Croft), Firemint (Real Racing 2), and EA (Mortal Kombat 3), and then further confused by EA's decision to have 68 games in its catalog priced at 99c, it's not been a good time for an indie developer to release an unbranded game.
Yet, demonstrating the power of targeting a niche genre and building a community prior to launch, Aralon: Sword and Shadow, a hardcore RPG from tiny indie outfits Crescent Moon and Galoobeth Games, has bucked the trend.
High price, high demand
Thanks to a pricetag of $6.99, the universal app peaked in the UK top gross iPhone chart at #6 (#22 in the US), and #10 in the top grossing iPad chart.
To-date, it's sold over 10,000 units since it was released just over 24 hours ago, 1,600 of which came in the first hour.
"With all huge releases coming out at the same time, we had no idea Aralon would make it into the top 10," said Josh Presseisen, Crescent Moon's founder and creative director.
"For a small company, basically a few guys who work from home and communicate via skype, this is absolutely unbelieveable. We are all so happy that all of the hard work paid off."
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Contributing Editor
A Pocket Gamer co-founder, Jon is Contributing Editor at PG.biz which means he acts like a slightly confused uncle who's forgotten where he's left his glasses. As well as letters and cameras, he likes imaginary numbers and legumes.
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