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ZeptoLab CEO Lyalin pegs Cut the Rope downloads at 85 million, paid version makes up 25%

Windows Phone and Symbian versions on the way

ZeptoLab CEO Lyalin pegs Cut the Rope downloads at 85 million, paid version makes up 25%
Comparisons between Angry Birds and Cut the Rope aren't unmerited.

ZeptoLab's smash hit may have little in common with Rovio's monster in terms of gameplay, but both releases have clocked up downloads at a rate that could make your eyes water.

Indeed, in an interview with paidContent.org, ZeptoLab CEO Misha Lyalin pegged the title's current download total – including those of free or lite versions – at 85 million, openly mentioning the game in the same breath as Rovio's landmark release.

Problem PlayBook?

"I haven't met a person who doesn't know what Cut the Rope is, and same with Angry Birds," said Lyalin, who also revealed the full, paid version accounts for a quarter of the game's download – more than 20 million.

"Still the number of people taking out Lite-version, free app, compared to those taking our premium version, is staggering. We believe we still have a chance to convert those so it's a premature question."

It's a total that's only set to go up, with the studio having recently unveiled a version for BlackBerry's PlayBook – though it would appear ZeptoLab doesn't hold out all too much hope for the tablet itself.

"Some platforms, like Kindle Fire and iOS, you start things and it just works, PlayBook is kind of similar," he added. 

"But don't make this about how nice RIM products are: I don't have many hopes for the PlayBook, but there are some who are choosing it and we will deliver the game to them."

Capital gains

Also coming up are Windows Phone and Symbian versions, though merchandise appears to be just as vital a tool in the company's arsenal as support for new platforms.

"There is an assumption that if you have a great mobile game you will be an expert in movies, animation and merchandising and the rest. Everything we can learn we will do ourselves; everything else we will partner," concluded Lyalin.

"We have been fortunate to make money from day one. Others are not so fortunate: gaming does require a lot of capital in order to succeed. It's not a simple job that can be done in a garage or apartment."

[source: paidContent.org]

With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.