In a surprising turn of events, a seemingly humble puzzle video game named Suika Game by Japan has become a global sensation, amassing over 5.17 million downloads since its unexpected surge in mid-September. The game, available on the Nintendo Switch, has captivated players worldwide, claiming the top spot in Nintendo Switch software downloads and dominating YouTube trends in 2023.
What is the Suika Game?
Suika Game, translating to Watermelon Game, follows a unique gameplay mechanic where players stack various fruits, creating a sequence from cherry to watermelon. Developed by Aladdin X, a home projector startup, the game was initially intended for family entertainment on their projector devices.
The game’s popularity skyrocketed when a few YouTubers, including renowned influencers like Hikakin and TV celebrity Shingo Katori, streamed themselves playing Suika Game. The viral videos quickly garnered attention, leading to an exponential increase in downloads. Suika Game surpassed 1 million downloads on October 6, hitting the 2 million mark by October 18, and recently reaching an impressive 5.17 million downloads as of Friday.
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Where do I download the Suika game?
The unexpected surge began in mid-September, with the number of daily downloads escalating from a dozen to tens of thousands within a month. Initially available only on the Nintendo Switch’s Japan store, the game expanded its reach globally in October and is now accessible in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, and Japanese.
How are Suika games played?
Suika Game, a Tetris-like puzzle with elements of 2048, challenges players to strategically stack fruits without overflowing the box. By matching two identical fruits, players create the next larger fruit in the sequence, culminating in the creation of a watermelon. The addictive nature of the game has been a key factor in its widespread popularity.
Impact on Aladdin X
Despite Suika Game’s unprecedented success, Aladdin X has not witnessed a significant boost in the sales of its core business, home projectors. However, the game has substantially increased the company’s name recognition, potentially paving the way for future developments.
Amid growing demands for a Suika Game smartphone app, Aladdin X remains tight-lipped on the matter. Senior Manager Takehiro Okamoto expressed a desire to make the game more accessible beyond the Nintendo Switch and home projectors, hinting at potential future expansions.
As Suika Game by Japan continues to enchant gamers globally, it leaves an indelible mark on the gaming landscape, proving that unexpected hits can emerge from even the most unconventional origins.
Top 5 FAQ-related topics
What triggered the sudden surge in popularity for Suika Game by Japan?
When well-known YouTubers began streaming themselves playing Suika Game, including influencers like Hikakin and TV personality Shingo Katori, the game unexpectedly gained popularity. In less than a month, the game saw tens of thousands of downloads every day, thanks to these videos’ rapid rise to fame.
Why did Aladdin X, a home projector startup, decide to develop a puzzle game like Suika Game?
Under the direction of its founder, Tao Cheng, Aladdin X sought to improve family time by offering entertainment via their projector devices. About two dozen apps, including Suika Game, were created by the company specifically for families to use on projectors. Its widespread success was aided by its subsequent release in December 2021 on the Nintendo Switch.
Has the popularity of Suika Game translated into increased sales for Aladdin X’s core business of home projectors?
Remarkably, Aladdin X’s home projector sales have not increased significantly as a result of the game’s popularity. Still, Suika Game’s success has brought the company widespread recognition, which is seen as a good beginning that could impact future business opportunities.
Are there plans to make Suika Game available on platforms other than the Nintendo Switch?
While there is a growing demand for a Suika Game smartphone app, Aladdin X has not provided explicit plans for such a development. Senior Manager Takehiro Okamoto expressed a desire to make the game more accessible beyond the Nintendo Switch and home projectors, leaving room for potential future expansions.
How did Suika Game’s gameplay contribute to its addictive nature and widespread appeal?
The Suika Game combines elements of Tetris and 2048, challenging players to strategically stack various fruits without overflowing the box. The uniqueness of creating a sequence from cherry to watermelon by merging identical fruits adds an engaging twist. Game reviewers often describe the experience as “addictive,” contributing to the game’s global success.
