Swedish Developer Midjiwan Celebrates 20 Million Downloads of The Battle of Polytopia
Swedish developer Midjiwan has reached a major milestone with its popular strategy game, The Battle of Polytopia, surpassing 20 million downloads across Google Play and the App Store. Originally released as a Flash game in 2016, The Battle of Polytopia has achieved success on various platforms, including Steam, the Nintendo Switch, and even Tesla cars. In fact, the game’s popularity has led to the opening of a dedicated store in Stockholm, the Polytopia Shop of Souvenirs, where fans can purchase official merchandise.
Midjiwan general manager Christian Lövstedt attributes the game’s success to its unique approach to monetization. He states, “By reaching more than 20 million players, we’ve proven that you don’t need to be aggressive with monetization to have a successful mobile game. In fact, that’s exactly why our game is a hit – we focus on providing great gameplay, not the business model. These values will continue long into the future as we continue to grow across platforms and explore potential future titles in the Polytopia universe.”
The Road to Success
The Battle of Polytopia’s success can be attributed to its combination of mobile and PC gameplay, setting it apart from other mobile 4X strategy games. The game’s laidback monetization strategy, which prioritizes cosmetics and expansions over in-game currency or pay-to-win mechanics, has also resonated with players and critics alike. In fact, the game was awarded the “Excellence in Gameplay” prize at the 2017 International Mobile Gaming Awards.
Felix Ekenstam, founder and game designer of Midjiwan, shares his vision for the game, stating, “When I started making The Battle of Polytopia, I wanted to create a unique gaming experience that wasn’t already available. I aimed to build the best strategic game with the simplicity and accessibility of mobile gaming, without the aggressive monetization that turns off this audience. Now, with over 20 million downloads, I believe my vision for the game has been validated. I want to express my gratitude to the fans who have supported us on this journey, and I assure both existing and new players that we have exciting things planned for The Battle of Polytopia.”
In other news, Monster Hunter has achieved five million installs within its first week.