CMGE Scores a Double Win Overseas | "Start with an Island" Recommended by Apple, "Monster Loop: Beast Reincarnation" Tops Google Play Popularity Chart in Japan
Over the past month, CMGE has been delivering one piece of good news after another in overseas markets.
"Start with an Island," published by CMGE, marked its one-month anniversary in the Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, and Malaysia markets, receiving an official editorial recommendation from Apple. Meanwhile, "Monster Loop: Beast Reincarnation" (hereinafter referred to as "Beast Reincarnation") climbed to the top of the Google Play Popularity Chart in Japan within its first week of launch.
Two products, two markets—yet behind them lies the same overseas development strategy that has been repeatedly validated: selecting mature games that have been thoroughly proven in the domestic market, focusing on key Asian countries and regions, and continuously expanding the product portfolio in territories where publishing success has already been achieved. This model has been successfully executed across multiple markets and products, with a steady pace and a step-by-step approach.
"Start with an Island" One-Month Report: Revenue Exceeds Expectations by 40%, Backed by Apple Editor's Recommendation
On July 30, "Start with an Island" launched across all platforms in the Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, and Malaysia markets. This title, which blends tower defense gameplay, island management, and RPG progression, was thoroughly validated in the domestic market before being brought to overseas regions with similar cultural backgrounds.
Prior to launch, total pre-registrations across all channels surpassed 500,000. Shortly after going live, the game quickly rose to No. 3 on the App Store Free Charts in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau, and No. 3 on the Google Play Free Games Chart in Taiwan.
The real surprise, however, came from the first-month results—revenue exceeded the projected target by 40%.
As the game reached its one-month milestone, it also caught the attention of Apple's official editorial team, securing a spot on the App Store "Game Category Banner Recommendation" and the exclusive "Topic Work" icon recommendation in the Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau regions.
Apple's editorial recommendation mechanism is based on a comprehensive assessment of game quality, innovation, and user experience, and is largely free from commercial interests. The product's ability to stand out among numerous games in Japan means it has gained access to a highly valuable source of organic traffic.
The game has also earned solid reviews. As of now, it holds ratings of 4.8 and 4.6 (out of 5) on the App Store and Google Play, respectively, in Taiwan.
This achievement is inseparable from the company's meticulous execution in localized operations. The game deeply integrates its "stir-fry tower defense" concept with Taiwan's vibrant stir-fry dining culture, partnering with 42 popular stir-fry restaurants across the island to extend the gaming experience from online into the daily lives of local users.
On the digital front, the company enlisted local KOLs spanning entertainment, mukbang, outdoor fishing, and other niches to generate layered exposure across multiple audience segments. With the one-month anniversary promotional campaigns in full swing, the buzz around "Start with an Island" continues to build.
"Beast Reincarnation" Triumphs in Japan in Its First Week: Tops Google Play Popularity Chart
On August 27, "Beast Reincarnation" officially launched across all platforms in the Japanese market.
The game had already built significant momentum prior to launch: on the very first day of pre-registration, it topped the pre-registration chart on Japan's leading game information site "GameWith," and also secured the No. 1 spot on Japan's largest mobile game pre-registration platform "Yoyaku Top 10." Both chart-topping records were maintained for a full week. Total pre-registrations in Japan exceeded 300,000.
In its first week, the game achieved a 4.4 rating (out of 5) on the Japanese App Store and ranked No. 1 on the Google Play Rising Popularity Chart, outperforming multiple new titles released during the same period.
The Japanese market has long been known for its high barriers and high rewards—users demonstrate strong willingness to pay and high loyalty, but their expectations for quality and operations are also extremely demanding.
The positive market feedback received within the first week confirms the solid foundation of "Beast Reincarnation" in both core gameplay and localization adaptation. This is not only a strong start for the product but also a testament to the company's publishing capabilities and product quality control in high-barrier global markets.
Two Products, One Logic: Taking Mature Products Global While Deepening Regional Market Presence
CMGE's overseas strategy is clear and straightforward: prioritize mature games that have been thoroughly validated in the domestic market, focus on key Asian countries and regions, and continue to expand the product lineup in territories where publishing success has already been achieved.
Historically, CMGE has successfully launched multiple titles in Asian markets, including "New Legend of the Condor Heroes," "Dynasty Warriors: Overlords," "New Chinese Paladin: Sword and Love," and "Soul Land: Shrek Academy." Among these, "New Legend of the Condor Heroes" generated over RMB 100 million in first-month revenue in the Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau regions, while "Dynasty Warriors: Overlords" and "New Chinese Paladin: Sword and Love" each surpassed USD 10 million in first-month revenue in those same regions.
- The pace of overseas product launches will accelerate further in the second half of the year, including:
- The launch of "Start with an Island" in Europe, the Americas, Korea, and Southeast Asia;
- The launch of "Battle Through the Heavens: Peak Showdown" in Vietnam and Korea;
- The launch of "Legend of Sword and Fairy" in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, and Malaysia, as well as on Steam overseas;
- l The launch of "Soul Land: Shrek Academy" in Russia.
In addition, CMGE is collaborating with NetDragon Websoft, a Hong Kong-listed company on the Main Board, on "Pocket Conquer"—a 3D mobile game rebuilt from NetDragon's self-developed PC title "Conquer." This game will focus on expanding into Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, and other Southeast Asian markets, injecting significant growth momentum into the company's overseas business. Stay tuned!