The Enduring Success of Talking Tom: Uncovering the Secrets Behind 26 Billion Downloads

Unless you're familiar with the mobile sector, you might be surprised to learn that Talking Tom, a long-running franchise, has achieved an astonishing 26 billion downloads. This phenomenal figure is equivalent to nearly every person on Earth downloading three Talking Tom games. The franchise's success can be attributed to its ability to adapt and expand its reach over the years. With around 40 games in the series, although many have been discontinued, Talking Tom has become a household name, especially in countries like India, Brazil, and China. The numbers may vary, but according to Outfit7, the publisher behind the franchise, the 26 billion figure is accurate and includes reinstalls. The company's confidence in this figure stems from the fact that they only count installs when the user has opened the game and begun to play. So, what's the secret to Outfit7's success? The answer lies in the fact that the first Talking Tom game was released at the dawn of the smartphone era, allowing it to capitalize on the emerging market. Outfit7's founders, Samo and Iza Login, experimented with various apps, but Talking Tom Cat was the only one that gained significant traction. The company has since focused on developing the Talking Tom franchise, releasing a series of virtual pet games featuring Tom and his friends. In 2017, Outfit7 was acquired by Zhejiang Jinke Peroxide Company, which has enabled the company to expand its reach and explore new opportunities. Today, Outfit7 operates with a global mindset, monitoring performance across regions and learning from cultural nuances. The company's approach is centered around three core principles: inclusivity, global thinking, and long-term commitment. By creating games that cater to a wide audience, from kids to grandparents, Outfit7 has been able to maintain its success over the years. The company's flagship titles, such as Talking Tom and My Talking Angela, continue to thrive, with some games boasting up to 10 million daily active users. Outfit7's success can also be attributed to its ability to adapt to changing trends and its willingness to experiment with new genres and game mechanics. While the company has explored various spin-off titles, it has ultimately focused on developing a core set of games that fit within the virtual pet genre. The aim is to create an ecosystem where users can migrate from one game to another, keeping them engaged through different channels. With a team of around 400 people worldwide, Outfit7 is committed to making games that players will enjoy and want to spend time in. The company's secret sauce lies in not treating games as a 'cash-generating machine,' but rather focusing on creating experiences that resonate with players. As the mobile market becomes increasingly saturated, Outfit7 is looking to expand its reach through various transmedia enterprises, including animated series, licensed toys, and merchandise. The company is also exploring opportunities in areas such as films, audio content, live-action shows, and immersive experiences. With a bold vision to become a multi-IP, multi-platform entertainment company, Outfit7 is poised for continued growth and success in the years to come.