App makers like King.com and Smule Inc were among the app companies who were not swayed with the opportunities that reportedly came with the recent USD7.2 billion buyout of Nokia Oyj by Microsoft Corp. The two companies had been avoiding making apps for Microsoft's Windows Phone software for a while. They deduced that regardless of the outcome of the acquisition, the software giant would not have the volume of users for them to spend their time and money.
In an interview, Development head and co-creator Tommy Palm of King.com said, "With or without Nokia, Microsoft needs to demonstrate that they can capture a material segment of the mobile market. We will wait and see." King.com developed Candy Crush, the most addictive game in the world.
Bloomberg's interviews with over a dozen of mobile developers confirmed the hesitation of many app makers to partner up with Microsoft. Microsoft only had a small share in the smartphone market share, and it was evident, for example. with its number of apps for the Windows Phone. While Google Android had over 1 million apps and Apple iOS over 900,000, Windows Phone only had more than 175,000 applications.
The report by Bloomberg said the bottom line was that developers would choose to build apps for the most profitable platform. Co-founder William Hurley of Chaotic Moon, whose apps included theme games for Walt Disney Co characters and Dragon Academy, said, "What basket would you put your eggs (in)?"
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