WeChat Gets Brawl Stars: Supercell Launches Popular Game as Minigame
Brawl Stars, the hit multiplayer game by Supercell, has just landed on WeChat, but in a whole new way. It’s now available as a minigame, meaning players in China can jump in without even downloading an app. That’s huge news for mobile gamers, and it’s not just about fun.
We’re watching something big happen here. Supercell, best known for games like Clash of Clans, is using WeChat’s massive reach to bring Brawl Stars to millions of new users. It’s a smart move. In China, WeChat is part of daily life, used for messaging, shopping, and now even gaming. Now, Brawl Stars joins that mix.
This launch is about more than simply releasing a game. It’s a fresh strategy, blending global gaming with local tech trends. We’ll explore what this means for players, how it helps Supercell, and why it could change how mobile games grow in the future. Let’s dig in.
WeChat Welcomes Brawl Stars: Supercell’s Mini‑Game Power Play
Brawl Stars, the hit multiplayer mobile game from Supercell, is now playable as a minigame inside WeChat, no download needed. This matters. WeChat is China’s must-have super app, used daily for chat, payments, rides, and right now, gaming. It already hosts roughly 500 million monthly mini‑game players.
We think this is smart. Supercell is directly reaching China’s huge WeChat audience with this move. Users can play instantly. And they can jump in, play a round, and share results,all without leaving chat. WeChat’s built‑in social features make games fun and viral.
In addition to Brawl Stars, Supercell is also gearing up to launch Clash Royale on WeChat, with a release expected this September. It’s part of a clear plan by Supercell and Tencent, which owns most of Supercell since 2016, to blend global gaming hits into China’s local ecosystem.
What Is Brawl Stars?
Brawl Stars was released worldwide in December 2018 by Supercell. It’s a fast-paced hero shooter crossed with a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA). Players select “Brawlers” and jump into game modes like 3v3 battles, Battle Royale, and Brawl Ball.
The game has a deep global following. In late 2024, it hit over 94 million downloads in a single year and grossed around $3 billion in global revenue.
What Are WeChat Minigames?
WeChat mini‑games launched in 2018. They let users play instantly inside WeChat, no app store, no install. That ease is a game-changer: 500 million people play mini‑games every month, and over 300 titles have earned more than RMB 10 million (~ US$1.4 million) per quarter.
This format fits perfectly with casual moments, like waiting in line or chatting with friends. WeChat’s payment and social tools, like sharing scores and gifts, add even more engagement and monetization.
Supercell + WeChat: A Winning Combo
Jakub Barczyk, Supercell’s business lead, explained they’re building “seamless integration” so players can use their existing accounts, save progress, and move between mobile and WeChat versions.
By working with Tencent, Supercell gets everything from regulatory approval to platform tools and local knowledge. That helps them avoid the roadblocks global studios usually face in China.
Tailoring for China
Brawl Stars has already been live across iOS and Android in China since June 2020, thanks to Tencent. For WeChat, they likely kept the same licensed version, with built‑in support for WeChat features, like in-app pay, chat‑based invites, and synchronized progress.
This strategy skips app store barriers and makes full use of WeChat Pay and social features. It benefits both players and boosts Supercell’s earnings.
What Comes Next for Brawl Stars?
Placing Brawl Stars in WeChat widens its reach. New players in China can try it easily, and social features push virality. The success here may lead Supercell to do the same with future titles or expand to other platforms like Facebook or WhatsApp.
We might also see more collaborations between Western game studios and WeChat, which supports games across genres.
Wider Impact on Mobile Gaming
This move shows how super‑apps are reshaping the industry. Platforms like TikTok and now WeChat let users play instantly. That disrupts the traditional model of downloading and long installs.
Developers now plan games for these ecosystems. Monetization shifts, too, from in-app ads to in-app purchases that run smoothly inside chats and social feeds.
Challenges & Trade‑Offs
There are limits. Mini‑games must be light and fast. Some complex features may be cut. Monetization could be slower than full apps.
And Supercell is facing stiff competition from China’s homegrown giants like Tencent’s own game studios and industry leaders like miHoYo and NetEase. Still, WeChat integration gives them a head start.
Conclusion
Bringing Brawl Stars to WeChat isn’t just about adding a game—it’s about launching a whole new way to play. We’re seeing global hits brought into local ecosystems. WeChat’s over‑the‑air access and social loops make playing easy and fun. For Supercell, it unlocks China like never before. For players, it’s more choices at their fingertips.
As gamers, we’re seeing the rise of a new era: mini‑games inside super‑apps, fast, social, and skipping the install hurdle. WeChat has introduced one of the most popular titles in mobile gaming to its platform. We think this is the start of something big.
FAQS:
Brawl Stars got popular because it’s fast, fun, and easy to play. People enjoy quick battles, cool characters, and playing with friends anytime, anywhere.
Yes, Supercell made the Chinese version too. But they partnered with Tencent to help release and manage it in China with local rules and support.
Supercell made Brawl Stars to give players a new type of fun. They wanted a fast, team-based game that works great on phones and feels exciting.
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and not financial advice. Always conduct your research