Japan Go Association app sees new users rise 2.8 times in nine days

UNBALANCE reported that new users of its mobile Go app, co-developed with the Japan Go Association, rose 2.8 times in the nine days from October 16 to 24 compared with the immediately preceding nine days, according to gamespark.jp.

The company said the day-one retention rate rose 1.4 times over the same period, while first-time in-app purchasers rose 7.8 times and sales rose 3.2 times.

UNBALANCE said the fact that retention climbed alongside new users indicates the increase is not merely a temporary spike.

The app is distributed free of charge on iOS and Android.

Go titles released in late October

Japan's Go player population peaked in 1982 and has fallen to about one tenth of that level. In October 2025, several Go-based games appeared: a creator released a steampunk-style Go title on October 21, with its formal version launching on October 24, and reported more than 10,000 visitors and close to 35,000 games played by October 27. Another Go-based game was released on October 27, and a third followed on October 29, which its creator said was inspired by the steampunk title and built around a concept meant to feel rewarding.