Candy Crush in the Apple Store: Trends and Insights
Intro
Candy Crush has become a staple in mobile gaming since its launch. This popular match-three puzzle game attracts millions of players around the world. In the context of the Apple Store, Candy Crush stands out as a leader in its genre. The game has evolved significantly since its inception. Understanding its journey and success offers insights into the mobile gaming landscape.
Analyzing Candy Crush involves looking at several aspects. This includes gameplay mechanics, player demographics, monetization strategies, and app store optimization. Each factor contributes to its lasting appeal. Moreover, the game influences trends within the mobile industry, shaping how we view casual gaming.
Players of all ages engage with Candy Crush. It is not just a game but a community. Players share techniques, experiences, and secrets, enhancing their enjoyment. As an ever-evolving game, it is important to explore its current status, user engagement, and predictions for the future.
Game Review
Gameplay Mechanics
At its core, Candy Crush features simple yet addictive mechanics. Players swap adjacent candies to create combinations and clear obstacles. The goal is to match three or more candies of the same color. As players progress, they encounter various levels with unique challenges, including jelly-filled squares and chocolate barriers. This simplicity in design allows for immediate accessibility, yet each level introduces new challenges and complexity. The levels often vary in objectives, keeping player engagement at a high level.
Graphics and Visuals
Visually, Candy Crush is appealing and bright. The use of vibrant colors ensures that candies are enticing. The game features playful animations that make each match rewarding. These design choices enhance the overall experience. Players witness delightful effects with each successful move, which promotes positive reinforcement and encourages further play.
Storyline and Narratives
Candy Crush does not emphasize a deep storyline. However, it does incorporate light narratives as players progress through different candy kingdoms. Each episode introduces new characters and settings. While not critical to gameplay, these narratives add a charm that some players appreciate. The narrative serves to create a sense of journey through the colorful landscapes.
In-game Features and Customization Options
Players have access to various in-game features in Candy Crush. Boosters enhance gameplay, providing advantages on difficult levels. Additionally, players can participate in timed events that offer unique challenges and rewards. While customization options for avatars are limited, the game does allow players to connect with friends through social features. This social aspect creates a competitive edge, as friends can share achievements and compete on leaderboards.
Tips and Tricks
Level Walkthroughs
For players seeking to conquer challenging levels, walkthroughs are invaluable. Many online forums, like Reddit, provide detailed strategies for tricky levels. Understanding the layout and objectives can significantly reduce frustration while improving success rates.
Strategies for Effective Gameplay
Here are a few effective strategies to enhance gameplay:
- Prioritize objectives over candy matching.
- Focus on creating special candies, like striped and rainbow candies.
- Use boosters wisely to navigate difficult levels.
- Plan moves ahead, considering potential chains.
Hidden Secrets and Easter Eggs
Many players enjoy uncovering hidden secrets in Candy Crush. These may include hidden levels or unique candy types. Keeping a lookout for these can add an exciting layer to the experience. Players are encouraged to explore each level thoroughly.
Character or Equipment Guides
While the character feature is not pronounced, players can utilize the various boosters available. Knowing when and how to use them enhances the gameplay. Players often find guides that provide insights into using specific boosters effectively.
Community Highlights
User-generated Content Showcases
The community around Candy Crush is vibrant. Players often share their achievements through social media platforms. Showcasing high scores or completed challenges fosters a sense of camaraderie among players.
Gaming Events and Tournaments Coverage
Candy Crush regularly hosts events and tournaments. These events engage the community and offer rewards to participants. It is crucial for players to stay updated on upcoming events for a chance at unique prizes.
Q&A Sessions with Gamers
Q&A sessions often bring together experienced players and newcomers. These interactions help players overcome challenges and improve their strategies. They facilitate knowledge sharing within the community.
Spotlight on Gaming Community Influencers
Influencers within the Candy Crush community play a significant role. They create content, share strategies, and engage with their followers. Highlighting influential figures helps to promote continued player engagement.
Ending
As we delve into Candy Crush, it becomes clear that the game is more than just a pastime. Its innovative gameplay mechanics, supportive community, and strategic depth all contribute to its immense popularity. The analysis presented here offers a snapshot of Candy Crush's impact, making it an enduring fixture in the Apple Store. Examining its nuances provides valuable insights into mobile gaming trends and future developments.
Preamble to Candy Crush
Candy Crush has established itself as a cornerstone of mobile gaming, influencing both players and developers alike. The significance of this topic lies in understanding how Candy Crush operates within the mobile app ecosystem, particularly in the Apple Store. An in-depth examination of this game offers insights into its mechanics, audience, and its overall impact on the gaming landscape.
Exploring Candy Crush allows us to analyze not only its achievements but also the strategies employed that contribute to its longevity. The mechanics and designs set the foundation for a user-friendly yet challenging experience that engages diverse players.
Additionally, considering how user reception in the Apple Store influences the game's popularity is essential. User reviews, ratings, and engagement metrics all play a crucial role in how a game is perceived and adopted. Understanding these factors can provide a roadmap for future mobile gaming ventures.
Overview of Candy Crush
Candy Crush is a match-three puzzle game developed by King, released initially in 2012. Its premise is simple yet addictive: players must match three or more candies of the same color to clear them from the board. Successfully completing levels unlocks new candy types, obstacles, and increasingly complex challenges.
The design is visually appealing, utilizing bright colors and playful animations to keep players engaged. Players progress through various levels, each with distinctive goals, boosting replay value. This structure appeals to casual players, making it accessible and enticing.
The game's success can be attributed to its clever blend of simplicity and complexity, allowing new players to learn quickly while providing depth for more experienced users. Candy Crush not only garners millions of downloads but has also cultivated a culturally relevant brand, inspiring merchandise, spin-off games, and even television adaptations.
Historical Context of Mobile Gaming
The rise of mobile gaming in the late 2000s marked a seismic shift in the gaming industry. The proliferation of smartphones changed how games were developed, marketed, and consumed. Before this era, gaming was largely confined to consoles and PCs.
Candy Crush emerged during a time when casual gaming was gaining momentum. Titles like Angry Birds had already set a precedent for easy-to-learn games that could provide quick entertainment. The touchscreen mechanics of mobile devices enabled a more interactive experience compared to previous methods.
The game capitalized on the free-to-play model, which allowed players to download the app at no cost, with monetization occurring through in-app purchases. This strategic move attracted a broader audience, resulting in Candy Crush reaching an impressive number of daily users. In this rapidly evolving landscape, Candy Crush became emblematic of mobile gaming's potential and the evolving expectations of players.
Candy Crush and the Apple Store
The relationship between Candy Crush and the Apple Store serves as a vital framework for understanding the game's wide-reaching impact and enduring success. The Apple Store is not just a marketplace; it is a space where community, innovation, and technology converge. For Candy Crush, being available on this platform has significantly influenced its growth trajectory and user engagement. It offers a flexible environment that allows players to download, update, and share their experiences easily. Moreover, the accessibility of Candy Crush on the Apple Store has democratized gaming, allowing a broader audience to engage with it across different demographics.
Availability in the Apple Store
Candy Crush is readily available on the Apple Store, ensuring that players around the globe can access it without limitations. This broad availability plays a crucial role in maintaining and boosting its player base. By offering the game as a free download, Candy Crush has successfully lowered the barrier to entry. It effectively attracts new players and allows them to explore the game’s offerings before committing financial resources. Additionally, frequent updates and seasonal events keep the game fresh and engaging for existing players, thereby enhancing its retention rate.
The integration of in-app purchases within the app provides a seamless experience. Users can choose to enhance their gameplay by purchasing boosters or lives, which can lead to improved gameplay experiences. The convenience of in-app purchasing helps monetize Candy Crush effectively while maintaining a free entry point for a wider audience.
User Ratings and Reviews
User ratings and reviews on the Apple Store offer insightful reflections of player experiences. These reviews can be both positive and negative, providing a balanced view of the game’s impact on players. High ratings often indicate satisfaction with the game's mechanics, aesthetic design, and social features. Many users appreciate the challenge that Candy Crush presents, praising its engaging puzzles and levels.
On the flip side, some reviews highlight frustrations related to difficulty spikes or in-app purchases, indicating areas for potential improvement. According to data extracted from user feedback, the average rating hovers around 4.6 stars, underscoring a generally favorable reception.
"Candy Crush is not just a game; it’s an experience that engages and challenges while offering a social platform to connect with friends."
Examining these reviews provides valuable insights into player sentiment and identifies aspects that could be refined. Understanding this feedback allows developers to align future updates closely with user expectations, enhancing both player satisfaction and the game's longevity in the Apple Store.
Game Mechanics and Design
Understanding the game mechanics and design is crucial in analyzing Candy Crush. These elements contribute significantly to the player's experience. Game mechanics determine how players interact with the game, providing the rules and systems for gameplay. In contrast, design encompasses the visuals and audio, shaping the overall aesthetic appeal. Together, these factors drive user engagement, satisfaction, and retention.
Core Gameplay Features
Candy Crush is built around simple, yet addictive mechanics. Players match colorful candies in rows or columns to clear levels. The game offers various features that keep the experience fresh and interesting:
- Match types: Players can match three or more candies, with combinations leading to power-ups. These power-ups provide additional benefits, enhancing the gameplay strategy.
- Level objectives: Each level has distinct goals. These range from reaching a certain score to clearing specific candies. The variety ensures that players remain engaged as they advance.
- Lives and continuing play: Players start with a set number of lives. Losing reduces this number, adding pressure. However, the option to purchase extra lives introduces complexity into the monetization strategy.
- Boosters and power-ups: Players can utilize special candies and boosters. These features allow for strategic thinking, where planning the right move can turn the tide in any challenging level.
This combination of core features creates a compelling dynamic that appeals to casual gamers while offering depth to those who seek mastery.
Visual and Audio Design
Visual and audio design are vital components that elevate gameplay. Candy Crush features bright colors and charming character designs that attract players. The designs are intentional, as they evoke feelings of joy and satisfaction.
- Color scheme: The vibrant palette makes it inviting and visually stimulating. Each candy type has a unique color, making combinations easy to recognize.
- Animation effects: Moving candies and the explosion effects upon matching engage players. Transitions between levels are smooth, enhancing satisfaction when completing challenges.
- Sound effects and music: The audio complements the visual aesthetics. Catchy tunes and enjoyable sound cues reinforce successful actions. They create a rewarding audio feedback loop that encourages continued play.
Good visual and audio design not only enhances enjoyment, but also aids in clarity and promotes longer play sessions.
In summary, the mechanics and design of Candy Crush create a balanced and engaging experience for players. Elements such as core gameplay features and both visual and audio aspects add to the rich tapestry of the game. This combination ensures it remains a staple in mobile gaming.
Demographics of Candy Crush Players
Understanding the demographics of Candy Crush players is pivotal in realizing the game's broad appeal and continued success. Emphasizing the players' profiles informs developers and marketers about target audiences, enhancing user engagement and retention strategies. A nuanced grasp of their demographics aids in tailoring features, gameplay, and promotional activities to cater specifically to their preferences.
Target Audience Analysis
Candy Crush appeals to a diverse group of players, spanning different ages and backgrounds. Key elements include:
- Age Range: The game attracts a wide age spectrum. While younger players often join for quick matches, older demographics appreciate its casual gameplay for relaxation. It is common to find players in the age group of 25 to 54, capitalizing on their spare time.
- Gender Distribution: Female players compose a significant portion of Candy Crush's audience. Market data indicates that women represent around 60% of the total player base. This statistic underscores the importance of designing in-game elements that appeal to female preferences.
- Geographic Variance: Candy Crush has a global presence, though its appeal may vary by region. Players in North America and Europe constitute a substantial user base, while the game also finds popularity in Asian markets. This geographical factor influences marketing strategies and localizes content accordingly.
- Gaming Background: Many players are not traditional gamers. They may engage with Candy Crush on casual terms. This aspect has led developers to create user-friendly interfaces and gradual learning curves.
Gaming companies benefit from this knowledge, as it helps to align their business models with player expectations, ensuring longevity in a competitive market.
Engagement Statistics
Engagement statistics provide profound insights into player behavior, revealing how and when Candy Crush maintains its user base. Here are some key statistics that illustrate its engagement:
- Daily Active Users (DAU): In recent years, Candy Crush has maintained a steady daily active user count in the millions, which is a significant metric for assessing popularity.
- Session Length: Players tend to spend an average of 30 minutes to an hour per session. This duration is highly relevant as it suggests players are invested and engaged during relatively short gameplay bursts.
- Retention Rates: Candy Crush boasts impressive retention rates, particularly within the first seven days. Retaining users is crucial for maintaining a viable player base and fostering community.
- Social Engagement: A notable portion of players engages with the game's social features. Many players share achievements and invite friends, bolstering community involvement and encouraging new user acquisition.
"Understanding the demographics and engagement statistics is crucial. It helps tailor the game features to player preferences, enhancing the overall experience."
This data reflects not only the success of Candy Crush but also the effective strategies undertaken to keep players returning to the game. Analyzing these aspects provides valuable lessons that can be applied to other titles in the mobile gaming realm.
Monetization Strategies
The monetization strategies of Candy Crush are crucial to understanding its long-lasting success in the mobile gaming landscape. This game's revenue generation is primarily based on two key elements: in-app purchases and advertising approaches. Both of these strategies not only help in profit maximization but also ensure that the game remains attractive and relevant to a wide audience.
In-App Purchases
In-app purchases are a significant part of Candy Crush's economic model. Players have the option to buy virtual goods that enhance gameplay. These purchases often include extra moves, boosters, and lives, which allow players to progress through levels without the frustration of waiting for lives to regenerate. Psychological pricing, such as offering items at $0.99 or $4.99, appeals to users' impulse buying habits.
The integration of in-app purchases into the game design creates a seamless experience. Players are encouraged to make purchases when they encounter difficult levels. This creates a sense of urgency, pushing them towards spending real money to advance. As a result, monetization through in-app purchases is rich because it caters to both casual and hardcore gamers, who may spend varying amounts.
Players often find that purchasing boosts can lead to immediate satisfaction in game progression.
Advertising Approaches
Advertising serves as another pillar of Candy Crush's monetization. The game utilizes in-app advertisements that generate revenue without disrupting the user experience. Players can opt to watch ads in exchange for rewards—such as extra moves or boosters.
This strategy not only engages players but also allows them to feel that they are gaining something without a monetary cost. Often, advertising partnerships with companies such as Facebook and Reddit increase visibility and engagement—substantially contributing to the overall income of the game.
The balance between monetization and user experience is essential. Players are unlikely to return if they feel overwhelmed by advertisements. Thus, strategic placement of ads is vital.
In summary, Candy Crush's monetization strategies, particularly in-app purchases and advertising, are essential for maintaining its market position. Both elements are refined to maximize user engagement while ensuring profitability.
Candy Crush's Impact on Mobile Gaming
Candy Crush has significantly affected the landscape of mobile gaming. Its blend of simple yet strategic gameplay has made it one of the most popular titles in the industry. This impact is multifaceted and worth exploring in detail.
Influence on Game Design Trends
Candy Crush has redefined what players expect from mobile games. Its mechanics emphasize accessibility, allowing users of various skill levels to engage. The design features colorful graphics and rewarding feedback loops, which entice continuous play. Other developers have noted these traits and often try to incorporate them into new games.
Some key elements include:
- Match-three gameplay: This fundamental mechanic has inspired several similar games.
- Progression systems: Players enjoy completing levels and unlocking new content, influencing how games structure challenges.
- Visual storytelling: Candy Crush employs a light narrative, guiding players through different worlds and levels.
The result is a trend where more games prioritize fun over complexity. This trend contributes to the growing acceptance of casual gaming. As players seek relaxation rather than competition, the design principles from Candy Crush offer a successful template.
"Candy Crush has set a benchmark that many mobile games aim to follow, influencing player expectations and development strategies."
Competition with Other Games
The popularity of Candy Crush also affects its competition. While it has many imitators, it maintains a leading position in the market. Competing titles like Bejeweled and Gardenscapes have attempted to capture the same audience. However, they often fall short in engagement and revenue.
Here are some reasons Candy Crush stands out amid competition:
- Regular updates and new content: The developers frequently add new levels and features to keep the experience fresh. This strategy maintains player interest and encourages returning users.
- Strong branding and community: Candy Crush has cultivated a robust social media presence, fostering community engagement. Players sharing experiences increases visibility and user retention.
- Diverse monetization strategies: Candy Crush has effectively integrated in-app purchases and advertisements without detracting from the user experience.
These elements enable Candy Crush to remain relevant against other games. By constantly innovating and adapting, it sets a high standard for competitors.
App Store Optimization for Candy Crush
App Store Optimization (ASO) plays a crucial role in enhancing the visibility and accessibility of Candy Crush in the highly competitive landscape of mobile gaming. ASO encapsulates a series of strategies specifically designed to improve the app's ranking in the App Store searches, ultimately leading to increased downloads and user engagement. Focusing on this aspect is essential to understand how Candy Crush maintains its popularity and relevance in a constantly evolving market.
One of the primary benefits of effective ASO is that it enables Candy Crush to target its desired audience more efficiently. By optimizing keywords and visual presentation, the game can attract the right players. This results in a higher conversion rate, where more users who see the game's listing are likely to download it. Furthermore, a well-implemented ASO strategy can lead to organic growth, reducing dependency on paid advertisements.
Several key considerations are paramount when executing ASO for Candy Crush. Firstly, understanding the target demographics helps in selecting relevant keywords. This involves thorough research to identify terms that potential players use when searching for similar games. Additionally, updating keywords regularly based on trends can keep the game relevant in searches. The key is to strike a balance between competition and search volume.
In summary, ASO is not merely beneficial but vital for Candy Crush’s survival and continued success in the Apple Store. It harnesses the power of search algorithms and user engagement strategies to keep the game at the forefront of mobile gaming.
Keyword Strategy
Developing an effective keyword strategy is at the heart of any successful ASO. For Candy Crush, this means that the game must include both broad and specific keywords that can attract a diverse range of players. Broad keywords like "puzzle game" or "match-3" capture large audiences, while niche keywords such as "candy crush saga invites" allow targeting specific player interests.
Researching competitor apps can provide insight on which keywords are performing well. Examining user reviews and feedback can unveil frequently used phrases or terms. The integration of these keywords needs to be natural, appearing in the app description, title, and subtitle.
Some tips for crafting an effective keyword strategy include:
- Regularly update keywords based on player feedback and seasonal trends.
- Use analytics tools to track which keywords drive the highest traffic.
- Focus on localizing keywords for different regions to broaden global visibility.
Visual Assets and Presentation
Visual assets play a significant role in drawing attention and retaining users in the Apple Store. For Candy Crush, the game's visual identity must resonate with its playful theme while maintaining clarity. High-quality screenshots, videos, and an engaging app icon are imperative. The app icon is often the first impression a user gets, and it should be eye-catching but reflective of the game’s content.
Screenshots need to demonstrate gameplay effectively. Showing key features, such as new levels or unique challenges, helps potential players envision their experience. A well-crafted preview video can serve as a powerful tool, showcasing dynamic gameplay and unique features, thus encouraging downloads.
Key elements to consider in visual assets include:
- Aligning visuals with brand identity and player expectations.
- Utilizing color schemes that stand out against competitors.
- Keeping visual content updated with new features or events to keep the audience engaged.
User Engagement Techniques
Engagement techniques are vital for any mobile game, as they directly influence player retention and satisfaction, especially in a game like Candy Crush. These techniques help maintain interest over time, encouraging players to return and invest time in gameplay. For Candy Crush, the elements of social interaction and community building are paramount, as they create a shared experience among players.
Social Features and Community Building
The social aspect of Candy Crush is significant. Players can connect with friends, share achievements, and even send and receive lives. This connectivity enriches the overall experience. Users can invite friends to compete against each other or collaborate in various ways. This competition fosters a sense of belonging, which encourages players to stay engaged.
Moreover, Candy Crush utilizes platforms like Facebook to enhance community interaction. For example, players can compare scores and progress on leaderboards, which can create friendly rivalries. This element of social interaction not only increases user engagement but also promotes organic growth and attracts new players, as they often hear about the game through their social network.
Most importantly, community building through events also plays a role. Players often participate in group challenges or seasonal events. In these settings, competition and collaboration merge, producing a unique gaming environment suitable for all ages. By offering limited-time events or special challenges, the game keeps its content fresh, and players motivated to log in regularly.
Challenges and Events
Challenges and events add layers of excitement to Candy Crush. These activities are strategically designed to entice players back into the game, leading to sustained engagement. Limited-time challenges often come with rewards, which add urgency and excitement.
Events can vary widely, from special holiday-themed challenges to unique gameplay modes. For instance, around Halloween, Candy Crush might offer a spooky level for limited time, introducing new mechanics and obstacles tailored to the theme. These events not only provide new challenges but also enrich the gameplay experience, keeping it from becoming repetitive.
"By periodically introducing fresh content and time-limited challenges, Candy Crush ensures that players always have a reason to return."
Community challenges can also shape player engagement. Players work together to achieve a common goal, fostering a sense of teamwork. Such designs not only stimulate interaction among players but also strengthen brand loyalty.
In summary, the strategies deployed in user engagement, particularly through social features and periodic challenges, significantly contribute to the sustained popularity of Candy Crush. They ensure that players remain interconnected, actively engaged, and excited to return.
Future of Candy Crush
The future of Candy Crush is a subject of significant interest. Understanding the game's ongoing development and how it adapts to changing player needs is crucial. As a leading mobile game, its strategic updates can influence the entire mobile gaming landscape. Staying relevant requires continuous innovation and responsiveness to player feedback.
Potential Updates and Expansions
Candy Crush has a history of rolling out updates that introduce new levels and features. These updates not only keep the game fresh but also engage players. Developers often look at trends and analyze player behavior to determine what additions will have the most impact. Expansions could involve new game modes or thematic content that resonate with current events or popular culture.
Moreover, cross-platform integration can enhance gameplay. For instance, linking Candy Crush with other King games like Candy Crush Soda Saga could create a seamless experience across titles. Seasonal events also play a critical role in maintaining interest. Offering limited-time challenges can motivate players to log in regularly and engage with the game in a competitive atmosphere.
Evolving Player Expectations
Player expectations evolve rapidly in the dynamic environment of mobile gaming. Gamers are increasingly seeking higher quality experiences, including graphics and storylines. They desire more interactive and community-driven elements, pushing developers to consider integrating social features into the gameplay more deeply.
Moreover, transparency in monetization remains important. Players appreciate environments where they can enjoy games without being bombarded by advertisements or pressured to make purchases. Balancing revenue model with user satisfaction will be pivotal in the relations between players and the game developers.
As players evolve, so too does their demand for inclusiveness and diversity in games. Integrating diverse characters and storylines will likely cater to a wider audience, enriching the gaming experience.
"The future of mobile gaming hinges on understanding player desires and adapting accordingly."
In summary, Candy Crush must focus on strategic updates and remain receptive to the changing landscape of player expectations to secure its relevance in the market. Engaging developments alongside a responsive approach will determine its success moving forward.
Epilogue
The conclusion serves as a vital aspect of any comprehensive analysis. In this article, it encapsulates the key insights gained from the exploration of Candy Crush's journey within the Apple Store. Understanding the nuances of how the game has navigated its marketplace provides significant benefits. The synthesis of findings enables stakeholders to recognize the factors that lead to Candy Crush's success, making it a case study in effective mobile gaming.
Summary of Key Findings
- Sustained Popularity: Candy Crush has maintained its position as a leading mobile game due to its strategic design features and player engagement techniques. The game's adaptation to new trends has played a large role in retaining a loyal player base.
- User Engagement: Effective use of social features and regular updates keeps the community active. The launch of limited-time events also adds freshness that encourages ongoing player participation.
- Monetization Models: A clear understanding of user demographics aids in tailoring monetization strategies. In-app purchases have been shown to significantly enhance revenue while ensuring the core experience remains enjoyable for free players.
- App Store Strategies: Optimizing the app for visibility has proven crucial. Utilizing effective keyword strategies ensures that Candy Crush remains easily discoverable by new players.
Overall, the combination of these factors emphasizes the game's adaptability and strategic direction in a crowded market.
Implications for Mobile Gaming Industry
The insights from Candy Crush have broader implications for the mobile gaming industry:
- Trends: The gaming landscape is influenced by trends set by successful titles. Many new games now adopt features proven effective by Candy Crush, from in-game social interactions to monetization techniques that balance user experience and profit.
- User-Centric Development: Understanding and analyzing demographics has become essential. Developers must focus on their audiences and adapt to player expectations to succeed.
- Sustainability: As mobile gaming evolves, sustainability becomes a priority. Titles must find ways to engage users long-term rather than depending solely on initial downloads. Candy Crush exemplifies the importance of creating a rich ecosystem for players.
In short, Candy Crush’s trajectory offers lessons on blending creativity with business strategy. Its standing in the marketplace reflects broader trends in gaming, making the analysis a critical resource for developers and players alike.
