Oniro + Aptoide Integration presence in annual Game Developers Conference. An opportunity for global game developers expanding onto the third major platform
With the emergence of third OS platform. What are the opportunities for game developers ahead!
Oniro/OpenHarmony + Aptoide Integration
Code Reusability: OpenHarmony’s cross-platform framework (ArkUI) allows developers to deploy apps across Oniro (EU-Global wide) and Huawei HarmonyOS (China/global-minus US) with minimal code adjustments.
Shared APIs: OpenHarmony 5.0+ provides unified APIs for devices ranging from smartphones to IoT, enabling Aptoide developers to build once and distribute everywhere.
B. Huawei HarmonyOS (HMS) Collaboration
Access to Huawei’s Ecosystem:
1.4 billion Huawei devices (phones, tablets, IoT) via AppGallery, with 580 million monthly active users.
Huawei Mobile Services (HMS Core 7.0, end of Q2 2025) offers AI, AR, and payment APIs that Aptoide developers can integrate for enhanced app functionality.
Monetization Flexibility:
Huawei’s 15-20% revenue cut (vs. Google Play’s 30%) and promotional support for indie developers.
Aptoide 90% revenue cut through direct to consumers use
Oniro App Store flexible revenue, even as far as keeping 100% revenue
C. Oniro’s Open-Source Appeal
Zero Fees & No Gatekeepers: Publish apps on Aptoide’s decentralized enterprise B2C app store and Oniro App Store FOSS enthusiast platform without fees or strict curation.
Community-Driven Innovation: Collaborate with OpenHarmony’s global developer community to refine tools and frameworks.
2. Strategic Market Expansion
A. Global Reach via Combined Networks
Cross-Promotion: Apps published on Aptoide EU-Global (including US) wide OpenHarmony-Oniro devices can be optimized for HarmonyOS and distributed in China and global (minus-US) via AppGallery, tapping into Huawei’s vast user base.
B. GDC (Game Developers Conference) Exposure
Indie Game Opportunities:
Aptoide’s presence at GDC positions it as a Google Play alternative for game devs, especially for sideloaded or niche games (e.g., retro emulators, hyper-casual and AAA mobile quality titles).
OpenHarmony’s gaming SDKs (e.g., 3D rendering, haptic feedback) can attract devs seeking multiplatform distribution.
NearLink 3rd party gaming accessories from industry integrated with games on OpenHarmony-based devices.
AudioVivid and HDRVivid integration on OpenHarmony-based devices.
Native multi-device gaming experiences on OpenHarmony-based devices
Partnership Potential:
Demo Aptoide on Oniro, OpenHarmony and HarmonyOS devices at GDC to showcase low-fee publishing and access to Huawei’s gaming-centric ecosystem audience.
3. Technical & Community Advantages
A. Shared Development Tools
Huawei DevEco Studio: Simplify app adaptation for HarmonyOS and OpenHarmony.
Eclipse Theia: IDE development for Oniro application adaptations as addition/option.
Ark Runtime: Reducing porting efforts on native OpenHarmony expansion for Aptoide’s existing cross platform Android-iOS titles.
Huawei HarmonyOS NEXT compatible phones and MatePad, MateBook computers (Recommended, from Mate 60 Pro, MatePad Pro 13.2 or better)
Oniro developer phone, Volla X23 (Recommended)
Raspberry Pi 4 Model B Development Board (Recommended)
HiHope HH-SCDAYU200 Development Kit (Recommended)
OpenHarmony’s Global Community: 500K+ developers contributing to tools like LiteOS kernel (for IoT), Linux kernel (for mobile and computing devices), HongMeng kernel (for Huawei devices) and ArkCompiler.
Huawei’s Developer Programs: Grants, training, and co-marketing for apps published on AppGallery via HDC and HDD annual Chinese and global events.
Eclipse Oniro Hackathon and developer events across Europe and globe
OpenAtom OpenHarmony hackathon and developer events in China
4. Monetization & Cost Benefits
Aptoide’s Model:
Optional 5% transaction fee (vs. Google Play’s 30%).
Direct deals with vendors (e.g., OEMs pre-installing Aptoide pay for premium app placements).
Huawei’s Incentives:
"Shining Star" Program: Marketing subsidies for top apps.
Localized Payment SDKs: Simplify in-app purchases in China (WeChat Pay, Alipay).
Collaboration and partnerships with local Chinese gaming publishers to tap in the Chinese market of your game titles.
5. Challenges to Address
Fragmentation: Ensuring compatibility between Aptoide’s APKs and OpenHarmony’s native HAP apps via PureHarmony bridge as solution.
Security Perception: Combating Aptoide’s reputation as a "pirated app hub" through stricter vetting (e.g., Huawei’s 4-layer security checks) under OpenHarmony-Oniro version.
Developer Education: Training devs to leverage OpenHarmony’s multi-device frameworks.
6. GDC as a Catalyst
Why It Matters:
GDC attracts 30,000+ game industry professionals annually. Aptoide’s participation signals its ambition to compete with Google Play in gaming.
Demo Aptoide on HarmonyOS devices to highlight performance gains (e.g., Huawei’s GPU Turbo) and China market access.
Actionable Opportunities:
Partner with indie studios to publish GDC-launched games exclusively on Aptoide + AppGallery.
Showcase OpenHarmony’s AR/VR capabilities for next-gen gaming.
Conclusion
For developers, combining Aptoide’s decentralized reach, OpenHarmony’s cross-platform tools, and Huawei’s AppGallery ecosystem offers:
✅ Lower costs and higher revenue retention.
✅ Access to China’s market and EU’s DMA-compliant audiences.
✅ Technical synergies for IoT and gaming innovation.
By leveraging events like GDC in America, Aptoide can attract game developers seeking alternatives to Google/Apple, while OpenHarmony and Huawei provide the infrastructure to scale globally. For indie devs and OEMs alike, this trifecta represents a disruptive, future-proof universal app distribution strategy on phones, tablets, TVs, PCs, wearables and headsets alike.
Next Steps for Developers:
Join OpenHarmony’s developer community to access beta tools.
Submit apps to Huawei’s "Quick App" program for fast-track AppGallery onboarding on existing legacy EMUI install bases today.
Plan ahead to migrate your games to the OpenHarmony ecosystem on Oniro with Oniro App Store distribution and HarmonyOS Next globally on AppGallery, and have a Chinese market plan when planning to expand your game(s) in China.
Engage with Aptoide at GDC to negotiate promotional deals for game launches.
Addressing game preservation shifting to open source end-of-life plans integrating into the community-led Oniro App Store long term.
Related Article: Why Aptoide is a great fit for OpenAtom OpenHarmony and Eclipse Oniro?