King unleashes Candy Crush Soda Saga on Facebook

Casual behemoth Candy Crush Saga has a sequel.

King has released Candy Crush Soda Saga on Facebook, saying that it is designed to be played alongside the original game” (which is still being regularly updated).

It’s essentially similar to its predecessor, although some new modes are offered up to help differentiate the pair. An iOS rollout is expected to follow at a later date.

We’re excited to announce that the next instalment in the Candy Crush franchise is now live on Facebook,” King CCO Sebastian Knutsson said. Our long-term strategy is to develop global game franchises which are loved by millions of players around the world.

Candy Crush Soda Saga offers fans new gameplay features and challenges to delight in, and has been designed to complement the original title, which we believe players will also continue to enjoy.”

Chief executive Riccardo Zacconi has previously admitted that Candy Crush Saga player expenditure has decline more than the company has expected while the likes of Papa Pear Saga have failed to live up to Candy Crush Saga’s lofty example.

King has previously touted innovation and new genres as possible expansion areas. Candy Crush Soda Saga doesn’t tick those boxes but could yet provide the company with a boost, proving consumers remains willing to play ball with its IAP model.