Shogi is a traditional Japanese board game application for iOS and Android that offers solo practice against AI and tactical puzzle challenges.
Product velocity
Maintenance
Daily rank 🇺🇸
—
Games
Sentiment
4.3
2k reviews
Nemesis
Shogi Master
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
Users hire Shogi for skill development and tactical practice in a portable format, but the current ad-supported model creates friction for long-term engagement.
For Shogi enthusiasts ranging from beginners learning piece movement to experienced players seeking tactical practice.
What does it look like?
Key features
AI-driven Shogi engine with multiple difficulty levels for solo practice
Daily updated tactical puzzles and challenges for skill development
Post-game review tool providing feedback on mistakes and outcomes
How much does it cost?
Ad-supported free model with in-app purchases, leveraging high-volume casual gaming traffic.
Velocity
Maintenance developmentplatform expansionopaqueShow more...
The app has released only two updates over the last eight months, resulting in a cadence of approximately 0.06 releases per week. This frequency falls into the maintenance tier, as there is no evidence of new feature development or live operations. The latest release was limited to platform support, and the previous update provided no descriptive release notes. Development appears to be focused solely on basic maintenance and platform compatibility.
Who built it?
ken1
5 apps tracked · Games
入門リバーシ～初心者でも強くなれる～
将棋アプリ 将皇
将棋アプリ 将皇(入門編)
A guide to ShogiUser Sentiment
What do users think recently?
Recent user voice shows a mixed sentiment. Users appreciate the core shogi gameplay loop provides a rewarding and engaging strategic experience for new players and adjustable ai difficulty levels allow users to scale the challenge as their skill level improves, but report the lack of an english language option creates a significant barrier for non-japanese speaking users.
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
What users say, by theme
- The core shogi gameplay loop provides a rewarding and engaging strategic experience for new players
- Adjustable AI difficulty levels allow users to scale the challenge as their skill level improves
- The lack of an English language option creates a significant barrier for non-Japanese speaking users
69 of 69 recent reviews analyzed · high confidence · Mixed overall
Read the full review analysisUnlock 2 more frustration themes and 2 user requests, each backed by review evidence.
Access the full report for freeCompetition
Competitive landscape for Shogi
How's the Games market?
Shogi holds a #80 Free rank in the Japanese Games category, maintaining a stable position despite limited international reach. The 4.63-star rating across 2,272 total ratings indicates high core satisfaction, yet the lack of localization prevents broader market expansion.
Read the market outlookThe rivals identified
By MIZOU, CO., LTD.
This app competes directly by offering a comprehensive Shogi ecosystem that targets both casual players and those seeking structured progression through skill ranks and challenges.
- Includes a gamified skill rank system and piece collection challenges to drive long-term user retention
- Provides Furigana reading aids, lowering the barrier to entry for non-native Japanese speakers or beginners
Unlock the head-to-head verdict: where this rival wins, and where it loses.
Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for Shogi
Where is it heading?
The Shogi market is consolidating around apps that offer better accessibility and monetization flexibility. Shogi remains exposed to these trends by maintaining a status quo that ignores international demand and user willingness to pay for an ad-free experience.
- The lack of English localization creates a persistent churn risk for non-Japanese speaking users, limiting the app's growth potential in global markets.
- Intrusive ad-supported monetization frustrates high-intent users, leading to requests for a premium tier that remains unaddressed in the latest updates.
The SWOT
- Core gameplay loop provides a rewarding strategic experience for new players
- Adjustable AI difficulty levels allow users to scale challenges as their skill level improves
- Implementing an English localization would significantly increase the potential user base
- Offering a premium ad-free tier would capture revenue from frustrated, high-intent users
Next best moves
Ship English localization because user requests for English are the top complaint theme → increase international user acquisition
+ 1 more prioritized moveThe counter-intuitive read
The lack of English localization is not just…
Read the full takeFeature gaps
Furigana reading aids (available in Shogi Master but absent here) +1
Since the last report: The report now includes detailed competitive benchmarking and user sentiment analysis, highlighting that the app's lack of English localization and ad-free options are primary barriers to growth.
Bottom line
Shogi maintains a loyal base through solid core mechanics, but the lack of English localization and an ad-free premium tier creates a hard growth ceiling, so the PM should prioritize localization and a paid tier to unlock international retention.
Unlock 2 critical frictions, 2 market threats, 1 more prioritized move and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeFAQ
Is Shogi suitable for beginners?
Does the app support English?
Can I remove the advertisements?
What is an alternative for ad-free Shogi?
Sources
Report last updated