Utility app developer Woody, and Budge, which focuses on titles for kids, were two of the biggest movers in Q1 2015, according to an App Annie study intended to “capture the momentum of breakout performers in the app economy”.

Woody initially appeared on the analytics firm’s matrix as a ‘rising star’ in January, and has since seen “spectacular growth” thanks to Lazy Swipe, which gives users easy access to recently used apps, notifications and settings. Budge surged into the same category thanks to broad­-based growth across its portfolio of kids’ ­focused entertainment titles.

Budge hit the 100 million download milestone last month after the launch of the sport-themed Smurfs Games. Its app portfolio consists of original and branded properties like Barbie and Thomas & Friends.

The App Annie Matrix for game downloads was dominated by Australia’s General Adaptive Apps and, once again, Budge.

After making its initial appearance on the matrix in January, General Adaptive Apps “rode the success of its super casual title called aa to become a ‘superstar’ on the Matrix”, according to the report.

In Q1 2015, game developers Plarium Global and Product Madness saw two of the biggest jumps on the App Annie Matrix, and are now on the verge of becoming ‘superstars’.

Plarium Global’s surge was driven by its focus on the strategy genre with games like Total Domination Reborn and Stormfall: Rise of Balur. Product Madness’ surge was down to the performance of its casino gaming titles, a genre that has monetised very well in the past, the report noted.