The partnership between Flexion and EA marks another significant step in bringing EA's mobile game catalog to alternative app stores, enhancing accessibility for users who don't rely on Google Play or the iOS App Store. This move signifies a major shift in how large publishers view opportunities beyond the traditional giants, Apple and Google.
This year has been pivotal for alternative app stores, especially since Apple opened its doors to them in regions like the EU. Flexion, which previously brought Candy Crush Solitaire to these platforms, is now teaming up again with EA to expand the publisher's mobile offerings to alternative storefronts.
You might be wondering, "What's in it for me?" Traditionally, if you wanted to play mobile games, your options were limited to the iOS App Store or Google Play. However, recent legal battles have pushed Apple and Google to reconsider their anti-competitive practices, paving the way for alternative app stores. This is great news for players because many of these platforms are rolling out attractive incentives to draw in users.
For instance, take the Epic Games Store and its free game program. While it's unlikely that the platforms Flexion is targeting will offer free games, they are expected to provide more flexible policies than what Apple and Google have traditionally allowed.
Looking ahead, EA's involvement is telling. As one of the gaming industry's giants, known for acquiring smaller studios, their move towards alternative app stores suggests a broader trend that other companies may follow. While we don't yet know which specific EA games will hit these new platforms, possibilities include titles like Diablo Immortal and other Candy Crush games.
