The partnership between Flexion and EA marks another significant step towards expanding the reach of EA's mobile game catalog to alternative app stores. This development means greater accessibility for gamers who prefer not to use Google Play or the iOS App Store, signaling a major shift in how large publishers view the potential of distributing their games outside of the traditional Apple and Google ecosystems.
This year has been pivotal for alternative app stores, especially following regulatory changes in regions like the EU that compelled Apple to allow these platforms. Flexion, known for previously bringing Candy Crush Solitaire to alternative app stores, has once again teamed up with EA. This move is set to broaden the availability of EA's mobile back-catalogue to new storefronts.
You might be wondering what this means for you as a gamer. Until recently, the primary options for mobile game distribution were limited to the iOS App Store and Google Play. However, recent legal battles have forced Apple and Google to relax some of their anti-competitive practices, paving the way for alternative app stores to emerge. These platforms often come with enticing incentives to attract users.
Take the Epic Games Store, for example, which offers a free game program to draw in users. While the alternative stores Flexion is working with might not go to such extremes, they are likely to offer more flexible policies than those traditionally enforced by Apple and Google.
Looking ahead, EA's involvement in this shift is significant. As one of the gaming industry's giants, EA's move towards alternative distribution channels could set a precedent for other developers and publishers. This could lead to a more diverse and competitive mobile gaming landscape.
While it's not yet clear which specific EA games will be available on these new platforms, possibilities include titles like Diablo Immortal and other entries in the Candy Crush series. This development could enrich the gaming experience for players by offering more choices and potentially better deals outside the traditional app stores.