Flexion, EA partner to expand hit mobile games to new app stores

The collaboration between Flexion and EA marks another significant step in expanding the availability of EA's mobile game catalog to alternative app stores. This move enhances accessibility for users who opt out of using Google Play or the iOS App Store, signaling a major shift in how large publishers view opportunities beyond the traditional app ecosystems of Apple and Google.

The landscape of alternative app stores has been gaining momentum, especially since regulatory changes in regions like the EU compelled Apple to open its platform to these alternatives. Flexion, known for previously bringing Candy Crush Solitaire to these stores, is now teaming up with EA again to distribute the publisher's extensive mobile game library across these new platforms.

You might be wondering, "What does this mean for me?" Traditionally, the mobile gaming market has been dominated by the iOS App Store and Google Play. However, recent legal battles have pushed Apple and Google to relax some of their anti-competitive practices, paving the way for alternative app stores to flourish. This shift benefits gamers by introducing more competitive incentives and promotions designed to attract users.

For instance, consider the Epic Games Store, which offers a free game program to draw in users. While the platforms Flexion is partnering with may not go to such lengths, they are likely to offer more flexible policies than those typically seen from Apple and Google.

Looking ahead, EA's involvement in this trend is telling. As a giant in the gaming industry, known for acquiring smaller developers, EA's move towards alternative app stores suggests a broader industry shift. This could mean smoother sailing for other publishers and developers looking to explore these new avenues.

While the specific EA games heading to these alternative stores remain undisclosed, speculation points towards titles like Diablo Immortal and other Candy Crush games making the transition. This development not only broadens the gaming options available to players but also heralds a new era of competition and innovation in mobile gaming distribution.