Flexion and EA's renewed partnership expands EA's mobile game library to alternative app stores, increasing accessibility beyond Google Play and the iOS App Store. This marks a significant shift in how major publishers view the potential of app stores outside the Apple and Google duopoly.
The rise of alternative app stores has been a major theme this year, particularly since Apple's EU-mandated concessions. Flexion, having previously brought Candy Crush Solitaire to these alternative platforms, is now facilitating broader access to EA's mobile game catalog.
For gamers, this translates to more choices. Previously, mobile gaming was largely confined to the iOS App Store and Google Play. However, recent legal challenges have compelled Apple and Google to relax certain anti-competitive practices, leading to a surge in alternative app stores. Many of these platforms offer substantial incentives to attract users.
The Epic Games Store's free game program exemplifies this trend. While Flexion's partnership with EA might not replicate this exact model, it suggests greater flexibility in policies compared to Apple and Google's more restrictive approaches.
The long-term implications are substantial. EA's participation signifies a significant market shift. If a company of EA's size recognizes the viability of alternative app stores, it signals a promising future for smaller developers and publishers.
While the specific EA titles slated for release on these alternative stores remain unannounced, potential candidates include Diablo Immortal and other Candy Crush games.