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 signifies a significant shift in how major publishers view the potential of markets outside Apple and Google's ecosystems.
The rise of alternative app stores has been a major development, particularly since Apple's concessions in regions like the EU. Flexion, having previously brought Candy Crush Solitaire to these stores, is now facilitating access to EA's extensive mobile game catalog.
For gamers, this means more options. Previously, the iOS App Store and Google Play dominated mobile gaming distribution. However, legal challenges have prompted Apple and Google to relax certain anti-competitive practices, leading to the growth of alternative app stores. Many of these platforms offer substantial incentives to attract users.
The Epic Games Store, with its free game program, exemplifies this trend. While the platforms utilized by Flexion and EA may not offer identical incentives, they are likely to demonstrate greater flexibility in policies compared to Apple and Google.
The long-term implications are substantial. EA's participation indicates 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.
Currently, the specific games included in this initiative remain undisclosed, but titles like Diablo Immortal and other Candy Crush games are plausible candidates.