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

The partnership between Flexion and EA marks another significant step in expanding the accessibility of mobile games beyond the traditional Google Play and iOS App Store platforms. This move not only enhances the options for gamers who prefer alternative app stores but also signals a major shift in how major publishers view the potential of these platforms.

The landscape of mobile gaming has been undergoing a transformation, especially since legal pressures have compelled Apple to open its ecosystem to alternative app stores in regions like the EU. Flexion, known for previously bringing Candy Crush Solitaire to these alternative platforms, is now collaborating again with EA to distribute the latter's extensive mobile game library to these emerging storefronts.

You might wonder, "What does this mean for me?" Well, traditionally, mobile gaming has been dominated by the iOS App Store and Google Play. However, with the rise of alternative app stores, driven by recent legal victories against anti-competitive practices, gamers are now presented with more choices. Many of these alternative platforms are rolling out attractive incentives to draw in users.

For instance, consider the Epic Games Store and its free game offerings. While it's unlikely that the platforms Flexion is targeting will match Epic's generosity, there's certainly room for more flexible policies than those typically seen with Apple and Google.

Looking further ahead, EA's involvement in this shift 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 trend. If EA sees potential in these platforms, it's a strong indicator that other publishers will follow suit.

While we don't yet know the specific EA games heading to these alternative stores, speculation points towards titles like Diablo Immortal and additional Candy Crush games. This development promises to enrich the mobile gaming ecosystem, offering more variety and potentially better deals for gamers everywhere.