In a significant move for the mobile gaming industry, Flexion and EA have once again joined forces to expand the reach of EA's mobile game catalog to alternative app stores. This partnership not only enhances accessibility for users outside the traditional Google Play and iOS App Store ecosystems but also marks a pivotal shift in how major publishers view the potential of alternative distribution platforms.
The year has been transformative for alternative app stores, especially since regulatory changes in regions like the EU compelled Apple to open up to these platforms. This shift has been a hot topic, with Flexion previously bringing titles like Candy Crush Solitaire to these stores, and now extending EA's mobile back-catalogue to them as well.
You might wonder, "What does this mean for me?" Historically, mobile gaming has been dominated by the iOS App Store and Google Play. However, recent legal challenges have forced both Apple and Google to relax some of their anti-competitive practices, paving the way for a surge in alternative app stores. The benefit for gamers? Many of these platforms are rolling out attractive incentives to draw in users.
For instance, consider the Epic Games Store, known for its free game offerings. While it's unlikely that the platforms Flexion is targeting will match Epic's generosity, expect more flexible policies than those traditionally enforced by Apple and Google.
Looking ahead, EA's involvement is telling. As a major player in the gaming industry, known for acquiring and integrating smaller developers, EA's move towards alternative app stores signals a broader trend. If a company of EA's stature sees value in these platforms, it's a strong indicator of their viability and future growth potential.
While specifics on which EA games will be available on these alternative stores remain under wraps, speculation suggests titles like Diablo Immortal and additional Candy Crush games might be on the list. This development promises to reshape the mobile gaming landscape, offering more choices and potentially better deals for gamers worldwide.