The partnership between Flexion and EA marks another significant step in the expansion of mobile gaming beyond the traditional confines of Google Play and the iOS App Store. This move enhances accessibility for gamers who prefer using alternative app stores, signaling a major shift in how large publishers view opportunities outside of Apple and Google's ecosystems.

The year has been pivotal for alternative app stores, especially following regulatory changes that compelled Apple to allow third-party app stores in regions like the EU. Flexion, which previously brought Candy Crush Solitaire to these platforms, has now teamed up with EA again to distribute the publisher's extensive mobile game catalog to alternative storefronts.

You might be wondering, "What does this mean for me?" Traditionally, mobile gaming has been dominated by the iOS App Store and Google Play. However, recent legal battles have led to the dismantling of some anti-competitive practices, paving the way for alternative app stores. This shift offers players more choices and potentially attractive incentives designed to draw users to these new platforms.

For instance, consider the Epic Games Store, which has made a name for itself with its free game offerings. While the platforms hosting EA's games through Flexion might not go to such extremes, they are likely to offer more flexible policies than those traditionally enforced by Apple and Google.

Looking at the bigger picture, EA's involvement is telling. As one of the largest and most influential companies in gaming, known for acquiring smaller studios, their move towards alternative app stores suggests a broader trend that other publishers may soon follow.

While specific titles have yet to be announced, speculation points toward popular games like Diablo Immortal and other Candy Crush titles making their way to these alternative app stores.