After a four-year break Fortnite Mobile gaming is returning, but not without certain restrictions. Starting today, players in the European Union can play again Fortnite on their iPhones, while Android users worldwide also have access to the game.
This move is largely attributed to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which has forced tech giants like Apple to allow third-party app stores on their devices. This relaunch coincides with the “Absolute disaster!‘ event that’s all about Marvel superheroes and villains.
Fortnite Mobile is back 4 years after its removal
Fortnite was removed from Apple’s App Store in 2020 following a dispute between Epic Games and Apple over payment processes. Epic circumvented Apple’s 30 percent share by allowing direct purchases within the game, leading to the game’s removal and a subsequent legal battle.
Fasten your seatbelts. We’re getting mobile.
📱The Epic Games Store is available on iPhones in the European Union and on Android worldwide!
This marks the return of Fortnite to iOS in the EU and the global launch of Fall Guys on mobile. https://t.co/mBS12Hx2hc pic.twitter.com/a4BINr4JsB
— Epic Games Store (@EpicGames) 16 August 2024
This relaunch marks the end of a long struggle between Epic Games and the giants of mobile platforms that began in 2020 when Apple and Google Fortnite from their stores after Epic decided to bypass their payment systems.
Epic Games is using the game’s return to iPhones in Europe as an opportunity to attract players with exclusive in-game cosmetics. For those who download and play Fortnite On mobile, there are special quests with rewards like the Katalina skin and other items from the Feline Fandom set.
Rewards that work differently 🏆
1️⃣ Download and install the Epic Games Store on Android (worldwide) and iOS (in the EU).
2️⃣Download and install the Fortnite, Fall Guys and Rocket League Sideswipe mobile apps
3️⃣ Complete challenges and quests in the game
4️⃣ EARN REWARDS! pic.twitter.com/VDCUCpOo56— Epic Games Store (@EpicGames) 17 August 2024
The new Marvel season in Fortnite adds extra excitement to the mobile relaunch. This season features iconic Marvel characters such as Doctor Doom, Captain America, and Mysterio, with Doctor Doom’s Latverian domain now taking up part of the battle royale island.
The road to return was not easy
Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games spoke openly about the challenges the company had to face during the relaunch Fortnite on mobile devices. He thanks the European Commission for adopting the DMA, which was crucial for this relaunch.
Downloading and launching the Epic Games Store on mobile devices is not that easy. epos has criticized Apple and Google for making the installation process cumbersome, calling it “lengthy“15-stage torture full of”Fear Screens“ and confusing settings.
📣 iPhone users in the European Union 📣
Here’s your guide to downloading and installing the Epic Games Store on your mobile device! https://t.co/mBS12Hx2hc pic.twitter.com/jMez0P7eZI
— Epic Games Store (@EpicGames) 16 August 2024
While the return of Fortnite for iPhones in the EU is a significant victory for Epic Games, but the fight is far from over. Epic continues to challenge Apple and Google and aims to further eliminate what it sees as anti-competitive practices.
With the support of new regulations in the EU, the company has succeeded in introducing its flagship game to a new player base while laying the groundwork for future expansions.
Will you be jumping back into the Battle Bus on mobile? Let us know in the comments!