Epic Games has officially made its long-awaited foray back into mobile with the launch of the Epic Games Store for Android and iOS devices, marking the return of the hugely popular game Fortnite. This significant move will allow players to once again access Fortnite on their mobile devices, alongside other titles such as Fall Guys and Rocket League Sideswipe.
The launch of the Epic Games Store for mobile devices not only marked a return of Fortnite, but also the result of bitter legal battles with tech giants Apple and Google. Previously, Epic Games threatened removal from both app stores after attempting to bypass existing payment systems for purchasing V-Bucks, the game’s currency.
After years of battling with the legal giants, Epic’s new mobile store is now available worldwide for Android and exclusively for iOS users within the European Union. By adapting to the EU-enforced Digital Markets Act (DMA), Epic aims to completely bypass Apple’s App Store, which has created various hurdles for developers.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney told reporters he was excited about the launch of the store and the prospect of bringing games back to mobile. “We are very excited to be on the verge of releasing our games on iOS and Android, enabled by the new European DMA law,” Sweeney noted, highlighting the significant changes the regulatory changes bring.
Due to the DMA and the resulting regulations, Apple had to change its traditional structures and allow developers to create their own app stores. This new legal framework offers developers, especially Epic Games, the opportunity to offer their games to consumers immediately without having to go through Apple’s existing monopolized system.
Despite the excitement of re-entering the mobile market, the story is not without its challenges. Although the Epic Games Store is available to many Android users around the world, Apple has restricted access for iOS users outside the EU, so the game is not available in the US and other international markets.
The installation process for Android and iOS devices is described as cumbersome due to the technical requirements of Google and Apple. Users are faced with complex installation instructions and additional security settings that Epic says are deliberately complicated to make it harder for their store to enter the market.
While Fortnite makes its triumphant return, the store also offers other popular titles from Epic Games. The mobile version of Epic’s battle royale game is back after being unavailable for four long years. Game access was previously limited to web downloads or cloud gaming services.
There’s also good news for developers looking to publish their games through the Epic Games Store. Not only can they set better revenue share terms than Apple and Google, but Epic Games has also committed to bringing its first-party titles to market and allowing third-party developers to bring their games to the platform starting in December 2024.
While this move is seen as a step forward for mobile gaming, the long-term prospects for users outside the EU market remain uncertain. Many remain hopeful of moves to bring the Epic Games Store to more regions as Epic’s legal battles bear fruit.
To simplify the download process, Epic has created user-friendly resources that guide customers through the installation steps for both operating systems. These resources are designed to make accessing the Epic Games Store easier, even though the installation takes you through several lengthy steps.
Sweeney stressed the importance of continuing the fight against Apple and Google’s anti-competitive practices. “We continue to work with regulators to eliminate anti-competitive conditions for developers and consumers and pave the way for better services and options for everyone,” he said.
Despite the progress made, Epic Games is clear about the obstacles that still exist. Apple continues to block all other iOS users outside of Europe from accessing Fortnite and the Epic Games Store, leaving many who don’t rely on the mobile experience to continue to crave the game.
Epic Games has set itself high goals with the launch of its mobile store. It aims to reach 100 million installations by the end of the year. This depends largely on whether the company can meet the challenges of competing app stores.
“The only thing standing in our way is the friction between Apple and Google, and it’s pretty big,” noted Steve Allison, head of the Epic Games Store. The friction we’re currently facing reflects both historical tensions between the game developer and the tech giants, as well as the current battle to regain market share.
The relaunch of Fortnite on mobile isn’t just about gameplay; it embodies the broader struggle for independence among developers within app ecosystems. With Epic Games at the forefront of this endeavor, the world of mobile gaming is on the brink of a shift that could reshape it for years to come.
The return of Epic Games represents more than just a reinstatement; it marks the beginning of a competitive dynamic that was previously stifled by individual app store policies. With developers now able to distribute their apps through other avenues, gamers could soon benefit from diversified products and enticing, competitive pricing.
