Fortnite is back on iPhone. Nearly four years after it was removed from the platform following a dispute between Apple and Epic Games, the game’s developer, it’s back. The catch? Due to recent regulatory changes, it’s only available to users within the European Union (EU).
This development is due to the European Commission’s Digital Markets Act, which requires Apple to allow external app marketplaces. This change enabled the launch of the Epic Games Store on August 16, which gives players direct access to Fortnite and other titles.
To download the Epic Games Store, iPhone users must have iOS 17.6 installed, and the store is filled with several popular games, such as Fall Guys besides Fortnite. Epic Games has hinted at adding more games to the store and promised users various options.
When Fortnite was removed from the App Store, the dispute centered around Apple’s commission structure for in-app purchases, with Epic attempting to circumvent the high fees. The game’s absence meant significant revenue losses for Epic, after the company reportedly earned over $700 million during its two-year run on iOS before the ban.
Now, with the return of Fortnite, players across the EU can head to Epic’s website on their iPhones and tap the download option. The installation process is relatively straightforward, although there are a few extra steps required to confirm settings.
The need to grant permissions to the Epic Games Store is part of the security of sideloading apps, something Apple has previously been aggressive in restricting. Despite these restrictions, many users seem to be excited about the newfound flexibility this new development offers, even if Apple may not like it.
As Fortnite regains its footing, Android users have already been able to enjoy the game uninterrupted through the Epic Games Store. Whether other regions like the US, UK and Australia will follow suit remains uncertain, but observers are watching closely.
Fans looking to rejoin the battle royale can download and play Fortnite for free once they install it through the Epic platform. Upcoming content updates promise new outfits and rewards, such as the highly anticipated Katalina outfit, which is available by completing certain quests.
Downloading Fortnite on iOS is simple for users in the EU: head to Epic’s website, select the download button, and follow the instructions. These steps not only pave the way for exciting gameplay, but also signal the changing tides of app market policies worldwide.
The regulatory changes initiated by the EU could lay the groundwork for other countries to adjust their app market rules, potentially leading to more independence for app developers worldwide. For many gamers, the return of Fortnite to the iPhone brings back nostalgic competitive gameplay for now.
While speculation continues as to whether similar changes will be introduced elsewhere, many iPhone users are happy to see the game back on their devices. The whole scenario highlights the delicate relationship between tech giants and regulatory frameworks that continue to evolve over time.
Will Fortnite inspire other developers to explore alternative distribution channels? Only time will tell as the competitive gaming space adapts to the changing legal landscape.
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