In a significant shift in the mobile gaming landscape, Epic Games, the creator of the popular battle royale game Fortnite, has announced plans to remove the game from Samsung's Galaxy Store while simultaneously preparing to launch it on third-party platforms, including AltStore in the European Union (EU). This widespread change reflects Epic's ongoing battle against perceived anticompetitive practices among major app store providers like Samsung, Google, and Apple.
The catalyst for this move stems from Samsung's introduction of a new security feature within its One UI software that automatically blocks application sideloading unless users manually enable the option. Epic Games views this feature as a restrictive measure, which they argue creates unfair competition in the market. Tim Sweeney, the CEO of Epic Games, expressed this concern in a detailed blog post, stating, "Sadly, Fortnite and our other games will be leaving the Samsung Galaxy Store in protest of their new policy of blocking sideloading. This change obstructs users from installing competing stores and is an issue we fought and won in the US Epic v. Google US antitrust trial."
Epic Games has long criticized the so-called “rent collector” model employed by major app stores, which typically charge developers a steep cut of their revenues—often around 30%. Following this principle, Epic aims to redirect its efforts toward mobile stores that offer fairer terms and better conditions for developers, engaging with platforms that pave the way for innovative solutions instead of enforcing restrictive practices.
In its recent update, Epic announced that Fortnite would be returning to iOS and Android under a different model in the EU, leveraging alternative marketplaces that promise better conditions for developers and players alike. Sweeney elaborated, mentioning the launch of the Epic Games Store tailored for mobile devices, which would offer a significantly reduced commission for developers of just 12%. This change highlights a commitment to diversifying distribution methods and creating a more competitive ecosystem.
The decision to repurpose Fortnite's availability in the EU is particularly poignant given the game's tumultuous history on mobile platforms. Fortnite was removed from the Apple App Store in August 2020 as a direct consequence of Epic implementing a new payment option that circumvented Apple's own payment processing requirements. This bold move led to a high-profile legal dispute between Epic and Apple, revealing deeper fault lines concerning app store regulations and revenue sharing. While the legal battle continues to unfold, Epic appears to be doubling down on strategies that sidestep these influential app store mechanisms.
As Epic pivots its strategy, it will also terminate existing partnerships with various mobile stores that it perceives operate without fair competition. This is a clear signal of Epic's intention to disrupt how mobile games are distributed and monetized, making it known that they will not endure practices that stifle developer creativity and profitability.
The AltStore, which is among the platforms targeted by Epic for releasing Fortnite, is a third-party app store that enables users to install apps outside of traditional app store environments. The AltStore approach aligns with Epic's objectives of enhancing developer conditions and fostering a more equitable ecosystem for digital distribution. Notably, this shift supports an independent model of app distribution—one that has gained popularity among users looking for alternatives amidst escalating fees from dominant app stores.
Furthermore, Epic aims to assist its existing player base during this transition by providing guidance on how to migrate their game data and accounts. Sweeney has advised users to uninstall the current version of Fortnite from the Samsung Galaxy Store and instead direct them to the official Epic Games website for installation. By proactively supporting users in this process, Epic reinforces its commitment to its community amid significant operational changes.
While Epic's removal of Fortnite from the Samsung Galaxy Store arises from concerns about restrictions on competition, it also marks a critical juncture in the company's approach towards mobile distribution. Engaging with alternative platforms and promoting equitable app distribution practices may herald a new era for mobile gaming, one where developers and players benefit from more transparent, just practices.
This restructuring plays into a larger narrative within the gaming industry regarding developer rights and player autonomy. As more stakeholders gravitate toward empowering independent stores and diversifying the digital marketplace, the effect on established titans within the industry remains to be seen. Epic's bold maneuver with Fortnite may galvanize other developers to pursue similar pathways, shaping a more equitable gaming ecosystem for generations to come.
In the meantime, the repercussions of this strategic pivot have dire implications for existing power balances between app stores and developers. As Epic enters this new chapter, the company may very well set precedents that compel major players like Apple and Google to re-evaluate their practices to better align with a burgeoning commitment to fair competition and developer support.