Epic Games has launched its own app store within the European Union, allowing users to download popular titles like Fortnite on iPhones and Android devices. This marks the long-anticipated return of Fortnite to iOS since its removal from the platform back in 2020 due to Epic’s defiance of Apple's app store policies, particularly the hefty 30% fee imposed on developers.
The new store arrives as part of the European Union's Digital Markets Act, which mandates Apple to permit third-party app stores on its devices. This legislative shift has equipped Epic Games with the opportunity to bypass Apple's restrictions and provide gamers with alternative access to their favorite titles.
The Epics Games Store aims to cater to mobile users with not only Fortnite but also games like Fall Guys and Rocket League Sideswipe. It’s not just about making existing games available; Epic has set its eyes on adding more third-party games starting from December this year.
Tim Sweeney, Epic Games' CEO, claimed recently, "The tide is turning, and the mobile ecosystem is finally opening up to competition." The company views this as a step toward combating what it sees as entrenched monopolistic practices by Apple and Google, who charge substantial fees to developers.
Despite this positive development, the launch process for the Epic Games Store isn’t seamless. Epic pointed out the challenges posed by Apple and Google, describing the installation as “intentionally poor” with at least five steps involved, along with confusing settings and alarming messages aimed at discouraging users from downloading non-Apple stores.
This convoluted procedure highlights the continuing legal battles Epic faces against Apple and Google as they push for improved app distribution models. While Fortnite remains banned in the U.S., the rollout of the Epic Games Store within Europe is seen as significant progress for the company.
Interestingly, the Epic Games Store’s availability is currently limited to users based in the European Union. This exclusivity raises questions about the future availability of the store as other regions, including the UK, may roll out similar legislation.
The UK’s Digital Markets Competition and Consumers Act, passed recently, mirrors the EU's steps, paving the way for potential accessibility of the Epic Games Store on iOS devices come next year. Sweeney remains optimistic, stating, "Unless Apple and Google manage to lobby the UK government to block competition, we should see Fortnite return to iOS by the end of next year."
The transition from obstacles to opportunities is evident as Epic Games prepares its next moves. With some early traction under its belt, the company is now firmly focused on growing its library and enhancing user experience.
For gamers, this development is quite the treat, reopening access to Fortnite and potentially more titles down the line. Epic stressed its goal to expedite building out the store, which should morph from offering merely Epic games to becoming a comprehensive platform it's intended to be.
While the launch signifies momentum for Epic, there’s still work to do to create a truly competitive environment against established app stores. Users can expect more information, including operational updates and new game launches, as they build their store to rival the likes of Apple and Google.
The current lineup may be slim, but the intention to expand game offerings remains clear. Just the prospect of upcoming titles rolling out via the Epic Games Store generates renewed excitement among mobile gamers across Europe.
For those interested, Epic has released instructional videos to help users navigate the installation process of its store. Despite the hurdles, the company is committed to simplifying the experience, and the long-term benefits of more options could make the wait worthwhile.
Epic Games continues to forge its path, often stepping beyond traditional gaming boundaries. The combination of legislative changes and consumer demand could redefine how games are distributed on mobile platforms, with Epic taking charge of leading this potentially pivotal transformation.
And as more regulations evolve, other regions may find pathways similar to the EU's regulation, making this just the start of Epic's ambitions globally. The coming months will be pivotal for not only Epic Games but also for how mobile gaming shapes up against monopolistic practices.
With international markets observing closely, players and developers alike are eager to see what next steps will emerge. Regardless of regional limitations, one fact remains clear: the quest for diverse app store options has just begun.
