Epic Games has made waves once again by relaunching its hit game, Fortnite, on mobile devices. This time, it’s available to users on both iOS devices within the European Union and Android devices worldwide, marking the end of its absence from Apple’s ecosystem since 2020.
The return of Fortnite is tied closely to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) introduced by the EU, which requires companies like Apple to permit third-party app stores. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, expressed his gratitude, stating, "The tide is turning and the mobile ecosystem is finally opening up to competition. "
With the launch of the Epic Games Store on iPhones, players can access popular titles such as Fortnite itself, along with Rocket League Sideswipe and Fall Guys, which is making its first foray onto mobile platforms. Epic is aiming for 100 million downloads of its mobile games by the end of this year as it expands its reach.
To download the Epic Games Store on iOS, users must now follow detailed instructions provided by Epic, which has acknowledged the cumbersome nature of this installation process. According to the company, the multi-step process is full of confusing device settings and scary screens created by Apple, which they argue complicate the user experience.
"For now, the process of installing the Epic Games Store on iOS and Android is lengthy due to Apple and Google introducing intentionally poor-quality install experiences," Epic stated. They're seeking to adjust these and related policies not just within the EU, but globally, as they believe it will lead to better store experiences for all.
Despite this win for Epic, challenges remain, especially for gamers outside of the EU where Apple's restrictions are still firmly in place. Apple recently warned users about the difficulties and steps involved, highlighting how its policies remain more restrictive than those imposed by Google.
The launch of Epic’s mobile store follows years of intense legal battles, with Epic accusing Apple of monopolistic behavior due to its control over the App Store. Although Epic lost significant court battles against Apple, these recent regulatory changes have created new avenues for the company.
Following the launch, Epic’s focus continues to be on combating not just Apple, but Google as well, as they navigate the complex waters of app distribution on mobile platforms. Sweeney emphasized, "We are continuing to fight in courts and work with regulators around the globe to eliminate the anticompetitive terms...so we can build a better store for everyone."
With the return to mobile platforms, Epic Games is introducing not just gaming options, but also greater flexibility for game developers. By offering more favorable revenue-sharing terms to developers compared to those found on Apple and Google, Epic hopes to attract more titles to its new store.
Beyond Fortnite, the Epic Games Store will also feature third-party apps through alternative methods, which means users might have access to even more content as the platform matures. Epic has voiced its intention to keep progressing, addressing various restrictions imposed by both tech giants.
Critics of Apple’s practices may see Epic’s resurgence as a turning point for how games and apps are licensed and distributed on mobile devices. The possibility of opening markets on iOS could set the stage for broader change across the tech industry.
Sweeney added, "This is just the beginning of a long effort to bring our games back to all these platforms worldwide," indicating this is far from being the end of their efforts against Apple's longstanding policies. He concluded by stating they won’t rest until Fortnite is fully reinstated on all iOS systems and free from Apple’s fees.
The Epic Games Store is now available via Epic’s dedicated mobile site, allowing EU users straightforward access for installation. Whether this marks the dawn of easier competition within digital marketplaces remains to be seen, but it signals notable progress for Epic and its legions of fans.
The DMA has forced tech giants to rethink their policies and practices, putting developers and consumers at the forefront of the discussion. This shift might catalyze even more changes, not only for video games but also across many areas of app development.
While Epic celebrates its achievements within Europe, the road continues to be rocky outside the EU. Users living outside these borders can only hope for changes to come as they wait for proper access to games on their devices without the barriers imposed by current app store policies.
