Epic Games has made headlines globally with the re-launch of its iconic game, Fortnite, on mobile devices. After being pulled from the Apple App Store back in 2020 due to legal disputes with Apple over payment systems, Fortnite's return signifies not just its comeback but also the launch of the Epic Games Mobile Store, allowing players to access other popular titles like Fall Guys and Rocket League on their devices.
Fortnite fans have waited for nearly four years, and their patience is finally paying off. The game is currently available for download only on iOS devices located within the European Union, but Android users can access it worldwide.
The backstory to this re-launch is mired in Epic Games' legal battles, which have cost the company over $1 billion. Following Epic's attempt to avoid paying Apple's hefty 30% commission on transactions by implementing its own payment system, the ensuing lawsuit has become one of the most significant technology battles of the decade.
The legal tug-of-war began when Epic enacted changes to Fortnite to evade Apple's price cuts, prompting Apple to remove the game from its platform. Epic retaliated with a lawsuit, claiming Apple's practices were anti-competitive and stifling innovation.
While Epic faced setbacks, including losing the initial court verdict, the legal aftermath led to the creation of new EU regulations. These regulations forced Apple to allow third-party app stores, opening the door for Epic to relaunch Fortnite on iOS.
To download Fortnite now, iPhone users must first install the Epic Games Store via the Safari browser. This platform acts like Apple's App Store but exclusively for Epic's games, allowing users to bypass traditional marketplaces.
For Android users, the process is straightforward. They can download the Epic Games Store app directly, enabling them to access Fortnite and other Epic offerings with ease.
Epic's ambitious plan doesn't stop with Fortnite, as the company has also launched Fall Guys on mobile, marking the game's first appearance on smartphones. This versatile platform allows players to engage with their favorite titles seamlessly across devices, even integrating cross-platform play.
Notably, the mobile launch of Fall Guys promotes full cross-progression, allowing players to continue their adventures whether they are on their consoles or phones. This places Epic at the forefront of mobile gaming innovation.
Tim Sweeney, Epic's CEO, expressed enthusiasm over the return of Fortnite to Apple devices. "We are very pleased to be launching our games on iOS and Android thanks to the new law," he commented during a press conference.
He also indicated this marks just the beginning of their efforts to restore their gaming presence across all platforms. "This is just the beginning of our long commitment to bringing our games back to all these platforms around the world," Sweeney remarked.
Despite the successful relaunch, Sweeney acknowledged existing hurdles. Both Apple and Google remain vigilant now as Epic navigates its new operational challenges, including what Sweeney describes as bottlenecking installation processes and numerous settings users must manage.
The re-entry of Fortnite has rejuvenated the gaming community eager for the multiplayer experience it offers. Players can expect smoother gameplay and consistent performance once they sidestep the many hurdles posed by the traditional app installations.
Apple has taken steps to comply with the new EU regulations but remains cautious about the overall impact and security measures involved. A spokesperson stated, "The DMA asked us to provide new features to EU developers, and we’ve worked to make them as simple as possible for users," indicating Apple's efforts to strike a balance between security and accessibility.
Epic's legal challenges may have drained its finances significantly, but Sweeney views the expenditure as worthwhile for the company’s future. He believes the investment is necessary for ensuring Epic and other developers can operate more freely without disproportionate fees.
Fortnite's return also displays Epic Games' resilience and determination to redefine the gaming marketplace. Their vision extends beyond individual titles; it aims to inspire competition across the whole mobile gaming platform.
Looking forward, gamers can expect both new and classic titles finding their way onto Epic's mobile store, making it increasingly attractive for users across platforms. With developers encouraged to join this new marketplace and share more revenue, the future looks promising.
While Fortnite and Fall Guys are currently leading the charge, Epic Games intends to expand its offerings and bring more games to mobile. With efforts directed at developing user-friendly installation processes, they aim to mitigate barriers for new players.
Players interested should check their eligibility status, especially iOS users who must reside within the EU and have updated their devices to iOS 17.6 or newer. For Android users, any device running Android 7.0 or later with adequate storage should allow seamless installation.
With this monumental shift, Epic has set itself up for what it hopes to be sustained success across mobile platforms. Only time will tell if they can balance innovation with accessibility but for now, Fortnite and its friends are back.
So grab your devices and get ready to jump back onto the battlefield. The excitement is palpable as fans rediscover the thrill of Fortnite’s fast-paced action.
