The gaming world is buzzing with excitement as Epic Games has officially launched its Epic Games Store on mobile, making its debut on Android worldwide and iOS across Europe. This launch marks the return of Fortnite on iPhones, which has been off-limits since 2020 due to legal battles between Epic and Apple.
The timing of this mobile launch aligns with the new Fortnite season, titled 'Absolute Doom,' coinciding with Marvel themes. Players can now download Fortnite alongside two other games, Fall Guys and Rocket League Sideswipe, enhancing the mobile gaming experience for fans across these platforms.
To access the store, users will need to sideload the Epic Games Store app, which is similar to the process previously used for the Epic Games Launcher. Android devices can access the store directly, but iOS users will need to navigate the European Union's Digital Markets Act rules, which enable third-party app distribution.
Despite the return of Fortnite on iOS, the experience differs from what users might expect, with Apple imposing somewhat cumbersome installation steps. Tim Sweeney, Epic's CEO, has criticized Apple for what he calls "malicious compliance," as the lengthy installation process includes several prompts and settings adjustments.
For Android users, the process is simpler, with the Epic Games Launcher now evolving to include the store interface. The new marketplace not only hosts Epic’s games but also promises to feature titles from other developers, addressing some of the shortcomings of the Google Play Store’s offerings.
Lamenting the past four years of absence, longtime players are thrilled about the gameplay updates and the availability of previously locked features, including cross-platform progression for Fall Guys. Players can utilize their existing accounts across devices and platforms, allowing for seamless gameplay continuation.
For current epic gamers, Epic is incentivizing users with free cosmetics, including skins and accessories for Fortnite, Fall Guys, and Rocket League Sideswipe, until November 2. This promotional strategy aims to attract players to try out the new store and engage with the games.
While this launch offers significant benefits for users within the EU, Epic's future on iOS is still murky for regions outside Europe, particularly the United States. Legal battles remain unresolved, and Epic has stated it might be locked out of Apple's ecosystem for the foreseeable future.
Developments are closely watched as Epic and Apple’s titanic clash continues, especially without clear resolutions from U.S. courts. Sweeney has expressed disappointment at the lack of regulatory action within the U.S. to combat monopolization, hoping for change to benefit gamers everywhere.
Overall, the Epic Games Store’s mobile launch signifies not just the return of Fortnite on iOS, but also Epic Games' commitment to providing games with fewer restrictions imposed by traditional app stores. This step could reshape the mobile gaming market, providing players with more access and choice.
With players eagerly anticipating what's next, they are curious to see how Epic can expand this new store and what future titles it might bring in addition to their current offerings. For now, fans can savor the return of Fortnite and its new season, alongside fresh game mechanics and the possibility of more games on the horizon.
