Epic Games has officially made its long-anticipated foray back onto mobile with the launch of the Epic Games Store for both Android and iOS devices, marking the return of the immensely popular game, Fortnite. This significant step allows players to access Fortnite once again on their mobile devices, alongside other titles like Fall Guys and Rocket League Sideswipe.
The launch of the Epic Games Store on mobile wasn't just about bringing back Fortnite; it also came as the result of hardened legal battles with the tech giants, namely Apple and Google. Previously, Epic Games faced removal from both app stores after trying to circumvent existing payment systems for purchasing V-Bucks, the in-game currency.
After years of fighting the legal giants, Epic's new mobile store is now available worldwide on Android and exclusively for iOS users within the European Union. By aligning itself with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) enforced by the EU, Epic aims to bypass Apple's app store entirely, which has created various hurdles for developers.
Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, spoke to journalists, expressing enthusiasm about the store's arrival and the prospect of returning games to mobile. "We're very happy to be on the verge of launching our games on iOS and Android, enabled by Europe's new DMA law," Sweeney remarked, highlighting the significant shift brought by the regulatory changes.
Under the DMA and the resulting regulations, Apple has had to modify its traditional structures, allowing developers to generate their own app stores. This new legislative framework offers developers, particularly Epic Games, the chance to immediately offer their games to consumers without going through Apple’s existing monopolized system.
Despite the excitement of re-entering the mobile market, the story has its challenges. Although the Epic Games Store is available for many Android users around the world, Apple has limited access for iOS users outside of the EU, keeping the game from Americans and other international markets.
The installation process for both Android and iOS devices has been described as cumbersome due to technical requirements set by Google and Apple. Users are faced with complex installation guides and additional security settings, which Epic claims are intentionally complicated to hinder their storefront’s entrance to the market.
While Fortnite is making its triumphant return, the store also features other popular titles from Epic Games. The mobile version of Epic’s Battle Royale game is back after being unavailable for four long years, with game access previously limited to web downloads or cloud gaming services.
There’s also good news for developers wanting to publish their games via the Epic Games Store. Not only can they set better revenue-sharing terms than those provided by Apple and Google, but Epic Games has pledged to launch their first-party titles and enable third-party developers to bring their games onto the platform starting December 2024.
While this move is seen as progress for mobile gaming, the long-term outlook remains uncertain for users outside the EU market. Many remain hopeful for moves to bring the Epic Games Store to more regions as Epic's legal battles come to fruition.
To facilitate the downloading process, Epic has created user-friendly resources to guide customers through the installation steps for both operating systems. These resources aim to make it easier to access the Epic Games Store, even if the installation navigates through various tedious steps.
Sweeney emphasized the importance of continuing their fight against anti-competitive practices put forth by Apple and Google. "We are continuing to work with regulators to eliminate the anticompetitive terms imposed on developers and consumers, paving the way for better services and options for everyone," he declared.
Despite the progress made, Epic Games is clear about the obstacles still at hand. Apple continues to block all other iOS users outside Europe from accessing Fortnite and the Epic Games Store, leaving many on the outside still yearning for the mobile experience.
Epic Games has set itself high ambitions with the launch of its mobile store. They're aiming for 100 million installations by the end of the year, which hinges significantly on overcoming the challenges laid out by competing app stores.
“The only thing standing in our way is going to be the friction put up by Apple and Google, and it's pretty significant,” noted Steve Allison, head of the Epic Games Store. The friction currently faced reflects historical tensions between the game developer and the tech giants as much as it denotes the current struggle to regain market share.
The reintroduction of Fortnite to mobile devices isn't just about gameplay; it encapsulates the broader struggle for independence among developers within app ecosystems. With Epic Games atop this endeavor, the mobile gaming world stands at the precipice of change, which could reshape it for years to come.
Epic Games' return signals more than just reinstatement; it marks the beginning of competitive dynamics previously stifled by singular app store policies. With developers now having options to distribute their apps outside conventional means, gamers may soon benefit from diversified products and enticing competitive prices.
