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 marks the long-awaited return of Fortnite on iPhones, which had been unavailable since 2020 due to legal battles between Epic and Apple.
With the new launch, Fortnite arrives alongside two other popular titles, Fall Guys and Rocket League Sideswipe, enriching the mobile gaming experience for fans across platforms. The timing is perfect, coinciding with the new Fortnite season titled 'Absolute Doom,' infused with Marvel themes.
To access this store, users will need to sideload the Epic Games Store app, similar to how the previous Epic Games Launcher worked. Android users can access the store directly, but iOS users must navigate the European Union's Digital Markets Act rules, which allow third-party app distributions.
Despite the return of Fortnite on iOS, players should be prepared for some less-than-ideal installation steps imposed by Apple. Tim Sweeney, Epic's CEO, has voiced his criticism, labeling Apple's lengthy and convoluted process as "malicious compliance," involving too many prompts and settings adjustments.
For Android users, the experience is more seamless as the Epic Games Launcher has now transformed to incorporate the new store interface. This marketplace not only features Epic’s own titles but also plans to include games from other developers, addressing some limitations seen with the Google Play Store.
Longtime Fortnite players are filled with nostalgia and excitement as they anticipate gameplay updates and the revival of previously inaccessible features, including cross-platform progression for Fall Guys. Players will be able to utilize their existing accounts across devices, making the gaming experience continuous.
To sweeten the deal, Epic is giving away free cosmetics, including skins and accessories for Fortnite, Fall Guys, and Rocket League Sideswipe, until November 2. This promotional effort is aimed at luring players to try out the new store and engage with the games more intimately.
While the launch is promising for users within the European Union, the future for Epic on iOS remains uncertain, particularly for regions like the United States. Legal disputes are still unresolved, leading Epic to suggest it may be excluded from Apple’s ecosystem for the foreseeable future.
Developments are closely monitored as the clash between Epic and Apple shows no signs of resolution. Sweeney has expressed disappointment at the absence of substantial regulatory action within the U.S. to counter monopolization, taking hope for changes to benefit gamers at large.
Overall, the launch of the Epic Games Store on mobile signifies not just Fortnite's return on iOS, but also Epic Games' commitment to reducing restrictions imposed by traditional app stores. This initiative could alter the mobile gaming market, providing players with expanded access to games and choices.
Players are eagerly awaiting what Epic has planned next and how they might broaden this new store's offerings beyond what currently exists. For now, fans can relish the return of Fortnite, coupled with fresh game mechanics and the potential for more intriguing titles down the line.
Adding to the excitement, Fall Guys has also made its way to mobile. Launched today as part of the Epic Games Store, its gameplay mirrors what players have enjoyed across PC and console.
Fall Guys taps right back to the action gamers love, bringing with it cross-play and cross-progression capabilities through Epic Games accounts. This means players can continue seamlessly on mobile without losing progress made during their gaming escapades on other platforms.
The only feature missing at launch is the Fall Guys Creative Editor, leaving levels crafted on other platforms still accessible for play on mobile devices. Gamers can enjoy the same premium experience on mobile without cutting corners—even pesky ads and popups are kept at bay!
Notably, the Epic Games Store mobile version intends to expand its app roster beyond just its own games. The groundwork has been laid for including apps from other developers, which speaks volumes to Epic's ambition for the new storefront.
Fans are invited to participate early on with some limited-time promotions, one of which includes earning bonuses for playing games on the Epic platform. This campaign encourages players to explore and engage more deeply with the Epic Games Store right from the get-go.
Yet, installation doesn’t come without its challenges, especially for iOS users who might face lengthy prompts and screens warning them about security risks. Epic claims this experience has been intentionally complicated by Apple to deter users from downloading alternative app stores.
Through this launch, Epic Games hopes to make the distribution of games fairer and more open, breaking the monopolistic hold major app stores currently have on gamers. Sweeney remains optimistic about the potential of these changes, expressing hope for expansion and inclusion for more games over time.
Thus, with smartphones being one of the primary gaming mediums, the launch of Epic’s mobile store represents not just a return of fan-favorite titles but the beginning of new possibilities for the gaming community. This is just the beginning, and as more games and apps are added, the Epic Games Store could reshape mobile gaming.
For Fortnite enthusiasts, the return marks the revival of an era, breathing new life and excitement back to mobile gaming as they brace for what’s next. The arrival of the Epic Games Store on mobile is about more than just downloads—it's about reclaiming the player’s freedom to choose where they play and how they spend.
