The Epic Games Store has made a significant move by launching on mobile platforms, starting with Android worldwide and iOS in the European Union. This expansion comes as a result of the Digital Markets Act, which now requires Apple to allow third-party stores on its mobile ecosystem. Epic Games is set to introduce three titles to its mobile catalogue, including the highly popular Fortnite, Rocket League Sideswipe, and the new Fall Guys Mobile. These games will also be available on other independent stores such as AltStore and Aptoide on iOS, and One Store on Android in the near future.
In a recent media briefing, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney expressed gratitude towards the European Commission for passing the DMA law, enabling the Epic Games Store to launch on iOS. He emphasized the importance of competition and the need to challenge Apple and Google’s dominance in the mobile market. Steve Allison, the general manager of the Epic Games Store, echoed Sweeney’s sentiments, highlighting the industry’s need for more options and competition.
However, the process of installing the Epic Games Store on mobile devices is not as straightforward as downloading from traditional app stores. Users are required to download the store directly from Epic’s website and navigate through multiple steps to approve its installation. This includes warnings about downloading from an ‚unknown source‘ and adjusting device settings to avoid obstacles. Despite these challenges, Epic Games is determined to reach a target of 100 million new installs across iOS and Android by 2024.
One of the major hurdles faced by Epic Games on iOS is Apple’s introduction of fees for developers using alternative stores. These fees, including the Core Technology Fee, discourage developers from utilizing third-party stores and keep them within Apple’s walled garden. Epic Games is hopeful that Apple’s ecosystem will open up to more regions in the future, allowing for greater accessibility and competition.
As Epic Games expands its mobile presence, it plans to offer competitive revenue sharing models and exclusive deals for developers. The company aims to attract users with popular titles and unique content, similar to how Steam built its success on PC. Despite facing challenges from established app stores, Epic Games remains optimistic about its ability to compete and provide a compelling alternative for both developers and consumers.
The launch of the Epic Games Store on mobile marks a significant milestone in the ongoing legal battles between Epic Games, Apple, and Google. Tim Sweeney reiterated the company’s commitment to challenging the tech giants and advocating for a more open and competitive mobile market. Despite the financial losses incurred during the legal disputes, Sweeney emphasized the importance of standing up for principles of freedom and fair competition.
In conclusion, the Epic Games Store’s expansion to mobile platforms represents a bold step towards breaking the duopoly of Apple and Google in the mobile market. By offering competitive terms for developers and engaging content for users, Epic Games is poised to carve out a significant presence in the mobile gaming industry. As the company continues to push for greater accessibility and competition, the future of mobile gaming looks promising with the Epic Games Store leading the way.