Epic Games, the developer behind the popular game Fortnite, has made a triumphant return to iOS devices with the launch of the Epic Games Store for mobile platforms. This move comes after Apple removed Fortnite from its App Store in 2020 due to a dispute over in-game purchases. Now, Epic’s game and app marketplace is available for download on iPhones in the European Union and on Android devices worldwide.
The mobile version of the Epic Games Store, which originally launched on Mac and Windows PC in 2018, is debuting with three Epic-made games: Fortnite (including various versions like Fortnite Battle Royale, Lego Fortnite, Rocket Racing, and Fortnite Festival), Rocket League Sideswipe, and Fall Guys. Epic has also stated that they are collaborating with external developers to bring their games and apps to the Epic Games Store on mobile platforms. Additionally, Epic is launching its games through a third-party store called AltStore.
The return of Epic Games to iOS devices is made possible by the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which requires certain tech giants, including Apple, to adhere to specific guidelines. These guidelines aim to promote fair competition and allow third parties like Epic to interoperate with the built-in software and services of these tech companies. However, despite this development, Epic Games and the Epic Games Store will only be available on iOS devices within the EU for the time being.
Installing the Epic Games Store on iOS and Android devices may not be a straightforward process, especially due to the intentional barriers set up by Apple and Google. Epic has described the installation process as lengthy and complex, with multiple steps and confusing device settings. Nevertheless, Epic is offering exclusive in-game cosmetics to entice players to download the Epic Games Store and its games on mobile platforms.
In a recent statement, Epic Games Store general manager Steve Allison emphasized the company’s strategy of incentivizing customers to install the marketplace by offering free weekly games, similar to their approach on PC. Allison expressed optimism about the potential success of the Epic Games Store on mobile platforms and highlighted the importance of expanding their user base to minimize friction for third-party developers.
While Epic’s efforts to challenge Apple and Google’s app store dominance are currently limited to EU countries, there is hope for broader changes in the future. Recent legislation in the UK and Japan could pave the way for more third-party app stores on devices controlled by Apple or Google operating systems. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney remains hopeful that regulatory actions will eventually address the issue of monopolization in the tech industry, allowing for greater competition and consumer choice.