Epic Games, the maker of the popular game Fortnite, has made a significant move in the mobile app market by officially launching its rival iOS app store in the European Union. This announcement comes as a major development in the ongoing battle between Epic Games and Apple, which has seen Fortnite removed from the App Store and legal disputes between the two companies.
The Epic Games Store is not only launching on iOS but also on Android worldwide. This expansion brings a new player into the app store arena, offering a range of games including Fortnite, Rocket League Sideswipe, and Fall Guys. Epic Games has stated that they are working with developers to bring more games to their store in the future, providing a platform for independent developers to showcase their work.
In addition to launching on iOS and Android, Epic Games is also partnering with independent mobile store AltStore PAL, which will be offering the Epic Games Store for free thanks to a grant from Epic Games. This move demonstrates Epic Games‘ commitment to supporting smaller developers and providing more options for consumers in the mobile gaming market.
The return of Fortnite to iOS after over four years is a significant milestone for both Epic Games and Apple. The legal battles between the two companies, along with regulatory changes brought by the EU’s Digital Markets Act, have paved the way for Epic Games to challenge Apple’s App Store dominance. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney expressed gratitude to the European Commission for enabling the launch of the Epic Games Store on iOS in the EU, highlighting the importance of competition and choice for developers and consumers.
To help users navigate the process of installing the Epic Games Store on iOS and Android, the company has published videos providing step-by-step instructions. Epic Games acknowledges that the installation process may be lengthy due to Apple and Google’s efforts to make it difficult for users to switch app stores, but they are committed to providing a seamless experience for their customers.
Overall, the launch of the Epic Games Store marks a significant shift in the mobile app market, with Apple facing a notable rival for the first time. This move not only benefits developers and consumers by providing more options and competition but also sets a precedent for other companies to challenge the status quo in the app store industry. Epic Games‘ entry into the market is a positive step towards a more open and competitive mobile ecosystem, offering new opportunities for developers and users alike.