In a thrilling development for gamers, Epic Games announced on Thursday that its blockbuster title “Fortnite” will soon return to Apple’s iOS systems in the European Union. This exciting news comes amidst Epic’s ongoing legal showdown with Apple, challenging the tech giant’s control over app distribution and in-app payments.
Epic Games has been fiercely advocating for broader game distribution options beyond the official app stores of smartphone companies. The company has taken a strong stance against the hefty commissions on in-app payments and the restriction of app downloads to dedicated stores.
In a bold move, Epic also revealed that it will be withdrawing its games from the Samsung Galaxy Store. This decision is a protest against Samsung’s policy to block default side-loading, which prevents users from installing applications without going through its dedicated app store. Epic slammed this policy as “anticompetitive.”
Further shaking up the status quo, Epic announced that its mobile games will soon be available on AltStore for iOS in the EU. AltStore is a third-party platform that allows users to side-load apps, providing a workaround to the traditional app store monopoly. Additionally, Epic hinted at extending “support” to at least two other third-party stores, although details remain under wraps.
Expanding its reach even further, Epic’s own marketplace, the Epic Games Store, will soon be available on Android worldwide and on iOS in the European Union. While the exact timeline is yet to be disclosed, this move promises to offer gamers more choices and flexibility.
The backstory to this clash dates back to earlier in July when Apple approved Epic Games’ marketplace app on iPhones and iPads in Europe. This approval came after Epic intensified its dispute with Apple, a battle that has drawn significant attention. Apple is also under the microscope of EU competition regulators, who declared in June that Apple’s App Store practices violate the Digital Markets Act.
Gamers in the EU will soon enjoy the return of Fortnite on iOS, bringing more excitement and options to their mobile gaming experience.
Epic’s push for third-party stores could lead to greater freedom and lower costs for mobile gamers worldwide.
The ongoing legal battles and market shifts could create temporary uncertainties and disruptions for gamers and developers alike.
In a landscape where tech giants hold significant sway, Epic Games’ daring maneuvers offer a refreshing shake-up. With Fortnite’s return to iOS in the EU and the expansion of its own marketplace, Epic is not just playing the game—it’s changing the rules. Get ready, because the future of mobile gaming just got a lot more interesting!