Once upon a time in Europe, Fortnite fans experienced heartbreak when their beloved game was yanked from their mobile devices. But fret not, fellow gamers, for the epic battle between Epic Games and tech titans Apple and Google has taken a thrilling turn.
Epic Games has boldly ventured to launch its very own app store, becoming one of the first third-party app stores accessible on the iPhone in Europe. And the cherry on top? It’s not just the triumphant return of Fortnite – popular games like Rocket League Sideswipe and Fall Guys are also poised to join the ranks of the new store.
The ongoing feud between Epic and the tech giants has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, with Fortnite’s removal from both the Apple and Google app stores in 2020 sparking a slew of legal and regulatory skirmishes over developer commission fees and control of app stores.
But lo and behold, the tables have turned, all thanks to the new Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the EU. This groundbreaking legislation has ushered in sweeping new rules to prevent tech giants from monopolizing digital markets. As a result, Apple is now compelled to grant folks in Europe the ability to download iPhone apps from stores not affiliated with them – a monumental shift from their previous stance.
Epic has heralded the launch of its store and the return of Fortnite to Apple devices in the EU, attributing it to the DMA. And the app is set to roll out globally on Android, even reaching the UK. Though, regrettably for our UK comrades, iPhone users will have to bide their time until around 2025 for the launches to reach their shores.
In a fiery blog post, Epic minced no words while lambasting Apple and Google for their “anti-competitive” approach to app stores. The company accused both tech giants of creating obstacles for users seeking alternative platforms, highlighting the intentionally arduous process of installing the Epic Games Store on iOS and Android, replete with poor-quality install experiences, confusing settings, and fear-inducing screens.
But do not despair, for the battle is far from its end! Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney expressed gratitude to the European Commission for enabling the launch of the Epic Games Store, hailing it as a tangible step forward in opening up the mobile ecosystem to competition and choice, benefiting developers and consumers alike.
As part of the grand unveiling, Epic also revealed that its games will be available on other third-party app stores accessible on iOS in Europe, including AltStore.
While Google chose to remain tight-lipped on the launch, Apple acknowledged that the DMA had necessitated them to enable new capabilities for developers in the EU. They pledged to make these new capabilities as user-friendly as possible, all while prioritizing privacy and security.
There you have it, dear friends! The resurgence of Fortnite on mobile devices in Europe is but the opening chapter of a new era in the gaming realm. With Epic Games gallantly leading the way, it is abundantly clear that the fight for fair competition and consumer choice has only just begun. Prepare to immerse yourselves once more in the virtual battlefield, for the epic saga of gaming continues to unfold before our very eyes!
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