Rejoice, European Fortnite fans! The beloved game has made a triumphant return to mobile devices in the region, and it’s bringing a wave of excitement with it. Epic Games has launched its very own app store, allowing iOS and Android users to once again immerse themselves in the action-packed world of Fortnite on their smartphones.
For UK iPhone users, the excitement is slightly subdued as they will have to exercise a bit of patience. The app store is set to roll out in their area next year. But as they say, good things come to those who wait, right?
The arrival of the Epic Games Store is truly a game-changer. It’s breaking new ground as one of the first third-party app stores to grace the iPhone, offering users a fresh alternative to the established app store giants. And it’s not just about Fortnite; the store will also feature other popular games such as Rocket League Sideswipe and Fall Guys, giving players a wide array of options to choose from.
This exhilarating launch marks the latest development in the ongoing confrontation between Epic Games and tech giants Apple and Google. The battle, which has been brewing for quite some time, revolves around the control of app stores and developer commission fees. In 2020, things came to a head when Fortnite was unceremoniously pulled from both the Apple and Google app stores, setting off a flurry of legal and regulatory cases.
However, the game has changed thanks to the new Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the EU. These sweeping rules are designed to shake up the digital market, ensuring that it remains open and competitive. As a result, Apple has been compelled to allow European users to download iPhone apps from stores not operated by the company – a significant departure from its previous stance.
Epic Games didn’t waste any time seizing the opportunity. They quickly announced the return of Fortnite to Apple devices in the EU and its forthcoming global roll-out on Android. Unfortunately for UK iPhone users, the launch in their region is still on the horizon for next year.
In a fiery blog post, Epic took a direct shot at Apple and Google, accusing them of maintaining “anti-competitive” practices. They expressed frustration with the difficult process of installing the Epic Games Store on iOS and Android, courtesy of the roadblocks from the tech giants.
But within this fiery drama, there’s a glimmer of hope for the future of mobile gaming. Epic Games’ CEO, Tim Sweeney, emphasized that the arrival of their app store is a step in the right direction, opening up the mobile ecosystem to healthy competition. Their gratitude to the European Commission for making this possible was evident, highlighting the progress made in creating a more inclusive and diverse marketplace for developers and consumers alike.
Epic also confirmed that they would be bringing their games to several other third-party app stores accessible on iOS in the EU. While Google stayed silent about the launch, Apple is undoubtedly feeling the pressure.
The stakes are high, and the battle rages on, but for now, European iOS users and all Android users can finally revel in the glory of the Epic Games Store and its remarkable lineup of games. The future of mobile gaming is looking bright, and the competition is just getting started. So, get ready to gear up, dive into your favorite games, and let the battle royale commence – the stage is set, and the players are ready. It’s game on!
Leave a Reply