In a thrilling twist of fate, Fortnite has made a triumphant return to mobile devices in Europe thanks to Epic Games’ groundbreaking launch of its very own app store on Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android platforms. This momentous occasion paves the way for the Epic Games Store to become one of the first third-party app stores accessible on the iPhone, granting users access to a whole new realm of gaming possibilities.
The launch of the Epic Games Store is not just a cause for celebration among Fortnite fans. The store will also feature other beloved games such as Rocket League Sideswipe and Fall Guys, offering a rich variety of gaming options for mobile users.
Epic Games’ bold move represents the latest development in its ongoing feud with tech giants like Apple and Google over their stranglehold on app stores and developer commission fees. The conflict initially resulted in Fortnite being unceremoniously booted from both Apple and Google app stores in 2020, igniting a storm of legal battles and regulatory disputes.
In a daring move, Epic Games cited the Digital Markets Act as the driving force behind its ability to launch the store and bring Fortnite back to Apple devices in the EU. Unfortunately, UK iPhone users will have to bide their time, as the launch is not expected to make its way to them until next year.
Epic did not mince words in its criticism of Apple and Google, calling out their “anti-competitive” practices in managing app stores and shedding light on the obstacles faced by alternative platforms in reaching users. The company also reaffirmed its commitment to taking the fight to the courts and collaborating with global regulators to dismantle the restrictive terms imposed by Apple and Google on developers and consumers.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney expressed gratitude toward the European Commission for facilitating the launch of the Epic Games Store and making its games available to iOS users in the European Union. Sweeney also acknowledged that while there is still a long road ahead, this progress represents a significant leap forward for developers and consumers in terms of fostering competition and choice.
As part of the momentous launch, Epic announced that its games will also be accessible on several other third-party app stores on iOS in the EU, including AltStore.
Google’s response to this groundbreaking development was to decline to comment, while Apple’s reaction remains shrouded in mystery.
The battle rages on between tech titans and Epic Games, but the launch of the Epic Games Store and the return of Fortnite to Apple devices in Europe mark a turning point in the mobile gaming landscape. With the mobile ecosystem now open to competition, users can anticipate a future replete with a wealth of options and opportunities in the gaming world.
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