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Epic Games Store Reaches iOS and Android
Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, has taken a major step by launching its Epic Games Store on iOS and Android platforms. This marks the return of Fortnite to Apple devices, albeit through unconventional methods. Four years after Fortnite was banned from the App Store, Epic Games has found a way back, though not through the official Apple and Google stores.
To access the Epic Games Store on iOS or Android, users must rely on “sideloading” – downloading the app directly from Epic’s official website rather than through traditional app stores. Additionally, Epic’s games are available on alternative platforms like AltStore.
A Milestone in the Battle Against Tech Giants
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney hails this move as a “significant milestone” in the ongoing battle against the monopolistic practices of Apple and Google. Epic’s legal struggles date back to 2020 when it attempted to bypass the 30% commission fees imposed by Apple and Google on in-app purchases. This defiance led to Fortnite’s removal from both the App Store and Google Play. Since then, Fortnite has remained accessible on Android through sideloading and on iOS via cloud gaming.
The launch of the Epic Games Store on these platforms is a long-term solution made possible by the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a European regulation challenging the dominance of Apple and Google. This legislation forces these tech giants to open their ecosystems to competing stores. However, Sweeney notes that Apple continues to block iOS users outside Europe from accessing Fortnite and the Epic Games Store.
Epic Games Store Launches with Three Titles
Currently, the Epic Games Store for mobile is available in the EU on iOS and globally on Android, launching with three games: Fortnite, Fall Guys, and Rocket League Sideswipe. Epic aims for 100 million installs on iOS and Android by the end of the year, but challenges remain, especially on Apple devices, where sideloading involves numerous steps.
With this bold move, Epic Games signals that the fight against tech monopolies is far from over.
