Epic Games' New Mobile Storefront: A Bold Step Forward
Epic Games Inc. is finally launching a new mobile storefront after years of legal disputes with Apple Inc. and Google over their app-store practices. CEO Tim Sweeney is optimistic about the mobile versions of popular games like Fortnite, Rocket League, and Fall Guys attracting gamers on Android devices globally and iOS products in the European Union. The company aims to achieve 100 million new installs on mobile devices by the end of the year, given that mobile devices contribute significantly to the $8 billion games market.
Sweeney highlighted challenges in the installation process on iOS devices, which he described as discouraging for users. Despite the financial costs of the legal battles with Apple and Google, Sweeney emphasized the importance of paying for freedom and promoting open competition among app stores. Epic Games plans to charge a 12% fee on mobile transactions, similar to its current fee structure for PC and Mac transactions.
Regulatory Changes and Developer Concerns
While regulatory changes in the EU are opening up the app store market, concerns about transaction friction remain among game developers. Epic Games is optimistic about overcoming these challenges in the future, but the timeline for resolution remains uncertain. Despite a recent decline in worldwide mobile game downloads, developers are exploring alternative stores to avoid the high fees imposed by Apple and Google. Epic Games is collaborating with third-party mobile app stores to expand its reach in the mobile gaming market.
Strategies for User Attraction and Developer Engagement
By offering free games and avoiding a subscription model, Epic Games aims to attract users and convert them into long-term customers. The company plans to welcome third-party game developers to the Epic Games Store in December and provide self-publishing tools for iOS and Android users in early 2025.
- Apple asks Supreme Court to reverse App Store ruling won by Epic
- Epic Games adds for-kids accounts in Fortnite, Rocket League, Fall Guys
- Google struck $0-million Activision deal to block rival app store, lawsuit says
- Apple and Google pull ‘Fortnite’ from mobile app shops
The launch of this new mobile storefront marks a significant milestone for Epic Games. It not only represents a victory in their ongoing battle for open competition but also sets the stage for a more diverse and dynamic mobile gaming ecosystem.