Epic Games Launches New Mobile Store
Epic Games has launched a new store for Mobile. The new mobile marketplace is available for download on iOS in the EU and Android globally. It is only available on iOS in Europe owing to new regulations in the region in favor of Epic Games.
Back in August of 2020, Epic Games and Apple began what would end up being a drawn-out legal battle regarding the App Store and how gamers accessed titles like Fortnite. With neither side truly winning in the end, the latest in the ongoing feud sees the Epic Games Store being launched for Mobile, albeit with a significant caveat.
That caveat is a very deliberate swipe at Apple and its restrictive ecosystem, as the Epic Games Store is only available for download on iOS devices in the European Union (EU), while those using an Android phone can download the newly launched marketplace worldwide.
There will be a handful of Epic Games original titles that will be made available on the new Store, with moves being made to bring other third-party games soon.
“The store is launching with Fortnite, Rocket League Sideswipe, and the all-new Fall Guys for mobile, and we are working to enable all developers to launch their games and apps through the Epic Games Store in the future. We are also bringing our games to independent mobile stores including AltStore PAL today,” Epic Games explained in a blog post.
The company also did not hold back when it comes to their thoughts on how both Apple and Google operate when it comes to third-party app marketplaces and the use of payment methods, which has long been a bone of contention for the gaming publisher/developer.
“We’re launching on iOS devices in the European Union thanks to the Digital Markets Act, but Apple is still blocking all other iOS users outside of Europe from accessing Fortnite and Epic Games Store for iOS,” it outlined.
“For now, the process of installing the Epic Games Store on iOS and Android is lengthy due to Apple and Google introducing intentionally poor-quality install experiences laden by multiple steps, confusing device settings, and scare screens. We are continuing to fight in courts and work with regulators around the globe to eliminate the anticompetitive terms that Apple and Google impose on developers and consumers, so we can build a better store for everyone,” it continued.
Whether this not-so-subtle move will compel regulators in other regions to follow similar changes to that of the EU’s Digital Markets Act remains to be seen, but for now, the newly launched marketplace for Mobile is certainly being used as a rod to beat Apple and its app policies.
“The tide is turning and the mobile ecosystem is finally opening up to competition. We are grateful to the European Commission for making it possible to launch the Epic Games Store and offer our games to iOS users in the European Union,” shared Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games.
“Now European iOS users and all Android users can access our store and games, as they’ve always been able to do on open platforms like PC and Mac. The fight is far from over, but this is tangible progress for developers and consumers who can begin to benefit from competition and choice,” he concluded.
To find out how to download the Epic Games Store on iOS in the EU, watch the video embedded below. If you are an Android user, check out this other video here.
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