Multiplayer shooter game Fortnite is back on iPhones in the European Union and available on Google’s Android devices globally after a four-year hiatus, announced developer Epic Games on Friday.
Fortnite, developed by Epic Games and supported by Tencent, gained immense popularity since its launch in 2017 with its “battle royale” format. However, in 2020, Apple and Google removed the game from their app stores due to payment feature violations, leading to legal battles over commission charges.
EU's Digital Markets Act Paves the Way
Thanks to the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), Epic can now launch its game store in the EU, although Apple continues to restrict access for users outside Europe. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney expressed gratitude to the European Commission for enabling store competition and ensuring fair market access.
The store is debuting with Fortnite, Rocket League Sideswipe, and Fall Guys for mobile, with plans to collaborate with other developers for future releases. Epic aims to attract 100 million new mobile users by the year-end, in addition to its existing 75 million monthly active users on the PC store.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the games will also be accessible through independent mobile stores like AltStore, the installation process on iOS devices is reportedly complex, involving multiple steps and settings adjustments.
Despite potential revenue losses, Sweeney emphasized the importance of freedom and competition in the market. Apple stated that it worked to facilitate new capabilities for developers in the EU while prioritizing user privacy and security.
Overall, the return of Fortnite to iPhones in the EU and expansion to Android devices worldwide marks a significant milestone for Epic Games and the gaming community.
