Epic Games Store and Fortnite Now Available on Android Worldwide and iOS in the EU
Solomon Thompson / 3 months ago
Epic Games has officially launched its Epic Games Store on mobile platforms, marking a significant milestone in the gaming industry. The store is now available on Android devices worldwide and on iOS devices exclusively within the European Union. This launch comes after a lengthy legal struggle with Apple and Google, following the removal of Fortnite from their respective app stores in 2020 due to Epic’s introduction of direct payment methods, which bypassed the platforms’ 30% commission fees.
A Long-Awaited Return to iOS
The return of Fortnite to iOS devices in the European Union is particularly noteworthy, as it is the first time since 2020 that iPhone users can access the popular battle royale game. This move was made possible due to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which forces major platforms to provide fair access to their stores. However, Apple continues to block access to Fortnite and the Epic Games Store for iOS users outside of Europe, a point of contention that Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney highlighted in a recent press release.
Installing the Epic Games Store on both Android and iOS devices remains a cumbersome process, involving multiple steps and confusing settings, which Epic attributes to intentional obstacles placed by Apple and Google. Despite these challenges, Epic remains committed to fighting these barriers in courts and through regulatory channels to create a more competitive marketplace for developers and consumers alike.
Currently, the Epic Games Store offers Fortnite, Rocket League Sideswipe, and the newly released Fall Guys for mobile users. Epic also announced plans to expand its offerings by including games and apps from other developers in the future. Additionally, these games are now available on the independent AltStore for iOS users in the EU, with more third-party mobile stores expected to follow suit soon.