Epic Games has officially launched its newest mobile app, Epic Games Store mobile, which will bring its games to Android worldwide and even to iOS, but in this case only in the European Union.
As such, after a four-year absence, Fortnite is finally back on iOS, marking a significant moment in the long-running legal battle between Epic Games and Apple that began in 2020 when the game was removed from the App Store.
Read also:
Fortnite is finally coming back to iOS on the App Store in Europe
Epic Games fined over €1 million for unfair business practices in Fortnite
Epic Games Store mobile
The company launched the app today (16) and it is now available for Android worldwide and for iOS in the European Union. The app allows users to use the virtual store to buy items for their games, in addition to featuring the company’s 3 main games in the mobile version, namely Fortnite, Rocket League (in the Sideswipe version) and even a smartphone version of Fall Guys.
Through the store, it will also be possible to redeem free weekly games offered by Epic Games, in addition to counting on Epic Rewards, which is a program that returns part of the value of a purchase to be used in future purchases.
iOS release via third-party stores
As for Fortnite’s return to iOS, there are two ways to do so. The first is through the Epic Games Store app itself, and the second is through AltStore PAL, a third-party app store.
These platforms represent a major strategic shift for Epic, which has struggled to distribute its games outside of the traditional App Store. Fortnite’s relaunch on iOS was only possible due to regulatory changes brought about by the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which requires Apple to allow alternative app stores on its devices.
This new legislation has opened the door for Epic Games to finally return to iOS, although it will still be limited to Europe. Epic also plans to expand its games to other platforms in the European Union, such as Aptoide’s iOS store, and to Android, with the ONE Store.
Epic Games founder and CEO Tim Sweeney expressed his gratitude for the new European legislation, saying that Fortnite’s return to iOS is a big step for the company. “We are really excited and grateful for the European DMA law”Sweeney said at a briefing with reporters.
However, the road to Fortnite’s return has not been easy, and Epic still faces significant challenges, such as the fees that Apple imposes on developers who choose to distribute their apps outside of the App Store.
Technical challenges and expectations for Fortnite’s return to iOS
While Fortnite’s return to iOS is a milestone, it’s not without its complications. Some users have reported difficulties when trying to install the Epic Games Store on their iPhones, with conflicting warnings about which iOS version is required to install. Despite these technical challenges, the launch comes at an opportune time, coinciding with Fortnite’s new Marvel-themed season, which could entice many European players back to the platform.
Despite the progress, Epic Games still has a long way to go. The company has been heavily invested in its battle against Apple, spending hundreds of millions of dollars to defend its vision of a more open and competitive app marketplace. Steve Allison, VP and GM of the Epic Games Store, acknowledged that there are still many hurdles to overcome, but reiterated the company’s commitment to continue fighting for a future where developers and players have more freedom and choice.
Fonte: Epic Games
Source: https://www.hardware.com.br/noticias/epic-games-store-e-lancado-para-android-globalmente-e-traz-de-volta-o-fortnite-para-o-ios-na-ue.html
