It’s a significant day for Epic Games. Alongside launching the latest season of Fortnite, the company has achieved a major milestone by expanding the Epic Games Store to mobile devices. The app marketplace is now available on iOS in the European Union, thanks to new regulations requiring Apple to permit third-party app stores on iPhones and iPads, and on Android devices worldwide. This development also means that Fortnite is once again accessible on iOS in the EU without relying on cloud gaming services.
You might remember that in 2020, Epic attempted to bypass the fees that Apple and Google take from in-app purchases by encouraging Fortnite players on iOS and Android to purchase the in-game currency, V-Bucks, directly from Epic. In response, Apple and Google removed Fortnite from their app stores, rendering the game unplayable on their platforms since Epic could no longer update it to keep pace with the console and PC versions. This led Epic to sue both companies, igniting ongoing legal battles.
However, the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which came into effect this year, paved the way for Fortnite’s return to iOS within the region. (Given Android’s more open nature, Epic has been able to make its store and Fortnite available globally on that platform.) Earlier this year, Epic announced plans to bring its games store and Fortnite to iOS in the EU. After some friction with Apple, which initially rejected the app marketplace twice, Apple eventually approved the iOS version of the Epic Games Store in July.
In addition to Fortnite’s official comeback on mobile, the Epic Games Store is also introducing Fall Guys to iOS and Android for the first time. The mobile version of this popular platformer battle royale is almost identical to its console and PC counterparts, though the level-building creative mode is not yet available on mobile. Otherwise, the game supports full cross-play and cross-progression, with everything synced through your Epic account.
Rocket League Sideswipe, a mobile adaptation of Rocket League, is also available on iOS and Android via the Epic Games Store. Epic plans to collaborate with other developers to bring more titles to the platform in the future.
Furthermore, Epic is making its games accessible on other third-party mobile app stores, starting with AltStore PAL today. The company also plans to launch its offerings on Aptoide’s iOS store in the EU, ONE Store on Android, and additional marketplaces.
“The tide is turning, and the mobile ecosystem is finally opening up to competition. We are grateful to the European Commission for enabling the launch of the Epic Games Store and giving iOS users in the EU access to our games,” said Epic Games founder and CEO Tim Sweeney in a statement. “Now, European iOS users and all Android users can access our store and games, just as they have always been able to 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.”
As for me, I’m excited to jump back into Fortnite, especially since my iPhone has long been nicknamed Doctor Doom, the Marvel villain who is the central figure of the new season. I’m also eagerly hoping that Epic soon introduces an emote for Chappell Roan’s “Hot To Go!” dance in Fortnite—I’d happily spend all my V-Bucks on that.
