Fortnite, the immensely popular battle royale game by Epic Games, is finally returning to iOS platforms, but with a catch – it’s only available in Europe.
The game’s surprising return to Apple’s proprietary operating system and/or platform comes nearly four years after the tech giant removed it from the App Store for circumventing Apple’s payment methods.
Despite the still-ongoing tussle between Epic Games and Apple, the latter had no choice but to facilitate the necessary changes to pave the way for Fortnite’s return as a response to the European Union’s new Digital Markets Act. It aims to regulate the major tech companies, promoting fair competition. Consequently, Apple has been compelled to allow apps to be installed from sources other than its App Store, a practice commonly known as sideloading. This shift in Apple’s policy is a departure from its long-standing resistance to allow sideloading, often citing security and privacy concerns.
Remember Fortnite on iOS?
How bout we bring that back.
Later this year Fortnite will return in Europe on iOS through the @EpicGames Store.
(shoutout DMA – an important new law in the EU making this possible). @Apple, the world is watching. pic.twitter.com/VdHWTe8i1c— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) January 25, 2024
Epic Games, seizing this opportunity, announced plans to launch the Epic Games Store on iPhone within the European Union, bringing Fortnite back to the platform as part of this rollout. Tim Sweeney, Epic’s CEO, continues to be vocal with his criticism of Apple’s policies, particularly referring to the company’s implementation of DMA compliance as, simply put, “hot garbage.” However, despite the ongoing legal and regulatory battles, Epic is gearing up to relaunch Fortnite on iOS.
Fortnite’s return to iOS is significant, not only for European players but also in the broader context of app distribution and digital marketplaces. Epic Games has long advocated for a more open and competitive environment for app distribution, challenging Apple’s stringent control over its App Store.
The relaunch of Fortnite on iOS through the Epic Games Store is also noteworthy because it symbolizes a significant shift in the digital distribution landscape. Epic has been a vocal critic of the traditional app store model, advocating for lower fees and more open competition. Their entry into the iOS market could set a precedent for other developers and publishers considering similar moves.
However, the return of Fortnite to iOS is not without potential challenges. Apple still exercises some degree of oversight over third-party app stores, which could lead to possible complications for Epic’s launch. Additionally, the exclusivity of this launch to the European Union means players in other regions will continue to be unable to access Fortnite on iOS devices, barring further changes in Apple’s policies or additional legal developments.
As the situation continues to develop, it will be interesting to see how this move impacts the larger app ecosystem and the ongoing dialogue around digital marketplaces and competition.
Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 1 is currently ongoing, adding fan-favorite skins like Solid Snake and the not-so-liked version of Raiden. Chapter 5 Season 2 is scheduled for March 8.
