Fortnite Returns After Four-Year Hiatus: Epic Games Store Debuts on Mobile

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Four years after a legal battle saw its removal from app stores, Fortnite, the massively popular multiplayer shooter, has made a triumphant return to mobile devices. This resurgence comes courtesy of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) and Epic Games’ new mobile storefront.

A Meteoric Rise and a Sudden Stop

First launched in 2017, Fortnite quickly captured the hearts (and screens) of millions with its innovative “battle royale” format. Players parachute onto a vast map, scavenging for weapons and battling to be the last one standing. The game’s blend of fast-paced action, strategic building, and constant evolution kept players engaged for hours on end.

However, in August 2020, Fortnite’s mobile reign came to an abrupt halt. Developer Epic Games implemented a direct payment system within the game, circumventing the revenue-sharing model enforced by Apple and Google. This move violated their app store guidelines, leading to the game’s removal from both the App Store and Google Play.

This ignited a legal firestorm. Epic Games, backed by Chinese gaming giant Tencent, challenged the app store giants’ hefty commission fees (up to 30%) on in-app purchases. This battle against perceived monopolistic practices resonated within the gaming industry and beyond.

EU’s DMA Paves the Way for Epic’s Return

The tide began to turn with the introduction of the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). This legislation aimed to level the playing field for app developers by promoting fairer competition within the mobile app ecosystem. It directly impacted Apple and Google’s app store dominance, giving Epic Games the opportunity it needed.

Capitalizing on this shift, Epic launched its own mobile game store, initially available in the European Union due to the DMA’s regional scope. This move marked a significant change in the mobile gaming landscape, offering players an alternative to the established app stores.

Epic Games Store Offers More Than Just Fortnite

While the highly anticipated return of Fortnite is a major draw, Epic’s mobile store brings more to the table. The launch lineup includes popular titles like Rocket League Sideswipe and the brand-new Fall Guys for mobile, offering players a diverse gaming experience.

The focus isn’t just on in-house titles. Epic is actively courting other developers to join its storefront, potentially creating a more competitive and user-friendly marketplace for mobile gaming. This could translate into benefits for players, such as potentially lower prices and a wider variety of games to choose from.

Challenges and Looking Ahead

Despite the positive strides made, some hurdles remain. Downloading Fortnite and other games through the Epic Games Store requires a 15-step process on iOS devices, which can be cumbersome for some users. Additionally, Apple continues to restrict access outside the EU, meaning European players still have limited options compared to the pre-2020 era.

However, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney remains optimistic. He estimates the company could attract 100 million new mobile users by the end of the year, suggesting a significant market share potential.

While it may take time to fully overcome the legal and technical hurdles, Fortnite’s return and the launch of the Epic Games Store mark a pivotal moment in the mobile gaming industry. The battle for control continues, but the door has been opened for increased competition and potentially a more diverse and accessible gaming experience for mobile users worldwide.