About Recently Launched Fortnite Mobile
Fortnite, the popular battle royale game, has made a triumphant return to mobile devices after a four-year hiatus, marking a significant development in Epic Games' ongoing dispute with Apple and Google over app store practices. As reported by BBC News [1], the game is now available on Android devices worldwide and on iOS devices in the European Union, though with a complex installation process that Epic attributes to intentional obstacles from the tech giants.
Fortnite Mobile Availability
The mobile version of Fortnite is now accessible on Android devices globally, including in the UK, through the newly launched Epic Games Store [1][2]. For iOS users, availability is currently limited to European Union countries due to regulations mandating Apple to allow third-party app stores [3]. The installation process for both platforms is described as "lengthy" by Epic Games, involving multiple steps, confusing device settings, and warning screens [4][5]. This complex procedure is attributed to intentional barriers set by Apple and Google, according to Epic's CEO Tim Sweeney [3][6].
Epic Games Legal Battles
The return of Fortnite to mobile platforms is the latest chapter in a long-running legal battle between Epic Games and tech giants Apple and Google. The dispute began in 2020 when Epic introduced a direct payment method in Fortnite, bypassing the 30% commission fees charged by Apple and Google's app stores [1][2]. This led to Fortnite's removal from both platforms, prompting Epic to file antitrust lawsuits against the companies. Epic's CEO, Tim Sweeney, revealed that the company has spent hundreds of millions of dollars on this legal fight [2]. The recent launch of the Epic Games Store on mobile devices, particularly in the EU, is seen as a significant step towards Epic's goal of challenging what it perceives as anticompetitive practices in the mobile app ecosystem [3][4].
Additional Epic Games Titles
In addition to Fortnite, Epic Games has expanded its mobile offerings with the launch of Fall Guys and Rocket League Sideswipe on the Epic Games Store for mobile devices [1][2]. These games are now available for download on Android devices worldwide and iOS devices in the European Union [3]. The inclusion of these popular titles alongside Fortnite demonstrates Epic's strategy to attract users to its new mobile platform, leveraging its first-party games to encourage adoption of the Epic Games Store on mobile devices [4].
Fortnite Future Plans
Epic Games aims to expand Fortnite's mobile availability beyond the EU, with plans to bring the app back to UK iPhones by late 2025 [1]. This timeline is contingent on regulatory changes, as Tim Sweeney stated, "Unless Apple and Google succeed in persuading the UK government to allow them to continue blocking competition, we anticipate making progress by the end of next year." The company is also working with regulators globally to challenge anticompetitive practices and improve access for developers and consumers [1][2]. Additionally, Epic is partnering with third-party mobile app stores like AltStore and Aptoide to distribute its games, further expanding its reach in the mobile gaming market [3].
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