Fortnite-creator Epic Games launched its own app store Friday that allows users to bypass the stores run by Apple and Google after waging a years-long battle to directly offer its games to smartphone users. #EpicAppStore
The Epic Games Store is available to users of Android phones worldwide and for iPhone and iPad users in Europe.
Epic’s new app store launch follows legal battles and lobbying efforts to challenge Apple’s and Google’s app sales dominance. The company aims to reduce their control over app distribution on their operating systems.
“We’re very happy to be on the verge of launching our games on iOS and Android, enabled by Europe’s new DMA law,” Epic’s chief executive Tim Sweeney told journalists from the company’s office in Sweden.
The EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) has compelled Apple to open its platform to app developers in Europe. However, Apple is not making similar changes outside of Europe.
“The DMA required us to enable new capabilities for developers in the EU, and we have worked to make them as easy as possible for users while also trying to protect their privacy and security,” Apple said Friday.
The EU’s internal market commissioner Thierry Breton posted on X that “Yes, gamers, Europe means more #FREEDOM & choice!”
Fortnite is also making a return to iPhones and iPads after having been banned in 2020 for seeking to circumvent Apple’s payment systems.
In 2020, Epic launched a case to challenge Apple’s control over the App Store. They accused Apple of operating a digital services monopoly.
Epic lost its challenge to Apple’s 30 percent cut on transactions in a US federal court. In January, the US Supreme Court declined to hear the case, ending the legal saga. #EpicAppStore
Moreover, the launch of the Epic app store highlights Epic Games’ commitment to reshaping the digital landscape. Although Epic’s previous legal challenges did not succeed, the company continues to innovate and advocate for fairer practices. Hence, users in Europe can now enjoy Fortnite on their iPhones through the new Epic app store.
read more
