By W. G. S. D. Wijesinghe, Jadetimes news
Fortnite, one of the most popular video games globally, has made a long awaited return to mobile devices after a four year absence. It is now available for download on Android devices worldwide through the newly launched Epic Games Store, and for the first time, iPhone users in the EU can access it as well. However, iPhone users outside the EU will still have to wait, as only the EU has implemented laws that require Apple to allow third party app stores on its devices.
Legal Battle and Impact on Availability
The game was originally removed from mobile platforms in 2020 due to a dispute between Epic Games, Apple, and Google over payment processing and commission fees. Epic Games has criticized both Apple and Google for making the process of downloading and installing Fortnite on mobile devices cumbersome and complex. While Android users can now download the game through an alternative app store, iPhone users outside the EU are still restricted to the Apple App Store due to the absence of similar legislation in other regions.
Future Prospects and New Developments
As Fortnite launches its new season featuring Marvel's Doctor Doom, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney expressed optimism about the game's future on iOS, particularly in the EU. He acknowledged the role of the Digital Markets Act in allowing Fortnite's return to iPhones in Europe and criticized Apple for continuing to block the game in other regions. Looking ahead, Epic Games hopes to bring Fortnite back to UK iPhones by late 2025, following recent changes in UK competition law. In addition to Fortnite, Epic Games has also made other popular titles, such as Rocket League: Sideswipe and Fall Guys, available on mobile platforms.
