Epic Games' massively popular battle royale game, Fortnite, is coming back to iPhones this year thanks to new European Union rules.
The gaming company said that it will also be launching the Epic Games Store on iPhones following the shift in regulation. In August 2020, Epic tried to include new ways for users to buy in-game items in Fortnite's mobile ports.
Fortnite to Return to iOS
These new methods would be relatively cheaper for users and would circumvent Google and Apple's store cut that the tech giants usually collect on all in-app purchases on their respective devices.
But after a few hours, both Google and Apple removed the battle royale game from their digital stores and Epic started a legal fight with both companies. That particular challenge is only now just wrapping up.
With the new Digital Markets Act (DMA), Epic will finally be able to bring back its popular battle royale shooter game to iPhones, but only in the EU. Apple was forced on Jan. 25 to implement changes that would allow, for the first time in history, third-party app stores on iOS devices, as per Kotaku.
Furthermore, the tech giant was ordered to allow sideloading, which is the ability for users to install their apps directly onto their devices. Both of these features are already available on Android phones.
But thanks to the new DMA, Epic wasted no time calling out Apple and announcing that Fortnite will be returning via its third-party app, the Epic Games Store. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Epic said, "Remember Fortnite on iOS? How bout we bring that back."
Remember Fortnite on iOS?
— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) January 25, 2024
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
The tweet was uploaded alongside a direct callout to Apple as well as a GIF that showed the famous Fortnite banana character, Peely, giving a death stare, supposedly at Apple. Despite the prospects, Apple allowing sideloading and third-party apps is not all that simple.
While the DMA would technically allow Epic to bring back Fortnite to iOS devices, Apple still has some oversight of third-party app stores. This means that it is still possible for the battle royal game creator to run into issues with the planned re-launch, according to The Verge.
New European Union Rules
For years, Epic has wanted to bring its game store to the iPhone. The store takes a smaller cut of fees compared to Apple's App Store, which could make it a more attractive option for developers if the gaming company's plan can gain traction.
Following the announcement of the EU's new DMA, many are expecting a wave of announcements of third-party app stores for iOS. Other than Epic, AltStore has also announced its plans to take advantage of the new regulations.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney said that his company's ultimate goal is to become the "#1 multi-platform software store, on the foundation of payment competition, 0%-12% fees, and exclusive games like Fortnite."
On the other hand, players who are not in the European Union will still be limited in how they can play the battle royale game until further notice. But as Apple has chosen to change its app store policies for game streaming services, there may be a possibility for a native iOS app to launch in other countries for these platforms, said IGN.
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