Fortnite has made a triumphant return to mobile devices after being removed from Apple and Google's app stores four years ago. Android users globally can now reinstall the game, along with two other new titles from Epic Games, by accessing the publisher's new app store. However, iPhone users in the EU are the only Apple customers able to do the same, as Epic Games takes advantage of the recently implemented Digital Markets Act (DMA), which has eased restrictions on app distribution.
This move marks Epic Games as one of the most prominent companies to leverage the new EU regulations, which aim to promote competition by loosening Apple's tight control over its App Store. Tim Sweeney, founder of Epic Games, confirmed that Fortnite and the other titles will also be available on Alt Store PAL, the largest independent App Store launched in the EU under Apple's revised terms.
"We're deeply appreciative of the European Commission for not only passing the DMA law, which enables competition in the app marketplace, but also for holding Apple and Google accountable to ensure they can't obstruct this competition," Sweeney said.
The return of Fortnite to mobile devices is the culmination of a prolonged legal battle between Sweeney and the major mobile platforms. The conflict began in 2020 when Epic Games updated Fortnite to allow users to purchase in-game items directly from the company, bypassing the mandatory 30% fee imposed by Apple and Google for using their payment systems. In retaliation, both tech giants removed the game from their App Stores, leading to a series of lawsuits.
However, Sweeney emphasised that this is not the end of Epic’s battle. Even with the game’s relaunch, Apple and Google still impose what Sweeney refers to as “scare screens” before users can install Epic’s alternative App Store. It currently requires 15 clicks to open the Epic Games Store on an iPhone, compared to just one click for Apple's App Store.
Epic Games is also looking to bring Fortnite back to UK mobile users, following the recent passage of the Digital Markets Competition and Consumers Act 2024, which mirrors the EU's DMA. Sweeney expressed hope that, unless Apple and Google succeed in lobbying the UK government to block competition, Fortnite could return to UK mobile devices by the end of next year.
