Exciting Comeback: Fortnite’s Triumphant Return to iPhones in the EU and a Global Android Launch | Tech News

Fortnite Returns to iPhones in Europe Following Legal Action by EU

Last Updated: Aug 16, 2024 | 4:42 PM IST

Epic Games announced that its popular multiplayer shooter game Fortnite has made a comeback on iPhones in the European Union and globally on Google’s Android devices after a four-year hiatus. This resurgence follows legal measures enforced by the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).

Fortnite, launched in 2017 by the U.S.-based Epic Games and supported by Chinese gaming giant Tencent, quickly became a cultural phenomenon with its "battle royale" format. However, the game was pulled from Apple and Google’s app stores in August 2020 due to Epic implementing a payment feature that violated app store guidelines. This led to multiple lawsuits questioning the app stores’ up to 30% commission on payments. At the time, Epic had 116 million users on Apple’s platform alone.

Under the DMA, Epic has been enabled to relaunch its game store within the EU. Despite this, Apple continues to block access to Fortnite for users outside Europe. "We are really grateful to the European Commission for not only passing the DMA and enabling store competition, but also holding Apple and Google accountable to ensure they can’t obstruct competition," Epic CEO Tim Sweeney said.

The Epic Store’s current mobile launch lineup includes Fortnite, Rocket League Sideswipe, and the all-new Fall Guys, with more titles and apps set to follow. Currently, Epic’s PC store boasts 75 million monthly active users, and the company aims to reach 100 million new mobile users by year’s end. Games will also be accessed through independent stores like AltStore.

Despite some complexities with a 15-step installation process on iOS devices, Apple stated its commitment to making the new capabilities as user-friendly as possible while maintaining privacy and security standards.

Reflecting on the journey, Sweeney mentioned, "We probably lost over a billion dollars in revenue by losing access to the iOS customer base worldwide for four years, but what’s the cost of freedom?"

First Published: Aug 16, 2024 | 4:42 PM IST

Original Story https://www.business-standard.com/technology/tech-news/multiplayer-game-fortnite-returns-on-iphones-in-eu-globally-on-android-124081601230_1.html
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