New Act Enables Epic Games to Bring Fortnite Back to iOS in Europe
In a surprising turn of events, Epic Games recently announced that their popular game, Fortnite, will be returning to iPhones in Europe through their own gaming store, the Epic Games Store. This comes as a result of new regulations introduced by the European Union that aim to establish new rules in the digital market.
Three years ago, in August 2020, Epic attempted to introduce new ways of purchasing in-game items for Fortnite on mobile devices. The intention was to offer users cheaper options that bypassed the transaction fees imposed by Google and Apple on all in-app purchases. However, both Google and Apple swiftly removed Fortnite from their respective app stores, and Epic found themselves embroiled in legal battles with both companies. While Epic didn’t achieve a major victory against Apple, they did manage to gain some ground against Google. Now, thanks to the new Digital Markets Act (DMA) introduced by the European Union, Epic can finally bring back the beloved battle royale shooter to iPhones in the EU.
On January 25th, Apple was compelled to make changes that would allow users to access apps from alternative stores on iOS devices for the first time. Additionally, Apple must also enable the direct installation of third-party apps on their devices. While such features are already available on Android phones, they have been absent from the more closed ecosystem of iOS. However, thanks to the DMA, this is changing in the European Union, and Epic is wasting no time in challenging Apple by announcing the return of Fortnite via their own gaming store.
“Remember Fortnite on iOS? How about its comeback?” Epic Games recently tweeted, accompanied by a gif of the well-known Fortnite character, Peely the banana, wearing a menacing expression. Speculation suggests that this tweet was directed towards Apple.
“Later this year, Fortnite will make its return on iOS in Europe through the Epic Games Store. (Shoutout to the DMA – an important new law in the EU making this possible). @Apple, the world is watching,” Epic Games further announced on Twitter.
“Epic Games CEO Expresses Displeasure with Apple’s New Policies”
Of course, Apple’s allowance for the use of external apps and third-party stores is not as straightforward as it may seem. The tech giant has introduced numerous rules and limitations that could prove costly for independent developers and hinder the functionality of external stores. Epic Games CEO, Tim Sweeney, is not satisfied with these restrictions and new Apple policies, referring to them as “garbage.”
“Apple proposes it can choose which stores can compete with the App Store. For example, they can block Epic Games from launching the Epic Games Store and distributing Fortnite on that platform, or block Microsoft, Valve, Good Old Games, or new stores,” Sweeney stated in a lengthy tweet on January 25th. “In Apple’s new announcements are many more ‘garbage’ pieces. There will be more time to analyze both the explicit and implicit parts of this new exposure, so keep an eye out,” he added.
For now – despite the unfavorable policies according to Epic Games’ CEO – the plan is to introduce Fortnite and their store to iPhones in the EU, unless Apple tries to resist.
FAQ:
1. When will the Epic Games Store be available on iPhones in the EU?
The Epic Games Store will be available on iPhones later this year.
2. Will Fortnite return to iOS in the EU?
Yes, Fortnite will make its comeback on iOS in the EU.
3. What prompted the return of Fortnite to iOS?
The return of Fortnite to iOS was prompted by the new regulations introduced by the European Union, which establish new rules in the digital market.
4. Why did Epic Games initiate legal battles against Apple and Google?
Epic Games initiated legal battles against Apple and Google because they attempted to introduce cheaper ways of purchasing in-game items on mobile devices, bypassing the transaction fees imposed by these companies.
5. What changes did Apple make regarding the use of external apps?
Apple is now required to allow the use of external apps and the direct installation of third-party apps on their devices.
6. Is the use of external apps on iPhones only possible in the EU?
No, the use of external apps is possible in other regions as well, but the changes resulting from the new Digital Markets Act (DMA) introduced by the European Union specifically target the EU region.
Definitions:
1. Epic Games Store – an online store operated by Epic Games that offers video games, including both new and older titles.
2. Fortnite – a popular battle royale video game in which players compete against each other in confrontations on an island.
3. European Union (EU) – an international organization consisting of 27 member states that cooperate in various areas, including legal and economic matters.
4. Transaction fees – fees charged in exchange for providing services or conducting transactions.
Suggested Related Links:
Epic Games Store
Fortnite
European Union
The source of the article is from the blog lanoticiadigital.com.ar