New Law Allows Fortnite to Return to iOS in Europe

by Annabelle Stephenson
in *CH, *KO, *UA, Action, News, xBG, xFI, xHE, xLT, xLV, xNN
on 26 January 2024

After a long legal battle between Epic Games and Apple, Fortnite is set to make a comeback on iPhones in Europe, thanks to the new Digital Markets Act (DMA). This act aims to prevent monopolies and promote competition by requiring companies like Apple to allow the use of external online stores and payment systems in their ecosystems.

Epic Games, the publisher of Fortnite, announced this update on social media, stating that the Epic Games Store will soon be available on iOS in countries covered by the DMA regulations, along with Fortnite itself.

While this is undoubtedly a significant victory for Epic Games and other developers hoping to avoid the App Store’s restrictions, it does not mean that the Fortnite creators will end their dispute with Apple. In fact, Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, referred to this move as a “cunning example of bad compliance.” He specifically pointed out the new “Base Technology Fee,” which requires a payment for each app download after the first million. Sweeney also highlighted Apple’s introduction of new fees for developers using the App Store payment system.

Fortnite was removed from iOS devices over three years ago when Epic Games introduced its own payment system, bypassing Apple’s 30% commission. Google also removed Fortnite from the Play Store in response to Epic Games’ actions.

Shortly after the game’s removal, Epic Games filed a lawsuit against Apple in California, accusing the tech giant of blocking competition on iOS devices. The legal battle lasted for more than three years and concluded just before Apple’s announcement about the DMA. The court dismissed Apple’s and Epic Games’ requests for consideration of their antitrust case. However, the court previously ruled that Apple’s actions were anti-competitive and that the company must allow some form of bypassing its payment system. However, it is not required for Fortnite to return to availability in America.

While players in the European Union will soon be able to enjoy Fortnite on iOS again, players in the United States still do not have that option. Epic Games shows no signs of giving up the fight with Apple on any market. Therefore, the long-standing conflict surrounding one of the world’s most popular games will likely continue.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) based on the main topics and information presented in the article:

1. Why will Fortnite be available again on iPhones in Europe?
According to the new Digital Markets Act (DMA) in Europe, Apple and other companies will be required to allow the use of external online stores and payment systems in their ecosystems. Hence, the Epic Games Store and Fortnite will be available on iOS in countries covered by the DMA regulations.

2. What is the dispute between Epic Games and Apple about?
The dispute began when Epic Games introduced its own payment system in Fortnite, bypassing Apple’s 30% commission. In response, Apple removed Fortnite from its App Store. Epic Games filed a lawsuit against Apple, accusing it of blocking competition.

3. Has the dispute between Epic Games and Apple been resolved?
The legal battle between Epic Games and Apple concluded just before the announcement of the Digital Markets Act. The court ruled that Apple’s actions were anti-competitive but did not require Fortnite to return to availability in America. The game will be available in Europe.

4. How did Epic Games comment on introducing its store on iOS?
CEO Tim Sweeney referred to the introduction of the store on iOS as a “cunning example of bad compliance” and announced that the fight with Apple will continue.

5. Can players in the US play Fortnite on iOS?
Currently, players in the US do not have the option to play Fortnite on iOS. Epic Games does not intend to end the fight with Apple on any market, so the conflict will likely continue.

Definitions of Key Terms and Jargon:

– DMA (Digital Markets Act) – a new law in Europe aimed at preventing monopolies by technology companies like Apple and ensuring the use of external online stores and payment systems.
– Epic Games Store – a digital marketplace created by Epic Games where games, including Fortnite, are available.
– App Store – the official app store for Apple devices.
– 30% commission – a fee charged by Apple to developers for in-app sales on the iOS platform.
– Legal battle – a legal dispute between Epic Games and Apple concerning monopoly and anti-competitive actions.