John Nowacky
Fortnite, the immensely popular game, has made its comeback on iPhones, but it’s limited to Europe for now. The game’s return coincides with the launch of a new Marvel-themed season called “Absolute Doom!” by Epic Games.
Epic Games announced on Friday that Fortnite, along with Rocket League and Fall Guys, is now available on iPhones in the European Union (EU), as well as on Android phones worldwide. This is made possible by the implementation of the EU Digital Markets Act, which allows Epic Games to launch its own app store. The company has provided instructions on how to install the app store on devices through a blog post.
This move is significant not only because it offers a major alternative to Apple’s app store but also because it marks the return of Fortnite to iPhones after a four-year absence. The game was pulled from the App Store due to a dispute over payments, which led to a legal battle between Apple and Epic Games, resulting in a mixed decision.
The timing couldn’t be better for Epic Games, as they have just launched a new season with a Marvel theme. In “Absolute Doom!,” players will encounter Marvel characters, including Captain America, War Machine, a Wolverine banana-man variant called “Peelverine,” Mysterio, and Doctor Doom himself. The objective is to defeat Doctor Doom and his lieutenants to prevent them from gaining ultimate control.
The Marvel season of Fortnite is part of an expanding partnership between Epic Games and Disney. Disney has recently invested $1.5 billion in Epic Games and plans to create a new playable universe that connects with Fortnite. Characters from Disney’s movies, such as Maleficent, Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, The Incredibles, and the Star Wars universe, will make their way into Fortnite over the coming weeks and months.
Josh D’Amaro, the chairman of Disney Experiences, expressed their goal of reaching new fans and connecting with them through this collaboration with Epic Games. The partnership aims to bring Walt Disney’s stories to various platforms, continuing the legacy of innovation and entertainment that Disney has championed for over a century.
Additional facts:
1. The EU Digital Markets Act (DMA) is a legislative proposal aimed at regulating digital platforms, including app stores, to ensure fair competition and protect consumers’ interests.
2. The DMA requires larger app stores, like Apple’s App Store, to allow the installation of third-party app stores, giving developers more options and users more choice.
3. Fortnite was originally removed from the App Store in August 2020 after Epic Games added a direct payment system to the game, bypassing Apple’s 30% commission fee. This sparked a legal battle between the two companies.
4. The legal battle between Apple and Epic Games resulted in a mixed decision by the court. While Apple won on the count of breach of contract, it was also found to engage in anti-competitive behavior. The court ordered Apple to allow developers to link to alternative payment options outside of the App Store.
5. The Marvel season in Fortnite is not the first collaboration between Epic Games and Disney. In the past, Fortnite has featured limited-time events and skins based on popular Disney franchises such as Avengers, Star Wars, and Tron.
6. The partnership between Epic Games and Disney goes beyond just Fortnite. They plan to explore opportunities for immersive experiences, virtual entertainment, and other interactive projects.
Key Questions and Answers:
1. What is the EU Digital Markets Act and how does it relate to Fortnite’s return to iPhones?
The EU Digital Markets Act is a legislative proposal that requires larger app stores, like Apple’s App Store, to allow the installation of third-party app stores. This allowed Epic Games to launch its own app store on iPhones in Europe, bringing Fortnite back to the platform.
2. What was the dispute between Apple and Epic Games that led to Fortnite’s removal from the App Store?
The dispute started when Epic Games added a direct payment system to Fortnite, bypassing Apple’s commission fee. This violated Apple’s policies, leading to Fortnite’s removal and sparking a legal battle between the two companies.
3. What is the significance of the Marvel-themed season in Fortnite?
The Marvel-themed season in Fortnite is significant because it marks the expansion of the partnership between Epic Games and Disney. It also introduces popular Marvel characters and sets the stage for future collaborations between the two companies.
Key Challenges and Controversies:
1. The legal battle between Apple and Epic Games raised concerns about the monopoly and control that app stores hold over the distribution of apps. The outcome of the case could have far-reaching implications for the app store ecosystem.
2. The introduction of third-party app stores on iPhones through the EU Digital Markets Act could potentially lead to security and privacy concerns if not properly regulated.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
Advantages:
– Fortnite’s return to iPhones in Europe provides players with more options and choice in accessing the game.
– The Marvel-themed season creates excitement and engagement among players, especially fans of the Marvel universe.
– The partnership between Epic Games and Disney opens up opportunities for innovative collaborations and the expansion of interactive experiences.
Disadvantages:
– The limited availability of Fortnite on iPhones in Europe may disappoint players from other regions who are still unable to access the game on their devices.
– The ongoing legal battle between Apple and Epic Games could impact future developments and collaborations within the app store ecosystem.
– The introduction of third-party app stores on iPhones may require stricter regulations to ensure the security and privacy of users.
