Epic Games Secures Victories in Bringing Fortnite Back to iOS

by John Nowacky
in Action, News, PC
on 13 June 2024

Epic Games, led by Tim Sweeney, has been persistent in its efforts to challenge Apple’s restrictive policies and bring Fortnite back to the iOS platform. In a show of progress, Japan and the United Kingdom have now joined the list of regions where Fortnite will be available on iOS, with a scheduled return in 2025. This follows the recent announcement that the European Union will see the game’s return in 2024.

Tim Sweeney took to Twitter to share this exciting news, emphasizing that this development is crucial for both app developers and users who believe in a more open app market. He further expressed the need to break free from Apple’s control, stating, “This is the new free world, from the point of view of app developers and users. It’s a big club and we ain’t in it: The United States of America is still locked behind Apple’s Iron Curtain.”

This accomplishment marks yet another victory for Epic Games in its ongoing battle against Apple’s exclusionary practices. While the company faced a setback in the United States, where a court ruled in favor of Apple, the situation has been different overseas. The passage of the Digital Markets Act in the European Union has played a significant role in allowing Epic Games to challenge Apple’s dominance. As a result, Fortnite will be accessible through the creation of an Epic Games Store app for iOS, which will enable users to launch Epic Games Store games.

The inclusion of Japan and the United Kingdom to the growing list of regions where Fortnite will be available on iOS in 2025 is a testament to Epic Games’ determination. As they celebrate these victories, fans can expect further updates on the return of Fortnite to the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Japan in the upcoming year.

Please note that TJ Denzer is a player and writer for Shacknews, with a deep passion for gaming. Having joined the Shacknews team in 2019, he has risen to the position of Senior News Editor. Alongside his news coverage, he actively contributes to livestream projects such as Indie-licious, the Shacknews Stimulus Games, and the Shacknews Dump. You can contact him via email at [email protected], or follow him on Twitter @JohnnyChugs.

Additional facts relevant to the topic:

1. The battle between Epic Games and Apple began in August 2020 when Epic Games introduced a direct payment system in Fortnite, bypassing Apple’s App Store fees of 30%. This move led to Apple removing Fortnite from the App Store, triggering a legal dispute.
2. In September 2021, a U.S. court ruled in favor of Apple, stating that Apple’s App Store policies did not violate antitrust laws. However, the court also issued an injunction preventing Apple from stopping developers from including external payment systems in their apps, which was seen as a partial win for Epic Games.
3. Epic Games has also been engaged in similar legal battles with Google, as Fortnite was also removed from the Google Play Store for introducing its own payment system.
4. Fortnite has a massive player base, with over 350 million registered players worldwide as of May 2020.
5. In addition to the legal battles, Epic Games has launched #FreeFortnite campaigns and created parody videos mocking Apple’s iconic “1984” advertisement to rally support for their cause.

Key questions and answers related to the topic:

Q: What were the main reasons behind Epic Games’ battle against Apple’s App Store policies?
A: Epic Games challenged Apple’s policies to advocate for a more open app market, reduce the 30% commission Apple charges developers, and allow for alternative payment systems.

Q: How has the Digital Markets Act in the European Union contributed to Epic Games’ victories?
A: The Digital Markets Act, which aims to regulate digital platforms and promote competition, has created an enabling environment for Epic Games to challenge Apple’s dominance and bring Fortnite back to the iOS platform.

Key challenges and controversies associated with the topic:

1. App Store Fees: The main controversy revolves around Apple’s 30% commission on in-app purchases, which developers argue is excessive and anti-competitive.
2. Monopoly and Anti-Competitive Practices: Epic Games’ battle against Apple highlights concerns over Apple’s control and dominance in the app distribution market, raising questions about fair competition.
3. Consumer Choice and Pricing: The dispute also raises questions about consumer choice and pricing, with arguments being made for more flexibility in app pricing and payment options for users.

Advantages and Disadvantages:

Advantages:
1. Lower Costs: Challenging Apple’s fees could potentially lead to lower costs for both developers and consumers.
2. Increased Competition: Breaking Apple’s control over the app market may promote fair competition and innovation.
3. Consumer Choice: Allowing alternative payment systems could give users more freedom to choose their preferred payment methods.

Disadvantages:
1. Security Risks: Alternative payment systems may raise security concerns, as Apple’s strict review process helps ensure the safety of transactions.
2. Quality Control: The tight control Apple maintains over its App Store ensures a certain level of quality and security in the apps available, which may be compromised if alternative stores or payment systems are allowed.
3. Fragmentation: Opening up the iOS platform to alternative app stores or payment systems may lead to fragmentation, making it more challenging to regulate and maintain a consistent user experience.

The source of the article is from the blog girabetim.com.br