Epic Games has made a significant move in the mobile gaming market by officially launching its Epic Games Store on iOS devices in the European Union and Android devices worldwide. This launch marks a pivotal moment in Epic's ongoing battle with Apple over app store policies and commissions.
Key Highlights:
- The Epic Games Store is now available on Android globally and on iOS in the EU
- Fortnite returns to iOS devices in the EU through the Epic Games Store
- Epic accuses Apple of creating an intentionally poor installation experience
- The move is made possible by the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA)
A New Era for Mobile Gaming?
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney hailed this launch as a potential fix for the largely broken mobile gaming industry. The company aims to offer developers more favorable terms, including an 88/12 revenue split, significantly undercutting Apple's up to 30% commission on the App Store.
However, the path to installation on iOS devices is not without hurdles. Epic claims Apple has designed a cumbersome 15-step process for installing third-party app stores, which includes what Epic refers to as scare screens and dead ends. This complex procedure may deter casual users but is unlikely to stop dedicated Fortnite fans from accessing the game on their iPhones and iPads.
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| Installation prompts for the Epic Games Store highlight the complex process users must navigate to access Fortnite on iOS devices |
Implications for the Industry
The launch of the Epic Games Store on mobile platforms, especially iOS, could have far-reaching consequences for the app ecosystem. It represents the first serious challenge to Apple's App Store dominance in the EU, potentially opening the door for more competition and lower prices for consumers.
However, the impact may be limited initially. Epic reported that almost all of the top 250 mobile game developers have expressed reluctance to list their apps on the Epic Games Store, citing Apple's terms that penalize developers for listing on both Apple's App Store and alternative stores.
Global Implications and Future Outlook
While this launch is currently limited to the EU for iOS devices, Epic is already campaigning for similar policies to be adopted in other regions, particularly the United States. The company continues to fight Apple in courts and work with regulators worldwide to challenge what it sees as anticompetitive practices.
As the mobile gaming landscape evolves, it remains to be seen how this move will impact the broader industry and whether it will lead to the more open and competitive ecosystem that Epic envisions.