Fortnite Returns to iOS in EU via Epic Games Store But Exits Samsung App Store

Epic Games has announced the comeback of its popular game "Fortnite" to the mobile market, but also claimed its leave from the Samsung Galaxy Store.

iOS App Store

Fortnite will soon return to iOS in the European Union by third-party app stores, including its own Epic Games Store and Altstore.

Epic Games Store

Epic Games has been embroiled in a lengthy legal dispute with Apple over the distribution of its games.



The conflict centers around the high commissions charged on in-app purchases and the restriction of users to official app stores. Despite these challenges, Epic is determined to return "Fortnite" to iOS devices in the EU.

Now Epic Games Store is finnally available after months of negotiations with Apple. 

Also, Epic confirms an upcoming global Android version of Epic Games Store, with "12% store fee for payments they process, and 0% on third party payments."

Altstore

Epic Games plans to expand its reach through alternative channels.

The company confirmed that its mobile games will be available on AltStore in the EU, a third-party store that facilitates side-loading.

Also, Epic mentioned upcoming support for at least two other third-party stores, although specifics have not yet been disclosed.

Samsung Galaxy Store

In the announcement, Epic revealed it will remove its games from the Samsung Galaxy Store.

This decision stems from Samsung's policy against default side-loading on Android devices, which Epic argues is anti-competitive.

By leaving the Galaxy Store, Epic aims to protest and challenge these restrictive practices.

Editor's Comments

Epic Games' strategy demonstrates its stance against app store monopoly by industry giants like Apple, Google and Samsung.

Its leading behavior in driving the third-party app market under the EU Digital Marketplace Act is a huge opportunity for them. If subsequently Epic Games gains objective benefits from this, then more companies will surely follow into the mobile app market.

For developers, this is good news. It means more than just more options!

The monopoly app store like Apple extracts a really high fee because of the lack of competitors, which might be adjusted in the future under the cheaper third-party stores.

Despite this, there are also pitfalls in the regulation of third-party app stores, which will require continued observation after the policy has been implemented for some time in the future.

Do you want third-party app stores to be promoted globally outside of EU? Share your thoughts!

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