Fortnite has made a triumphant return to the iOS App Store, but only in the United States, marking a significant milestone after a prolonged legal battle. This development suggests a possible end to the contentious saga between Epic Games and tech giants Apple and Google, which began back in 2020. The news has been eagerly awaited, with rumors of Fortnite's return to iOS circulating every few months. Now, the wait is over, and players can dive back into the action without any strings attached, at least for US users.
The legal tussle between Epic and Apple, as well as Google, stemmed from Epic's decision to introduce external app purchases within Fortnite, bypassing the App Store's 30% transaction fee. This move set off a chain of events leading to fluctuating victories and setbacks for all parties involved. However, it's clear now that Apple and Google have faced significant losses. They've been compelled to adjust their policies, including reducing fees on in-app purchases, allowing external links, and opening up to third-party storefronts.
For gamers, the immediate impact of these changes remains uncertain. Developers have been incentivizing purchases made outside official app stores with special deals, and platforms like the Epic Games Store have enticed users with perks such as their renowned free game program. Yet, the real conversation is happening behind the scenes. Historically, Apple and Google have dominated the mobile gaming app store landscape, but the Epic vs Apple legal battle has challenged this dominance, paving the way for potential shifts in the industry. The question now is whether this will usher in a new era for app stores or if it will be business as usual, albeit with some modifications.
For those interested in exploring more unique game releases not found on traditional app stores, check out our feature, "Off the AppStore," to discover some fantastic alternative options.
