Epic Games Store's Android and iOS versions have been released, and the mobile version of 'Fortnite' is back on smartphones for the first time in four years, but the iOS version is only available in the EU

The mobile version of the game sales platform ' Epic Games Store ' operated by Epic Games has been released for Android and iOS, and the mobile version of 'Fortnite' has been distributed for the first time in four years since August 2020. However, the iOS version is only available within the EU.

Epic Games Store mobile version launched - Epic Games Store
https://store.epicgames.com/ja/news/epic-games-store-available-now-on-mobile

Epic Newsroom - Epic Games
https://www.epicgames.com/site/ja/news/the-epic-games-store-launches-on-mobile

Epic Games, which releases popular games such as 'Fortnite,' rebelled against the practice of the App Store and Google Play to 'collect 15 to 30% of sales as a commission' for third-party apps, and implemented a method to charge for the mobile app version of 'Fortnite' without going through the app store in August 2020. However, both Apple and Google removed 'Fortnite' from their respective app stores, citing this as a violation of their terms of service. In response, Epic Games filed a lawsuit against Google and Apple for antitrust violations.

'Fortnite' developer Epic Games sues Apple - GIGAZINE

The legal battle lasted for about three years, and in December 2023, a federal district court in California ruled in favor of Epic Games, finding that 'Google had created an anti-competitive market through its app store.'

California court rules in favor of Epic Games in antitrust lawsuit against Google - GIGAZINE

Meanwhile, in the case against Apple, the appeals court ruled in April 2023 that 'App Store should not prohibit links to external payment systems,' but Apple's claims were upheld in nine of the ten claims . Epic Games, dissatisfied with this ruling, appealed to the Supreme Court, but the Supreme Court dismissed Epic Games' petition, and the appeals court ruling became final.

The US Supreme Court rejects Epic Games' request to immediately issue a decision in the Apple v. Epic Games appeal - GIGAZINE

However, in the EU, the Digital Markets Act has come into force, and Apple has allowed third-party alternative app stores to operate, meaning that Epic Games can now operate its own app store and distribute apps in the EU, but only within the EU.

Finally, iOS 17.4 will release alternative app stores to comply with EU regulations, but Apple warns - GIGAZINE

However, Apple has rejected Epic Games' applications for the iOS version of the store multiple times, but reportedly accepted the application shortly after Epic Games announced it would appeal to the European Commission.

After rejecting Epic Games' application for a third-party mobile app store 'Epic Games Store' multiple times, Apple suddenly accepts it, and Fortnite's return to iPhone is approaching - GIGAZINE

As a result of this trend, Epic Games is finally able to distribute the mobile version of the Epic Games Store on both Android and iOS. The mobile version of the Epic Games Store app can be downloaded worldwide, including Japan, for Android, and only within the EU for iOS.

Epic Games said, 'There are many steps to follow to download the Epic Games Store, which were intentionally designed by Apple and Google to make it harder to download competing app stores and apps,' and released a movie on how to install the Epic Games Store.

Learn How to Install the Epic Games Store on Android - YouTube


The following movie shows how to install the iOS version of Epic Games Store within the EU.

Learn How to Install the Epic Games Store on iOS in the EU - YouTube


At the time of writing, only three titles, 'Fortnite', 'Fall Guys' and 'Rocket League Sideswipe', can be downloaded from the mobile version of the Epic Games Store, but in the future, third-party game apps will also be available for download. In addition, 'Fortnite', 'Fall Guys' and 'Rocket League Sideswipe' will be distributed not only on the Epic Games Store but also on other third-party app stores.

Epic Games announces that it will distribute Epic Games titles such as Fortnite on developer-first third-party app stores - GIGAZINE

'The tide is turning and the mobile ecosystem is finally opening up to competition,' said Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney. 'We're grateful to the European Commission for enabling us to launch the Epic Games Store and make our games available to iOS users in the European Union. Now, iOS users in Europe and Android users globally can access our store and games in the same way as open platforms like PC and Mac. The fight is not over yet, but this is a major step forward for developers and consumers, who can benefit from more competition and choice.'