Epic Games has officially launched its gaming app store, the Epic Games Store, on mobile devices running iOS and Android. According to IGN, the application is already available for download to Android users, as well as iPhone owners in the European Union.
Image Source: Epic Games
In a press release, Epic Games clarified that the store can be downloaded to Android devices around the world, and iPhone owners will only be able to use it in the European Union. The company noted that the installation process can be complex and time-consuming due to “intentional installation and setup conditions” created by Apple and Google.
The mobile version of the Epic Games Store will be the “world’s first all-in-one gaming store” available on Android and iOS. As with the PC version, mobile developers will receive a “fair deal” with an 88/12% revenue split and other incentives.
Image Source: Epic Games
In addition to the launch of the store, Epic Games announced the return of Fortnite to mobile platforms. Android and iOS users in the EU will be able to access the game through the new Epic Games Store, as well as AltStore, a third-party digital store made available through the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
This is the first time Fortnite can be installed on mobile devices since Apple and Google removed the game from their stores in 2020. Previously, Fortnite was only available through cloud gaming services such as Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now for iOS users, while Android users could download the game directly or use cloud services.
In addition to Fortnite, Fall Guys and Rocket League Sideswipe are also available for download. This is the first time Fall Guys has been made available on mobile devices since its launch on PS4 and Windows in 2020 and subsequent ports for PS5, Switch and Xbox in 2022.
Epic Games founder and CEO Tim Sweeney emphasized the importance of the event in a statement. “The situation is changing for the better, the mobile ecosystem is finally opening up to competition. We are grateful to the European Commission for its efforts, although the battle is far from over. Now iOS users in Europe and all Android users can access our store and games in a way that has always been possible on open platforms like PC and Mac.”
Sweeney believes the moves Epic Games has made in its dispute with Apple and Google could have a significant impact on the mobile gaming market and provide a new platform for developers to distribute their products, which could change the competitive dynamics in the industry. For players, this means more choice and, possibly, better terms for purchasing games and content for them.