Fortnite is now back on the iOS App Store, at least in the United States, marking a significant milestone in a years-long legal battle between Epic Games and tech giants Apple and Google. After numerous announcements hinting at Fortnite's imminent return to iOS, the game is finally available without any caveats, signaling a major turning point in Epic's saga with Apple.
For those who might not be fully aware, Epic Games and Apple, along with Google, have been locked in a contentious legal dispute since 2020. The conflict began when Epic introduced external payment options within Fortnite, bypassing the App Store's payment system and Apple's customary 30% transaction fee. This bold move by Epic set off a chain reaction of legal actions and counteractions.
Throughout the battle, there have been intermittent victories and defeats for both parties. However, the dust seems to be settling with Apple and Google emerging as the more significant losers. They've been forced to relax their grip on in-app purchase fees, policies regarding external links, and have had to open the door to third-party app stores.
For regular players, the immediate impact remains uncertain. Developers have increasingly offered incentives for in-app purchases made outside official app stores, and platforms like the Epic Games Store have tempted users with perks such as their renowned free game program.
The real buzz, however, is happening behind the scenes. Apple and Google have long dominated the mobile gaming landscape through their app stores. Yet, the Epic vs Apple legal battle has undeniably disrupted this monopoly. The question now is whether this development heralds a new era of diverse app stores or if it will merely adjust the status quo.
If you're interested in exploring great games that aren't found on typical app stores, don't miss our feature, "Off the AppStore," where we highlight some fantastic alternative releases to get you started.
