- Epic Games has confirmed its comeback to iOS in Europe, attributing the move to its compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulation.
- Apple has lifted the ban on Epic Games’ developer account, and the company is now gearing up for the re-release of Fortnite on iPhone devices.
- Fortnite and Epic Games Store will be operated by Epic Games Sweden AB.
- The gaming giant aims to challenge Apple’s alleged anti-competitive practices while complying with regulatory mandates.
In order to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) enforced by the European Union, Epic Games has officially announced its plans to relaunch Fortnite and the Epic Games Store on iOS devices within the European market.
This decision comes as a result of the DMA’s provisions, which empower companies to operate mobile game stores independently.
Epic Games’ relaunch decision was fraught with legal battles, particularly against tech giants like Apple and Google.
The gaming giant had its developer account suspended from both the App Store and Google Play after deliberately violating their policies on in-app purchases, sparking dual antitrust lawsuits.
Although the courts ruled against Epic Games in its case against Apple, Epic games’ future on the iOS platform remains uncertain due to its prior violations.
During the interim period, Fortnite made a temporary comeback on iOS through Nvidia‘s GeForce Now streaming service. However, Epic Games has now confirmed the reinstatement of its Apple Developer Account, signaling its intent to re-establish a presence on iOS devices.
This move underscores the potential afforded by the DMA, despite Epic Games’ CEO Tim Sweeney‘s vocal criticisms of Apple’s practices, which he deemed anti-competitive.
Epic Games plans to operate the mobile Epic Games Store and Fortnite in Europe through its subsidiary, Epic Games Sweden AB, leveraging the expertise of its Store team comprising over 60 employees across three studios.
The company’s earlier promise of Fortnite’s return to iOS in Europe now materializes, with Epic Games Sweden AB poised to spearhead development efforts for the platform.
While expressing gratitude for the DMA’s regulatory framework, Epic Games remains steadfast in its pursuit of legal recourse against Apple’s alleged anti-competitive behavior.
The company emphasizes its commitment to challenging Apple’s practices through both judicial and regulatory channels, advocating for fair competition in the mobile gaming market.
“Stay tuned for details as we navigate the regulatory landscape,” Epic Games stated in a recent communication. “We will continue to advocate for legal reforms to address Apple’s anti-competitive conduct.”
Epic Games’ decision to reintroduce Fortnite and the Epic Games Store on iOS in Europe marks a significant development in the ongoing battle for platform neutrality and fair competition within the digital marketplace.
With the DMA providing a regulatory framework for increased independence, Epic Games aims to reassert its presence on iOS devices while challenging monopolistic practices in the mobile gaming industry.
