“Fortnite” is making a comeback on mobile phones after four years of being absent from Apple and Google app stores. Android users worldwide can now download the new app store from the company to access the game along with two other titles from Epic Games.
In the EU, only iPhone users can enjoy the relaunch, as Epic Games embraces the looser regulations imposed on Apple by the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Founder Tim Sweeney expressed gratitude to the European Commission for enabling competition between app stores and preventing Apple and Google from hindering it. The three games will also be available in Alt Store PAL, the largest independent app store in the EU under Apple’s new terms.
This marks the end of a long-standing battle between Sweeney and mobile platforms regarding revenue sharing. In 2020, Epic took action by allowing users to make in-game purchases directly from the company to avoid the 30% fees charged by Apple and Google, leading to the game being blocked from their App Stores.
Despite the relaunch, Sweeney mentioned that the battle is not over, as both companies still impose hurdles for users to install alternative app stores. Epic is also working towards making Fortnite available to mobile users in the UK following similar legislation to the EU’s DMA.
Apple’s control over user activities on iPhones has been loosened by regulations, but the company continues to tighten restrictions in other areas. Patreon, a creator economy service, was recently instructed by Apple to end a longstanding exception to the 30% commission rule.
By November 2024, Patreon will phase out its in-app purchase system and implement a 30% fee on new memberships purchased through the App Store. Patreon creators can either increase subscription fees by 30% or absorb the loss from the additional fee.
Source: www.theguardian.com
