Fortnite Set to Return to iOS in Europe Following DMA Ruling

Epic Games has revealed plans for Fortnite's return to iOS devices in Europe, thanks to the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The company is preparing to reintroduce both Fortnite and the Epic Games Store to European mobile users, despite past disputes with Apple.

Epic Games Announces Fortnite's Return to iPhones in EU After Apple Compliance

Comeback on iOS

Fortnite is set to make a comeback on iOS devices in Europe, courtesy of the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

Despite previous tensions with Apple resulting in its removal from the App Store, Epic Games will reintroduce both Fortnite and the Epic Games Store to mobile users in Europe, according to a recent blog post outlining the company's plans for 2024.

DMA provides an opportunity for Epic Games to operate its mobile gaming store, following its ban from major app platforms due to policy violations related to in-app purchases during legal disputes with Apple and Google.

While Epic Games faced setbacks in its legal battles with Apple, the company's return to iOS via Nvidia's GeForce Now streaming service offered a temporary solution. Now, with the reinstatement of its Apple Developer Account, Epic Games is poised to develop the Epic Games Store for iOS.

Condemning Apple's Practices

Interestingly, Epic Games appears to appreciate the regulatory framework despite previous criticisms of Apple's policies.

Chief Executive Officer Tim Sweeney had previously condemned Apple's practices as malicious compliance and anti-competitive, yet the company now sees potential in the DMA for reshaping the mobile gaming landscape.

While Sweeney heavily criticized Apple's response to the regulation, calling it "malicious compliance," "full of junk fees," and once again, "anti-competitive," it's intriguing that Epic Games is now expressing gratitude for the opportunities it presents.

Sweeney wrote on X that Apple was essentially forcing developers to choose between App Store exclusivity or accepting a new, also illegal anticompetitive scheme.

Despite characterizing Apple's compliance with the regulation as anti-competitive, Epic Games seems poised to capitalize on the new rules to re-enter the mobile market.

Epic Games has announced that Epic Games Sweden AB will oversee the operation of the new mobile Epic Games Store and Fortnite in Europe, with its Store team leading development. The company also highlighted that Epic Games Sweden has three studios and over 60 employees.

Previously, the company pledged that Fortnite would make a comeback to iOS in Europe this year, but details of this initiative were not disclosed at the time, nor was it confirmed whether access to its Apple Developer account had been restored.

Epic Games prioritized extensive backend developments for the Epic Games Store to fulfill the requests of our partners.

While there remain numerous developer-centric features to be rolled out, Epic Games is shifting its primary focus in 2024 towards enhancing game discovery and improving the overall player experience.