Fortnite, Autumn boysAND Rocket League Side Shot are back on iOS and Android devices via the Epic Games Store. As promised earlier this yearEpic will use its marketplace to relaunch key titles on mobile platforms after a lengthy legal battle with Apple and Google.
The Epic Game Store is currently available for download on iPhone within the European Union, where it was recently introduced Digital Markets Act prevents Apple from blocking third-party platforms. It will also be accessible on Android devices worldwide and on independent mobile stores, including AltStore PAL.
In a blog post announcing the launchEpic praised the Digital Markets Act for allowing it to relaunch in EU territories, but said Apple is still blocking access elsewhere. It also described the Epic Game Store setup process as “lengthy,” but blamed the protracted effort on Apple and Google.
“For now, the Epic Games Store installation process on iOS and Android is lengthy because Apple and Google are intentionally introducing poor installation experiences, characterized by numerous steps, confusing device settings, and scary screens,” he added.
“We continue to fight in the courts and work with regulators around the world to eliminate the anti-competitive terms that Apple and Google impose on developers and consumers so we can create a better store for everyone.”
Despite these perceived obstacles, Epic Games founder Tim Sweeney believes that “the tide is turning and the mobile ecosystem is finally opening up to competition.”
“We are grateful to the European Commission for making it possible to launch the Epic Games Store and offer our games to iOS users in the European Union. Now European iOS users and all Android users can access our store and our games, just as they have always been able to do on open platforms like PC and Mac,” he added.
“The fight is far from over, but this is tangible progress for developers and consumers, who can start to benefit from competition and choice.”
During a recent interview with Game FileSweeney noted Epic's legal battle with Apple, which led to Fortnite being pulled from iOS—potentially cost the company about $1 billion in revenue. He said that fee was a “small price to pay for the future freedom of our company.”