Epic Games has officially expanded its digital storefront to mobile devices, marking a significant milestone in the gaming industry’s evolution. The Epic Games Store (EGS), already a major player on PC and macOS, is now available on Android devices worldwide and iPhones, but with a catch—it’s currently accessible to Apple users only in the European Union (EU).
This long-awaited launch follows an announcement earlier this year, where Epic Games revealed its ambitious plan to bring the Epic Games Store to mobile platforms via the iOS App Store and Android’s Google Play. Now, after months of anticipation, Epic has fulfilled that promise, though the rollout has some limitations, particularly for iOS users outside the EU.
Global Android Launch and Limited iPhone Access
In a press release today, Epic Games confirmed the availability of the Epic Games Store on Android devices globally. Android users can now download the EGS app and access its extensive library of games and other content. However, for iPhone users, the situation is more restricted—only those in the EU can currently download and use the EGS app on their devices.
Epic Games also detailed the process for installing the Epic Games Store on mobile devices, highlighting that it may be cumbersome due to what the company describes as “intentionally poor-quality install experiences” created by Apple and Google. These experiences involve complex settings, numerous steps, and so-called “scare screens” designed to discourage users from installing third-party apps.
Despite these challenges, the mobile version of the Epic Games Store represents a significant step forward in the company’s vision to create the first-ever game-focused, multi-platform digital storefront. This expansion brings the same benefits to mobile developers as the desktop version, including a favorable 88/12 revenue share model and other developer-friendly terms.
Fortnite Returns to Mobile Devices
One of the most exciting aspects of today’s announcement is the return of Fortnite to mobile devices through the Epic Games Store. For the first time since its removal from the Apple App Store and Google Play in 2020, Fortnite is natively available on mobile devices. This is a major win for mobile gamers, particularly those in the EU, who can now access Fortnite via the Epic Games Store on both Android and iOS.
In addition to the Epic Games Store, EU users can also access Fortnite through the AltStore, a third-party digital storefront enabled by the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). This act has opened the door for alternative app stores on iOS, providing a new avenue for Epic to distribute Fortnite and other games directly to users.
Previously, the only way to play Fortnite on mobile devices after its removal from the official app stores was through cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now. While Android users had the option to download the app directly, iOS users were limited to these streaming services. Now, with the return of Fortnite to mobile via the Epic Games Store, players have a more direct and native gaming experience.
Additional Titles Available on Mobile
The launch of the Epic Games Store on mobile also brings other popular titles to mobile gamers. Alongside Fortnite, Epic confirmed that Fall Guys and Rocket League Sideswipe are now available for download on Android devices worldwide and on EU iPhones. This marks the first time Fall Guys has been made available on mobile devices, expanding its reach beyond its initial release on PlayStation 4 and Windows in 2020, and its subsequent ports to PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox in 2022.
The inclusion of these games on the Epic Games Store mobile app further solidifies Epic’s commitment to providing high-quality gaming experiences across multiple platforms. By making these popular titles accessible to mobile users, Epic is not only expanding its user base but also enhancing the value proposition of the Epic Games Store.
Challenges and Future Prospects
The launch of the Epic Games Store on mobile is not without its challenges. The restrictive installation process imposed by Apple and Google presents a significant barrier to entry for many users. Epic’s criticism of these practices highlights ongoing tensions between the gaming company and the tech giants, particularly Apple, with whom Epic has had a contentious legal battle over app store practices.
However, the rollout of the Epic Games Store on mobile devices, especially in the EU, suggests that Epic is finding ways to navigate these challenges and expand its digital storefront despite the obstacles. The EU’s regulatory environment, particularly with the introduction of the DMA, has provided a unique opportunity for Epic to bypass some of the restrictions imposed by Apple and Google and reach mobile users directly.
Looking ahead, the success of the Epic Games Store on mobile devices could pave the way for further expansion and innovation. If Epic can overcome the current installation hurdles and continue to build its mobile user base, it could set a new standard for multi-platform gaming stores. This could, in turn, pressure Apple and Google to reconsider their app store policies, particularly regarding third-party app installations.
Implications for the Gaming Industry
The launch of the Epic Games Store on mobile devices is a significant development in the gaming industry. It reflects broader trends toward cross-platform gaming and the increasing importance of mobile gaming as a major market segment. With more gamers turning to their smartphones and tablets for entertainment, the ability to access high-quality games through a dedicated, developer-friendly storefront like the Epic Games Store could transform the mobile gaming landscape.
For developers, the launch provides new opportunities to reach a broader audience and benefit from Epic’s favorable revenue-sharing model. By expanding its digital storefront to mobile, Epic is offering developers an alternative to the traditional app store ecosystems dominated by Apple and Google. This could encourage more developers to release their games on the Epic Games Store, further diversifying the platform’s offerings and enhancing its appeal to gamers.
Moreover, the return of Fortnite to mobile devices through the Epic Games Store signals a potential shift in how games are distributed on mobile platforms. If successful, this move could inspire other game developers and publishers to explore alternative distribution methods, challenging the dominance of the Apple App Store and Google Play.
The official launch of the Epic Games Store on mobile devices marks a significant milestone for both Epic Games and the broader gaming industry. By bringing its digital storefront to Android and iOS, Epic is expanding its reach and offering gamers more ways to access popular titles like Fortnite, Fall Guys, and Rocket League Sideswipe. While challenges remain, particularly regarding installation processes and platform restrictions, the launch represents a bold step toward a more open and diverse mobile gaming ecosystem.
As Epic continues to navigate the complexities of mobile app distribution, its success could have far-reaching implications for developers, gamers, and the future of digital storefronts. The coming months will be critical in determining how the Epic Games Store on mobile evolves and whether it can overcome the hurdles posed by Apple and Google to establish itself as a leading platform for mobile gaming.
source – https://in.ign.com/fall-guys/212983/news/the-epic-games-store-officially-launches-on-mobile-devices
