Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, has announced plans to launch a native iOS version of the Epic Games Store and bring Fortnite back to iOS devices.
This decision comes in response to Apple’s recent announcement that it will allow sideloading and alternate marketplaces on its devices to comply with new European Union (EU) rules.
Tim Sweeney, the CEO of Epic Games, criticized Apple’s revised guidelines, referring to them as “hot garbage.” Apple had unveiled significant revisions to its App Store rules, including allowing developers to submit game streaming apps for the first time.
In its press release, Apple expressed concerns about the new risks posed by the Digital Markets Act (DMA) to EU users, emphasizing potential threats such as malware, fraud, scams, illicit content, and security issues.
Apple’s compliance with the EU rules will grant users in all 27 EU countries the option to download apps from “alternative app marketplaces” starting in March. However, the process for developers is more intricate.
Apple mandates that all iOS apps, regardless of distribution source, must be notarized for platform integrity and user protection. Additionally, marketplace developers must obtain authorization from Apple before operating their own stores.
Developers opting for alternative distribution methods or payment processing, as per EU rules, must agree to new business terms.
While Apple will reduce its commission on App Store apps and allow developers to use alternate payment services, a Core Technology Fee of €0.50 per first annual install over a 1 million threshold will be imposed on both App Store and alternative marketplaces.
Tim Sweeney expressed strong objections to these stipulations, labeling Apple’s approach as “Malicious Compliance.” He accused Apple of forcing developers to choose between App Store exclusivity and terms that may be illegal under DMA or accept an anticompetitive scheme with additional fees and taxes.
Sweeney also raised concerns about Apple’s authorization process potentially blocking other major companies from launching their own stores.
Despite his criticism, Sweeney committed to launching the Epic Games Store on iOS and Android when the EU’s Digital Markets Act takes effect in March. He aims to establish it as the premier multi-platform software store based on payment competition, low fees, and exclusive games like Fortnite.
Fortnite has been unavailable on iOS since August 2020, when it was removed from the App Store due to Epic’s decision to circumvent payment mechanisms. Although Epic partnered with Microsoft for cloud streaming on iOS, the upcoming changes present an opportunity for a native iOS version of Fortnite.
Epic’s social media accounts are already generating excitement about the game’s imminent return to iOS in the EU. The unfolding situation with Apple’s guidelines and Epic’s response will be closely watched.
