During the State of Unreal talk at the Game Developers Conference, Steve Allison, the General Manager of the Epic Games Store, announced an exciting development: the Epic Games mobile store is slated to launch on iOS and Android before the year’s end.
Allison discussed the company’s arduous battle with tech giants Apple and Google, suggesting that their perseverance has finally paid off.
The decision to expand onto mobile platforms is influenced by multiple factors, including the outcome of the legal dispute between Epic and Apple, as well as legislative changes in regions like the EU.
Essentially, recent rulings have mandated that Apple and Google allow competing app stores and alternative payment methods, deeming their previous practices as anti-competitive.
If all progresses smoothly, users may find the Epic Games Store available on their smartphones by the end of the year, or perhaps even sooner.
However, despite this significant breakthrough, Epic still faces challenges. While the company has been vocal in its criticisms of Apple and Google, it has struggled to sway PC gamers away from dominant platforms like Steam, which boasts a larger user base and arguably superior features.
Additionally, Good Old Games, under the wing of CD Projekt Red, has carved out a distinct niche supporting indie and retro titles.
Moreover, Epic won’t be the sole beneficiary of a more open mobile ecosystem. Third-party storefronts have been emerging on Android for years, indicating a competitive landscape awaiting Epic’s arrival.
While much discussion has centered around how Apple must adapt to these changes, it’s uncertain whether Epic can afford to celebrate prematurely.
Convincing mobile gamers of the advantages offered by the Epic Games Store remains a crucial hurdle to overcome.
In essence, the expansion of the Epic Games Store to iOS and Android represents a significant milestone, shaped by legal battles and shifting market dynamics.
Yet, the road ahead is still fraught with challenges as Epic navigates an increasingly competitive gaming world.
