Epic Games has officially announced that its popular battle royale game, Fortnite, will return to iPhone devices in the European Union (EU). This development comes after a prolonged legal battle with Apple that has spanned four years.
Fortnite’s Comeback
Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, revealed that the game would soon be available again on iOS devices within the EU. This move is a significant step in the ongoing legal confrontation with Apple, which began in 2020. The legal dispute centers around Apple’s practice of charging up to a 30% commission on in-app purchases, a policy Epic Games argues violates U.S. antitrust laws.
Expanding Beyond Official App Stores
Epic Games has been striving to distribute its games beyond the confines of official app stores. The company is critical of smartphone manufacturers who restrict sideloading, which is the process of installing applications without using the official app store. In a protest against these restrictions, Epic announced its decision to withdraw its games from the Samsung Galaxy Store, labeling the restriction as “anti-competitive.”
Epic Games Store Approval
Apple responded to the ongoing dispute by stating that Epic Games had been granted approval to establish its own game market application on iPhones and iPads in Europe. This development follows Epic’s accusations that Apple blocked its attempts to create a gaming marketplace on its devices, citing issues with button and label designs that resembled those used in the App Store.
Legal Battle and Antitrust Claims
The legal conflict between Epic and Apple has been ongoing since 2020. Epic claims that Apple’s commission practices are anti-competitive and violate antitrust regulations. The case has drawn significant attention and has broader implications for app distribution and digital marketplaces.
Relevant Links
For more details on the legal battle between Epic Games and Apple, you can visit authoritative sources such as The Verge and BBC News.
Conclusion
Epic Games’ announcement marks a pivotal moment in the company’s efforts to break free from the restrictions imposed by major smartphone manufacturers. By reintroducing Fortnite to iPhone users in the EU, Epic Games is taking a bold step in its ongoing campaign for greater freedom and competition in the digital marketplace.
For further updates, follow Epic Games on their official Twitter and Facebook.