Fortnite Makes a Comeback: Epic Games Targets EU iOS Users via AltStore

In a bold move that’s shaking up the mobile gaming landscape, Epic Games has announced plans to bring its wildly popular battle royale game, Fortnite, back to iOS devices in the European Union.

This time, however, the game won’t be found on Apple’s App Store. Instead, it’s making its grand entrance through AltStore, an alternative app marketplace.

The AltStore Advantage

AltStore, brainchild of developer Riley Testut, blazed trails as one of the first alternative app stores on iOS when it launched in April. It’s carved out a niche in the EU, where Apple’s been forced to play nice with sideloading to stay in line with the Digital Markets Act.

What’s the draw for Epic? For starters, distributing through AltStore is free. Epic won’t have to cough up a dime to Testut. But don’t think Apple’s left empty-handed – they’ll still pocket a 0.50 euro Core Technology Fee from Epic once Fortnite hits the million-install mark annually.

The Price of Freedom

For gamers itching to get their Fortnite fix, there’s a small catch. AltStore users will need to shell out 1.50 euros per year. This fee’s not just AltStore being greedy – it’s a direct result of Apple’s Core Technology Fee, which charges Testut 0.50 euros for each AltStore installation.

Epic’s Broader Strategy

Epic’s not stopping at AltStore. They’re eyeing other mobile stores that “give all developers a great deal.” But it’s not all expansion – Epic’s also cutting ties with platforms they view as “rent collectors.”

In a move that’s raised eyebrows, Epic announced they’re pulling Fortnite and other titles from the Samsung Galaxy Store. Why? They’re protesting what they call Samsung’s “anticompetitive decision to block side-loading by default” on their devices.

The Epic Games Store: Coming Soon to an iPhone Near You?

Looking ahead, Epic’s reaffirmed its plan to bring the Epic Games Store to iOS in the EU. They’re promising a sweet deal for developers – a 12% store fee for payments they process, and a whopping 0% on third-party payments.

A Shifting Landscape

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney didn’t mince words about the company’s strategy. “Progress is spreading across the globe,” he said, pointing to Europe’s DMA, similar laws popping up in the UK and Japan, and Epic’s recent victory in its litigation against Google in the US.

This move marks a significant shift in the mobile gaming ecosystem. It’s not just about Fortnite – it’s about challenging the status quo of app distribution and pushing for what Epic sees as fairer practices in the industry.

As the digital dust settles, one thing’s clear: the battle for the future of mobile gaming is far from over. With Fortnite leading the charge back onto iOS devices in the EU, we might be witnessing the opening salvo in a new chapter of the ongoing saga between tech giants and game developers.