Epic Games announced the launch of its iOS app store in the European Union, as well as on Android globally, on Friday. The app store, dubbed the Epic Games Store, debuted with games like Fortnite, Rocket League Sideswipe, and Fall Guys. The launch of the iOS app store was made possible by the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) last year, which saw Apple open up its platform to third-party app stores. It’s worth noting that the game publisher will use its own payment processor to allow users to make in-app purchases.
Epic Games Launches Fortnite on iOS and Android
In a newsroom post, the company announced that the Epic Games Store will be available on iOS in Europe and on Android worldwide. It is also adding its games to the third-party AltStore PAL app store (where PAL stands for Phase Alternative Line). Users can download and install the games in eligible regions and start playing.
Reacting to the launch, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeny wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter), “Fortnite has been unleashed on iOS in Europe, thanks to the Digital Markets Act. Apple continues to block Fortnite from a billion players in the rest of the world, and the fight to restore free market competition continues.”
The company also shared detailed instructions on how to install the app store on iOS and Android in separate videos. Those installing the games will be able to play the mobile version of Fortnite, with the battle royale game kicking off its Chapter 5 Season: Absolute Doom on Friday.
The publisher further emphasized that it included a detailed installation process because iOS and Android have added “intentionally low-quality installation experiences burdened with multiple steps, confusing device settings, and intimidating screens.” It added that the company will continue to fight the platforms in court and work with regulators around the world to remove anti-competitive policies.
Additionally, the company said it plans to add third-party games to the Epic Games Store in the coming month. It also said it hopes to bring iOS games to the U.K. and Japan in the coming years. However, the company did not elaborate on how it plans to do so.
