Fortnite is set to expand to third-party iOS app stores through Epic’s efforts

Epic Games, the popular video game developer, is making big moves in the mobile gaming industry. In a recent blog post, the company announced that it plans to bring Fortnite, its highly successful battle royale game, to third-party iOS app stores. The first of these stores is AltStore PAL, which is only available in the European Union (EU). Epic Games also hinted that it will support at least two other third-party stores in the near future.

The decision by Epic Games to expand Fortnite’s availability to third-party stores is a strategic one. By doing so, the company aims to bring its games to platforms that offer better terms for developers. While Fortnite has been hugely successful on mobile devices, the current mobile stores, particularly Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store, have faced criticism for their monopolistic practices and high revenue cuts.

In addition to AltStore PAL, Epic Games plans to launch its own app store on iOS and Android. This move signals the company’s intent to have more control over the distribution and monetization of its games. It also reflects a growing trend among developers who are seeking alternatives to the dominant app stores.

The news of Fortnite’s expansion to third-party stores is met with anticipation. AltStore PAL, in particular, is thrilled to join forces with Epic Games. Riley Testut, the founder of AltStore, expressed excitement about bringing Fortnite and other Epic Games titles to their platform. This partnership will undoubtedly attract more users to AltStore PAL and potentially create a more competitive mobile gaming market in the EU.

However, this decision doesn’t come without consequences. Epic Games plans to withdraw Fortnite and its mobile games from Samsung’s Galaxy Store. The company cites two reasons for this move. Firstly, Samsung’s “Auto Blocker” feature, which blocks sideloading by default, makes it difficult for users to access Epic Games’ titles on Galaxy devices. Secondly, recent revelations in the ongoing legal battle between Epic Games and Google have exposed Google’s efforts to limit competition in the Android app distribution market. These revelations, including initiatives like Project Banyan, have led Epic Games to sever ties with Samsung’s app store.

The implications of this move are significant for the mobile gaming industry. It showcases the growing discontent among developers towards the current app store practices. With Epic Games making bold moves to circumvent Apple’s and Google’s dominance, other developers might be inspired to do the same. This could lead to a more diverse and fair ecosystem, where developers have more control over their own products and revenue.

Furthermore, Epic Games’ decision to expand to third-party stores and launch its own app store highlights the importance of competition in the mobile gaming market. By opening up Fortnite’s availability to alternative platforms, Epic Games aims to challenge the monopolistic practices of Apple and Google. This could pave the way for more innovative approaches to app distribution, where developers have more choices and users benefit from a wider range of gaming experiences.

It remains to be seen how Apple, Google, and Samsung will respond to Epic Games’ announcement. So far, they have not provided any official comments on the matter. It is clear, however, that Epic Games’ actions have put pressure on these tech giants to reconsider their business practices. As the mobile gaming industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for these companies to adapt and find ways to address the concerns of developers and users alike.

In conclusion, Epic Games’ plans to bring Fortnite to third-party iOS app stores, starting with AltStore PAL, marks a significant moment in the mobile gaming industry. By expanding their game’s availability and launching their own app store, Epic Games aims to challenge the dominant players in the market and promote fairer practices for developers. This decision sets a precedent and encourages other developers to explore alternative platforms as well. As the industry continues to evolve, it is exciting to see how this move will shape the future of mobile gaming.



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