In a recent move driven by new regulations in Europe and ongoing battles with big platforms, Epic Games has unveiled its new game strategy for mobile game stores. The company aims to bring its games to players on mobile devices in a more accessible and fair manner. This development comes after Epic Games was removed from app stores due to its antitrust lawsuits against Google and Apple.
One of the key factors contributing to Epic’s new strategy is the implementation of the Digital Markets Act by the European Union. This regulation aims to prevent big platforms from prohibiting rivals, such as Epic, from promoting their alternatives. As a result, Fortnite will be returning to iOS in the European Union, bringing relief to European players who have been unable to access the game.
Additionally, the Epic Games Store will be available on Android worldwide and on iOS in the European Union. This expansion brings great news for developers, as Epic Games is offering more favorable terms, including a store fee of 12% for payments that Epic processes and 0% on third-party payments. These terms create a more level playing field for developers and challenge the dominance of the big platforms.
Epic Games is not just stopping at its own store. The company plans to bring its mobile games, including Fortnite, to other mobile stores that provide fair deals to all developers. In the past, Epic has criticized Apple for its lack of compliance with the EU’s regulations, but disputes are still ongoing. Epic’s aim is to support stores that compete fairly and offer great deals for developers.
In a rather cryptic statement, Epic mentioned ending distribution partnerships with mobile stores that act as “rent collectors” without robust competition and fair treatment of developers. While this may seem contradictory as Fortnite is returning to app stores in Europe, it is primarily referencing Samsung. Epic announced that Fortnite and other games will be leaving the Samsung Galaxy Store in protest of Samsung’s anticompetitive decision to block side-loading by default on Samsung Android devices. Additionally, public revelations in the U.S. Epic v Google lawsuit have exposed Google’s ongoing efforts to restrain competition in the Android app distribution market by making payments to Android phone manufacturers to be the default store on their devices.
Epic Games has long been a proponent of fair competition on both iOS and Android. This movement is gaining traction globally, with progress seen through Europe’s DMA, similar laws in the U.K. and Japan, regulatory investigations worldwide, and Epic’s victory in the Epic v Google litigation in the U.S. As the operators of the Epic Games Store, Epic plans to take advantage of this momentum to offer all developers a great deal on its store. The company also pledges to support other stores that strive to provide developers with their own fair deals.
In addition to its own store, Epic Games is joining AltStore. The company announced that its mobile games will be available on AltStore on iOS in the European Union. Epic expects to announce support for at least two other third-party stores soon. AltStore recently went live after complying with the Digital Markets Act in Europe, making it a promising platform for developers and players alike.
In conclusion, Epic Games’ recent announcement regarding its game strategy for mobile stores marks a significant step towards providing fairer opportunities to both developers and players. The company’s efforts to challenge big platforms and advocate for fair competition are reshaping the landscape of mobile gaming. With the return of Fortnite to iOS in Europe and the expansion of the Epic Games Store, players can look forward to more accessible and diverse gaming experiences. Developers, on the other hand, can benefit from better terms and increased opportunities for exposure. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential for companies like Epic Games to push for fairness and innovation in the mobile gaming market.
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