Epic Games, the creator of the popular battle royale game Fortnite, has recently made significant strides in its ongoing dispute with tech giant Apple. The company has received approval from Apple to launch its own games marketplace app on iPhones and iPads in the European Union (EU). This development is a crucial step forward in the broader legal battle regarding app store fees and practices.
Epic Games Store Gets Green Light
Initially, Apple rejected the Epic Games Store due to a clash over the design of buttons within the app. Epic argued that their “Install” and “In-app purchases” labels were industry standard, but Apple deemed them too similar to their App Store counterparts. However, Apple has now approved the Epic Games Store, marking a significant win for Epic in Europe.
EU’s Influence on App Store Policies
The European Commission is currently investigating Apple’s app validation process and its stance on alternative app stores. Apple’s decision to approve the Epic Games Store likely stems from their recent policy changes aimed at complying with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations. The DMA mandates that major app store platforms allow alternative app stores and offer developers more flexibility in payment processing.
The Ongoing Legal Battle
While this is a win for Epic in Europe, the broader legal battle regarding app store fees and practices in the US is ongoing. Epic filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple in 2020, alleging that Apple’s practice of charging up to 30% commissions on in-app payments on its devices violated US antitrust rules. The case continues to unfold.
Fortnite Mobile’s Return to iOS
In the latest news, Epic Games has provided an update on the return of Fortnite’s mobile version to Apple iOS. The company has submitted both Fortnite and its storefront for notarization processes required by Apple. Epic Games is also looking to bring its other titles to more mobile app stores and is interested in discussing terms with stores that offer favorable conditions for all developers.
Fortnite Mobile: Availability and Compatibility
Fortnite can be played on various mobile devices, including Android phones, Android tablets, iOS, and iPadOS. It is downloadable on Android phones and tablets and is also available through cloud gaming on Android phones, tablets, iOS, and iPadOS. Players need a free Microsoft account, a high-speed internet connection, and a compatible device to start playing Fortnite on mobile.
Cross-Platform Play and Updates
Fortnite offers crossplay across platforms, allowing players on Switch, Xbox, PS4, PC, and mobile to play together. The game also provides regular updates, with the expectation of the arrival of update 3.4, which adds C4 explosives to the Battle Royale mode.
Device Compatibility for Android
For Android users, the minimum device specifications to play Fortnite through the cloud include 3GB of RAM and the latest chipsets and graphics like Qualcomm Snapdragon 430, MediaTek MT6737, and Exynos 7870, among others. Additionally, the game was initially exclusive to Samsung Galaxy Note 9 and then rolled out to other Android devices.
GeForce NOW Support
Gamers can now experience Fortnite on supported iOS Safari and Android devices with new touch controls on GeForce NOW. This allows players to build, battle, and dance their way to a Victory Royale with the power of high-performance GeForce GPUs, streaming right to their mobile devices from the cloud.
