Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, has made a bold move by launching its own app store to directly offer its games to smartphone users. The Epic Games Store is a direct competitor to the app stores run by tech giants Apple and Google, providing users with an alternative platform to access their favorite games.

Epic Games has long been fighting legal battles and lobbying regulators to break free from the strict control exerted by Apple and Google over app sales on their respective platforms. The launch of the Epic Games Store marks a significant milestone in this ongoing struggle for more freedom and choice in the digital marketplace.

The European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) has played a crucial role in forcing Apple to make changes to its app store policies, particularly in Europe. This legislation has paved the way for Epic Games to offer its games on iOS devices in the region, highlighting the impact of regulatory intervention on tech giants’ practices.

Fortnite, one of Epic Games’ flagship titles, is set to make a comeback on iPhones and iPads after being banned in 2020. The game was previously removed from Apple’s App Store due to attempts to bypass the platform’s payment systems, leading to a legal battle between Epic Games and Apple.

Epic Games is hoping to attract app developers to its store by offering more favorable revenue-sharing terms compared to Apple and Google. However, the company has faced challenges from Apple in installing its app store and negotiating terms with developers, highlighting the competitive dynamics at play in the app store space.

Future Goals and Challenges

Despite the obstacles posed by Apple and Google, Epic Games is determined to achieve 100 million installs of its app store on Android and iOS devices by the end of the year. The company remains focused on expanding its presence on all platforms worldwide and ensuring that Fortnite is accessible everywhere without being subjected to additional taxes imposed by Apple.

The launch of the Epic Games Store represents a significant development in the ongoing battle for more equitable terms and greater freedom in the digital marketplace. By challenging the dominance of Apple and Google, Epic Games is taking a proactive stance in shaping the future of app distribution and fostering competition in the gaming industry.