Fortnite, the widely popular game that was removed from Apple and Google’s app stores four years ago due to a business dispute, has made a partial return for mobile users. However, it is only available to players in the European Union. Starting this Friday, EU residents can download Fortnite from various non-Apple mini app stores, following a new European law aimed at fostering competition against major tech companies.
For Android users globally, Fortnite can be accessed through a new backdoor app store, although this method is more complicated. Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, has provided instructions for accessing the game on iPhones in the EU and on Android devices worldwide.
This limited reintroduction of Fortnite defies the ongoing bans set by Apple and Google, offering a glimpse into the tumultuous changes taking shape in the smartphone app landscape after 15 years of established norms.
The situation raises important questions about how to address perceived illegal corporate practices and whether the solutions proposed are better or worse for consumers.
While some may feel satisfied with the current state of mobile apps, others believe it is time to challenge the prevailing conditions. Apple and Google hold significant power over mobile applications, which can lead to higher prices, stifle innovation, and impose their preferences on users.
For instance, executives from Texas Monthly expressed frustration over delays from Apple and Google when seeking approvals for changes to their apps, which hindered timely updates for their readers.
This week, Patreon announced that its iPhone app users would soon face a 30 percent price increase for payments, or artists would receive 30 percent less, due to Apple’s requirement that in-app payments go through its system, which carries a 30 percent commission. Apple has defended its app store and payment system as beneficial for developers and users.
Despite some companies thriving within the existing framework, there is a growing chorus of critics calling for change, emboldened by recent legal rulings and new regulations.
Epic Games has been a key player in pushing for reform in the mobile app ecosystem. Last year, a jury sided with Epic in a case against Google, claiming that the company violated monopoly laws in its management of the Google Play store. A ruling is pending on how Google will alter its practices.
While Epic lost a 2021 case aimed at Apple’s app store policies, the judge in that case is currently evaluating how Apple should modify its anti-competitive practices related to app purchases.
Epic has suggested that changes could allow users to access cheaper subscriptions or better rewards based on their payment method when purchasing content on iPhones or Android devices. A decision by the court is also awaited on allowing alternative methods for downloading Android apps.
Google has expressed concerns that Epic’s proposed changes could negatively impact privacy, security, and user experience.
Gradual changes are beginning to take shape in the app market as a result of EU regulations, allowing Fortnite to re-enter the mobile scene.
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney acknowledged that while the proposed changes may seem daunting, the current system hinders innovation and affects consumers, often without their realization. “Many people cannot even envision a better world,” he stated in a recent news conference.