Epic has officially revealed its own app store for the European Union. The recently launched platform will offer lower fees and will also feature Epic’s popular mobile games, such as Fortnite, as a direct competitor to Apple’s App Store.
The longstanding feud between Epic and Apple, initially sparked by the high fees on the App Store, has now been affected by the implementation of new EU technology regulations. As a result, the creators of Fortnite have been granted the opportunity to introduce their own app marketplace, known as the Epic Games Store. At this time, the store will exclusively feature Epic’s games, such as Fortnite.
The company has announced its intention to begin onboarding games from third-party developers starting in December 2024.
Epic will offer Fortnite for download on a new version of the Epic Games Store for iPhones, as well as through AltStore PAL, another third-party app store. Today, the app market will also be available for Android users globally.
Global Android users and European iPhone owners can both access Epic’s Rocket League Sideswipe and a new game, a mobile adaptation of Fall Guys, through the Epic Games Store.
According to Wired, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney expressed enthusiasm for the launch of the Epic Games Store on iOS, stating that it could potentially improve the current state of the mobile gaming industry which he described as “largely broken”. He believes that competition would not harm Apple’s App Store, but rather push them to offer better prices, features, promotions, marketing deals, and reduced advertising.
Epic’s app store is set to charge a maximum commission of 12 percent on sales, which is significantly lower than the fees that can go up to 30 percent on Apple’s App Store.
Epic will now be expanding its app store to the EU in compliance with the recently implemented Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations, which require larger tech companies to allow competitors more opportunities to reach their user base.
Due to this, Apple is now required to permit alternative app stores on devices in Europe. However, users of iPhones outside of the EU will not have access to the recently launched Epic Games Store.
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