On Friday, Epic Games announced the official launch of its Epic Games Store, which is now available for download on iPhones in the European Union and on Android devices globally. This follows the company’s earlier announcement in March.
Epic Games Store Launch
The store begins with three games: Fortnite, Rocket League Sideswipe, and the new mobile version of Fall Guys. Epic Games is also working to allow other developers to launch their games and apps through the Epic Games Store in the future.
Additionally, the company plans to bring its games to independent mobile stores, including AltStore PAL.
Fortnite returns to iOS
Fortnite has returned to iOS after being removed from Apple’s App Store over four years ago, following legal battles and regulatory changes due to the EU’s Digital Markets Act. The latest Fortnite Battle Royale Chapter 5, Season 4: Absolute Doom is now available on mobile and other platforms.
Installation Process for iOS and Android
Epic Games noted that installing the Epic Games Store on iOS and Android is currently complicated due to multiple steps, confusing settings, and warnings introduced by Apple and Google.
Epic continues to challenge these barriers in court and work with global regulators to remove what they consider “anticompetitive terms” imposed by Apple and Google.
Partnership with Third-Party App Stores
Epic Games is collaborating with third-party mobile app stores to distribute their games more widely.
Initially, they are launching on AltStore PAL for iOS users in the European Union, with plans to expand to Aptoide’s iOS store in the EU and ONE Store on Android. The company also intends to bring their games to other stores globally.
AltStore PAL
Epic Games has made AltStore PAL, an app that leverages the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) to provide a third-party app store to EU users, available for free.
This is supported by a “MegaGrant” from Epic Games, covering Apple’s Core Technology fee and making AltStore PAL accessible without a subscription.
Availability and Installation Instructions
Detailed instructions on how to download and install the Epic Games Store on both iOS and Android devices are available on the company’s official website – store.epicgames.com
Users can find more information and video guides on the installation process on the Fortnite, Fall Guys, and Rocket League Sideswipe blogs.
Commenting on the launch, Tim Sweeney, CEO and Founder of Epic Games, said,
The mobile ecosystem is finally opening up to competition, and we’re seeing the tide turn. We appreciate the European Commission for enabling the launch of the Epic Games Store, allowing us to offer our games to iOS users in the European Union. Now, both European iOS users and all Android users can access our store and games, just as they have on open platforms like PC and Mac. While the fight isn’t over, this is real progress for developers and consumers who can now start to benefit from greater competition and choice.