Epic Games today unveiled significant updates to the Epic Games Store mobile app, including nearly 20 third-party games, the global launch of the Free Games program on Android, and its debut on iOS in the European Union.
Alongside these updates, the company introduced new app features and shared important initiatives for developers, highlighting its ongoing battle against restrictive practices by Apple and Google.
Third-Party Games Added to the Store
The Epic Games Store mobile app now includes its first wave of third-party games, expanding the lineup beyond popular titles like Fortnite, Fall Guys, and Rocket League Sideswipe.
This milestone reflects the company’s efforts to grow the store after its mobile launch just months ago. Epic Games expressed gratitude to its partners for supporting this initiative.
Free Games Program Launches Globally
To celebrate, Epic Games launched the Free Games program on mobile, starting with Dungeon of the Endless: Apogee (available until February 20, excluding Russia) on Android and iOS.
The program will soon feature Bloons TD 6. Initially, free games will be offered monthly, with plans to transition to a weekly schedule later this year.
Developer Incentives: Core Technology Fee Coverage
According to The Verge, Epic Games will cover the Core Technology Fee (CTF) for developers using third-party iOS marketplaces for one year to encourage participation in the Free Games program.
The CTF is a €0.50 fee per install after 1 million annual downloads, which Epic criticizes as a major obstacle for alternative stores. Epic hopes the European Union will address this issue under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), accusing Apple of non-compliance.
Epic’s Fight for Market Fairness
Epic has faced difficulties gaining traction with its mobile store, largely due to restrictive practices by Apple and Google. Despite lower-than-expected installs, the company remains committed to promoting app store competition, particularly in Europe, where the DMA could play a critical role. Epic argues that true app store freedom requires strict enforcement of the DMA.
Apple defends the CTF as necessary for supporting developers, while Google claims Android offers developers more flexibility. Nevertheless, Epic continues to push for a more competitive landscape with regulatory backing.
New App Features for Users
Epic Games introduced updates aimed at improving user experience:
- Epic Account Login: Enables persistent login status across Epic Games on iOS and Android.
- Auto-Update Functionality: Ensures games and apps are always up-to-date and ready to play.
Developer Updates: Revenue Sharing and Royalty Reductions
Epic Games announced the following initiatives for developers:
- Revenue Share: Maintains the 88/12 split for payments processed by Epic and 0% for third-party payments.
- Launch Everywhere Program: Starting in 2025, eligible Unreal Engine games published on the Epic Games Store will receive reduced royalties, from 5% to 3.5%, across all platforms.
To qualify, games must launch on the Epic Games Store simultaneously with or before their release on other stores. This program also applies to games in the Epic First Run program, which helps developers maximize revenue during their initial store run.
Self-Publishing Tools and Future Plans
Epic’s self-publishing tools for mobile games are currently in an invite-only beta. The company plans to make these tools available to all developers and publishers later this year. Epic also aims to expand its catalog of third-party games and introduce further app updates.