Epic Games has announced that Fortnite will be making a comeback on iOS devices in Europe this year, thanks to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) law introduced by the European Union. The popular game was banned from iOS in August 2020 after Epic Games attempted to bypass Apple’s 30% commission on microtransactions by introducing direct payments. While players found workarounds like using GeForce NOW through the Safari browser to access Fortnite on iOS, the ban sparked a lengthy legal battle between Epic Games and Apple. The Supreme Court of the United States recently denied both companies’ appeals, with Apple emerging as the overall victor, except for one count related to anti-steering provisions.
However, in the European Union, Apple will be obligated to comply with the DMA law, which will allow the Epic Games Store to be available on iOS. Despite this, Epic Games founder Tim Sweeney expressed concerns on Twitter, suggesting that Apple may have a “devious plan” of “malicious compliance.” Sweeney accused Apple of potentially violating the DMA by forcing developers to choose between App Store exclusivity and adhering to the store’s terms. This could result in blocking Epic from launching the Epic Games Store on iOS and distributing Fortnite through it, as well as hindering other major players like Microsoft, Valve, and Good Old Games.
Despite the legal challenges, Epic Games remains determined to launch the Epic Games Store on iOS and Android, with the goal of becoming the leading multi-platform software store. Sweeney emphasized the importance of payment competition, offering low fees ranging from 0% to 12%, and providing exclusive games like Fortnite. Epic Games will continue its legal efforts, asserting that Apple is in violation of the law. In a related victory, Tim Sweeney recently celebrated a successful outcome against Google in a similar lawsuit.
With the introduction of the DMA law in Europe, Fortnite players can look forward to enjoying the game once again on their iOS devices, while Epic Games continues to fight for fair competition and alternative app stores in the mobile gaming market.
Apple's plan to thwart Europe's new Digital Markets Act law is a devious new instance of Malicious Compliance.
They are forcing developers to choose between App Store exclusivity and the store terms, which will be illegal under DMA, or accept a new also-illegal anticompetitive…
— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) January 25, 2024
