Fortnite back on Android mobiles and some iPhones

Fortnite, one of the most popular video games in the world, has made a comeback on mobile devices after being absent for four years. Players can now download the game on Android phones globally, including in the UK. However, for iPhone users, Fortnite is only accessible if they reside in the European Union. This is due to new regulations in the EU that require Apple to permit third-party app stores on its devices. In contrast, other regions, such as the United States, do not have similar laws in place. The game was removed from mobile platforms in 2020 following a dispute between Apple, Epic Games (the developer of Fortnite), and Google, which manages the Android operating system. To play Fortnite again, users will need to download an alternative app store first. Epic Games has acknowledged that this process can be quite lengthy and has criticized Apple and Google for creating a complicated installation experience filled with numerous steps and confusing device settings. The BBC has reached out to both Apple and Google for their comments on this matter. In the UK, Android devices account for approximately 56% of the mobile market. As Fortnite launches its new season, it features exciting characters and gameplay. The new EU regulations came into effect in March, mandating that Apple must allow alternative app stores on its devices. However, such laws do not exist in other parts of the world, where users can only download apps from Apple's official App Store. Epic Games has stated, 'Fortnite has been freed on iOS in Europe, thanks to the Digital Markets Act. ' Despite this progress, Apple continues to block Fortnite for millions of players worldwide, claiming that it is primarily for security reasons. Epic Games argues that this creates a monopoly, allowing Apple to impose high fees on app developers, which can reach up to 30% of in-app purchases. Google also charges a fee for apps downloaded through its Google Play store, but it does allow alternative app stores on its Android devices. While Fortnite is free to play, it generates revenue through in-game purchases for items like new skins and weapons. The game was removed from both Apple and Google's app stores in 2020 after Epic Games stopped paying the commission fees. Currently, UK iPhone users cannot download Fortnite, but they can still play it through a web browser. Epic Games aims to reintroduce the Fortnite app to UK iPhones by late 2025. Tim Sweeney, the CEO of Epic Games, mentioned that unless Apple and Google successfully lobby the UK government to maintain their blocking of competition, they should be able to make progress by the end of next year. A new competition law was passed in May, which could facilitate the introduction of alternative app stores on iPhones. 'The fight is far from over, but this is tangible progress for developers and consumers who can begin to benefit from competition and choice,' Mr. Sweeney stated in a press release. Additionally, Epic Games has made other popular games like Rocket League: Sideswipe and Fall Guys available on mobile platforms.