Fortnite maker Epic Games will bring its popular battle royale game to iPad later this year, following the EU's decision to designate Apple's iPadOS as a separate digital “gatekeeper” under Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations. It was approved to be introduced. The company previously announced that Fortnite would return to iPhones in the EU as a result of the DMA, which forces Apple to compete with alternative app stores such as Epic's Game Store.
in Post to X Epic Games praised the EU's decision on iPad on Monday, saying it will bring Fortnite to the EU's Epic Games Store “immediately” and is moving “full steam ahead” to bring iPad later this year. .
Today, the European Commission announced that iPads must also comply with the Digital Markets Act 🙌
we are fortnite @EpicGames In the EU it will soon be on iPhone and later this year on iPad. 🎉 https://t.co/MHh6EGVinC
— Epic Games Newsroom (@EpicNewsroom) April 29, 2024
The conflict between Epic and Apple has been going on for years, ever since Epic sued the tech giant over alleged anti-competitive practices over its App Store and fee structure. Apple nearly won the case, but the court ruled the tech giant didn't have a monopoly and needed to allow developers to direct customers to other payment methods from within their apps. This was a takeaway for Epic, and it had far-reaching implications around the world. developer community.
Later, when Apple revealed its plans to comply with the EU's DMA, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney accused Apple's new rules of being a form of “malicious compliance” that is “full of junk fees.” and vowed to fight them. Apple responded by suspending Epic Games' developer account, calling the game maker a “threat” to the iOS ecosystem. Shortly after the EU launched an investigation into Apple's decision to delete Epic's account, Apple reinstated it.
Considering Apple's response so far, it remains to be seen whether Epic Games will be able to bring Fortnite to iPhone and iPad as planned. However, this signals Epic's intention to compete with Apple through its own game store across Apple's top platforms.