Epic Games Store Goes Mobile: Fortnite Returns to iOS and Android

The long-awaited arrival of the Epic Games Store on mobile devices is finally here. The digital storefront, previously available only on desktops and laptops, is now accessible on both iOS and Android devices, marking a significant step for the gaming giant.

Epic announced the launch today, confirming the Epic Games Store app is available to download globally on Android devices. iPhone users in the European Union can also access the app, although Epic highlights the complex installation process, attributing it to “intentionally poor-quality install experiences” imposed by Apple and Google.

As previously announced during the State of Unreal event earlier this year, the mobile version of the Epic Games Store is positioned to become the “first-ever game-focused, multi-platform store.” It joins the existing macOS and PC apps, offering developers the same competitive revenue-sharing model of an 88/12 split, amongst other incentives.

The news comes alongside the much-anticipated return of Fortnite to mobile devices. Players in the EU can now access the popular battle royale game via the new Epic Games Store app for both Android and iOS, as well as through the AltStore, a third-party digital marketplace made available by the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

This marks the first time Fortnite has been officially available on mobile devices since its removal from the App Store and Google Play in 2020. Prior to the launch of the Epic Games Store app, players could only access Fortnite on mobile through cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now.

Beyond Fortnite, Epic confirmed that Fall Guys and Rocket League Sideswipe are also available for download on Android devices globally and EU iPhones through the mobile version of the Epic Games Store and the AltStore. This marks the first mobile release for Fall Guys, which initially launched on PS4 and Windows in 2020, followed by ports for PS5, Switch, and Xbox in 2022.

“The tide is turning, and the mobile ecosystem is finally opening up to competition,” said Epic Games Founder and CEO Tim Sweeney in a press release. “We are grateful to the European Commission for making it possible to launch the Epic Games Store and offer our games to iOS users in the European Union. Now, European iOS users and all Android users can access our store and games, as they’ve always been able to do on open platforms like PC and Mac. The fight is far from over, but this is tangible progress for developers and consumers who can begin to benefit from competition and choice.”

The launch of the Epic Games Store on mobile devices signifies a significant shift in the gaming landscape, potentially offering developers and players greater choice and flexibility. The inclusion of Fortnite, Fall Guys, and Rocket League Sideswipe further strengthens the platform’s offering, potentially attracting a broader audience seeking a more accessible mobile gaming experience.