New York: Epic Games’ blockbuster multiplayer shooter Fortnite has made its long-awaited comeback to Apple’s App Store in the United States, ending a nearly five-year absence that stemmed from a heated legal dispute between the two tech giants. The game’s return on Tuesday marks a pivotal moment for the gaming industry and a significant victory for Epic Games.
The North Carolina-based developer, backed by Chinese tech powerhouse Tencent, had been embroiled in a legal confrontation with Apple since 2020. Epic Games challenged Apple’s policy of charging up to 30% commission on in-app purchases, arguing it violated U.S. antitrust laws by restricting fair competition.
The reappearance of Fortnite on Apple’s iOS platform comes in the wake of a consequential ruling on April 30, when a federal judge determined that Apple had breached a previous court order. The order had required the tech company to provide more flexibility in how apps are distributed and monetized on its App Store. The court found Apple had not complied with the injunction and referred the matter for a potential criminal contempt investigation by federal prosecutors.
Apple has yet to comment publicly on the game’s return. Meanwhile, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney celebrated the development with a post on X, saying, “We back fam.”
Originally launched in 2017, Fortnite became a global phenomenon almost overnight, driven by its vibrant graphics and engaging “battle royale” format. By the time of its removal from Apple’s platform in 2020, the game boasted over 116 million users on iOS alone.
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Industry experts have weighed in on the implications of the development. “For Epic Games this was a hard fought win that carried a very steep price and may be too late to boost its Fortnite game that is now past its prime,” said Gil Luria, an analyst at D.A. Davidson. “For Apple this is another crack in the armor that the services business relies on — the funneling of payments through Apple in order to charge developers for every transaction.”
Michael Ashley Schulman, chief investment officer at Running Point Capital Advisors, noted the broader impact this ruling may have on the mobile ecosystem. He said the decision could pave the way for subscription-based apps like Spotify and Netflix to regain lost margins and allow independent developers to earn revenues without being subject to Apple’s fees. This shift, he suggested, could significantly alter iOS platform dynamics over the next year to 18 months.
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Apple and Google had both removed Fortnite from their respective app stores in 2020 following the payment dispute. The game returned to Android devices and iPhones in the European Union last year, reflecting regulatory pressures in various markets.
On Tuesday, Fortnite confirmed on X that the game is also available via the Epic Games Store and AltStore in the EU, offering players multiple access points outside the traditional app ecosystems.
