In a significant development, Epic Games has announced that it will return to the iOS platform in Europe, thanks to the newly introduced Digital Markets Act (DMA). The company had been banned from both the App Store and Google Play after intentionally violating the companies’ rules over in-app purchases. However, with the DMA’s introduction, Epic Games is now poised to offer both its game Fortnite and the Epic Games Stores on mobile in Europe.

The Background

Epic Games was involved in a high-profile antitrust lawsuit against Apple, which ultimately led to the Cupertino-based iPhone maker being cleared of monopolistic practices. Despite this, Epic Games’ developer account had been banned from the App Store, and it wasn’t clear if Apple would allow the company to return to the iOS platform.

The Turning Point

It was announced that Fortnite would return to iOS by way of a third-party streaming game service, GeForce Now. However, Epic Games has now confirmed that it has received its Apple Developer Account and will soon start developing the Epic Games Store on iOS. The company expressed gratitude for the new regulation and the possibilities it holds.

Epic’s Reaction

In an interesting twist, Epic Games’ CEO Tim Sweeney had heavily criticized Apple’s response to the regulation, calling it "malicious compliance" and "full of junk fees." He also accused Apple of forcing developers to choose between App Store exclusivity or accepting a new anticompetitive scheme. However, despite positioning Apple’s compliance with the regulation as anti-competitive, Epic Games intends to leverage the new rules to once again compete on mobile.

Epic Games Sweden AB: The New Player

Epic Games has announced that Epic Games Sweden AB will operate the new mobile Epic Games Store and Fortnite in Europe. The company also noted that its Store team will lead development. Epic Games Sweden has a total of three studios and over 60 employees, making it a significant player in the region.

The Regulatory Timeline

Epic Games had earlier promised that Fortnite would return to iOS in Europe this year but didn’t confirm whether it had re-obtained access to its Apple Developer account at that time. The company posted on X last month, "Stay tuned for details as we figure out the regulatory timeline. We’ll continue to argue to the courts and regulators that Apple is breaking the law."

What’s Next?

As Epic Games returns to iOS in Europe, it will be interesting to see how the company navigates the new regulatory landscape. Will it continue to push for changes to App Store policies, or will it focus on expanding its presence on mobile? One thing is certain: Epic Games’ return to iOS marks a significant development in the ongoing saga between the gaming giant and Apple.

The Digital Markets Act: A Game-Changer

The DMA has been hailed as a game-changer for the tech industry, giving companies more freedom to operate on mobile. However, its impact is still being felt, and it remains to be seen how other companies will take advantage of the new regulations.

The Future of Mobile Gaming

As Epic Games returns to iOS in Europe, it’s clear that the company sees a bright future for mobile gaming. With the DMA in place, Epic Games is now poised to offer both its game and store on mobile in Europe, marking a significant shift in the market.

Key Takeaways

• Epic Games has announced that it will return to iOS in Europe, thanks to the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
• The company had been banned from both the App Store and Google Play after intentionally violating the companies’ rules over in-app purchases.
• Despite positioning Apple’s compliance with the regulation as anti-competitive, Epic Games intends to leverage the new rules to once again compete on mobile.
• Epic Games Sweden AB will operate the new mobile Epic Games Store and Fortnite in Europe.
• The company has re-obtained access to its Apple Developer account.

Conclusion

Epic Games’ return to iOS in Europe marks a significant development in the ongoing saga between the gaming giant and Apple. With the DMA in place, Epic Games is now poised to offer both its game and store on mobile in Europe, marking a significant shift in the market. As the tech industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how other companies take advantage of the new regulations.

Related Articles

• Epic Games Sues Apple Over App Store Policies: Epic Games has filed a lawsuit against Apple over its App Store policies, accusing the company of anticompetitive practices.
• Apple and Google Remove Fortnite from Stores: After Epic Games added an in-app purchase feature to Fortnite that circumvented the App Store’s payment system, Apple and Google removed the game from their stores.
• The Digital Markets Act: A Game-Changer for the Tech Industry: The DMA has been hailed as a game-changer for the tech industry, giving companies more freedom to operate on mobile.