Epic Games has announced the launch of its Epic Games Store on mobile devices in the European Union and worldwide on Android. This move marks a major milestone in the company’s efforts to expand its reach beyond PC and console gaming.
The Epic Games Store is now available for download on iPhones in the European Union and on Android devices worldwide. The store is launching with a limited catalog of games, including Fortnite, Rocket League Sideswipe, and Fall Guys. However, Epic Games plans to expand its library over time and is in discussions with third-party mobile developers to bring more titles to the platform.
The launch of the Epic Games Store on mobile devices is a result of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which has forced Apple to allow third-party app marketplaces on its platform. This move is seen as a significant win for Epic Games, which has been locked in a dispute with Apple over in-app purchase systems.
“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,” said Tim Sweeney, CEO and Founder of Epic Games. “The tide is turning, and the mobile ecosystem is finally opening up to competition.”
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The Epic Games Store is only available on iPhones running iOS 17.4 or later, while iPad users will have to wait until the release of iPadOS 18 to access the store on their devices. Epic Games plans to expand the availability of its store to other regions where regulations permit, with Japan slated for a 2025 launch.
The company has set a goal of reaching 100 million mobile downloads of its store by the end of the year, made up of combined game installs across both iOS and Android. To achieve this goal, Epic Games will need to navigate Apple’s new fee structure, which includes a “Core Technology Fee” of €0.50 per install per year after the first million installs.
However, the road ahead will not be easy. Epic Games will need to navigate the complexities of mobile gaming, including the need to optimize games for smaller screens and touch controls. The company will also need to contend with the dominance of Apple’s App Store and Google Play, which have a stranglehold on the mobile gaming market.