Fortnite Returns to iOS in US After Long Wait

Fortnite has made a triumphant return to the iOS App Store, at least in the US, signaling what might be the final chapter in a prolonged legal battle. This marks a significant milestone in the ongoing saga between Epic Games and tech giants Apple and Google, which began back in 2020 when Epic challenged the status quo by introducing external app purchases in Fortnite, bypassing the App Store's 30% transaction fee.

The battle has been intense, with fluctuating victories and defeats on both sides. However, the dust seems to be settling with Apple and Google emerging as the primary losers. They've been forced to adjust their policies, reducing fees on in-app purchases, allowing external links, and opening the door to third-party storefronts like the Epic Games Store, which is known for its enticing free game program and other promotional offers.

For gamers, the immediate implications are still up in the air. Developers have been pushing in-app purchases made outside traditional app stores with attractive deals, but the real impact of this shift is yet to be fully realized. Historically, Apple and Google have dominated the mobile gaming app market, but the Epic vs. Apple legal battle has undoubtedly disrupted this monopoly, paving the way for potential new developments in the app store ecosystem.

The question now is whether this will usher in a new era of app stores or if it will simply be business as usual with some modifications. Behind the scenes, the industry is buzzing with anticipation. If you're interested in exploring games that aren't found on typical app stores, take a look at our feature, "Off the AppStore," to discover some fantastic alternative releases.