The Article Tells The Story of:
- Epic Games is introducing third-party games to its mobile store.
- Developers in Europe receive support to cover iOS fees.
- Free games program launches with popular titles.
- The company faces challenges from competitors and regulations.
Epic Games Adds Third-Party Titles to Mobile Store
Epic Games, known for its hit title Fortnite, has announced plans to integrate third-party games into its mobile app store. Starting this year, 19 third-party games will be available globally on Android devices, with 16 accessible on iOS devices in the European Union. This move marks a significant step in Epic’s effort to challenge the dominance of Google’s Play Store and Apple’s App Store in the mobile gaming market.
The Epic Games Store on mobile, launched in 2024, provided the company a platform to bypass the high fees charged by traditional app marketplaces for in-app purchases. Epic has long criticized the lack of choice for users and developers, arguing that the current landscape stifles competition and innovation. To encourage adoption, Epic is launching a free games program, starting with popular titles like Bloons TD 6 and Dungeon of the Endless: Apogee.
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Supporting Developers by Covering Fees
As part of its free games program, Epic will temporarily cover Apple’s Core Technology Fee (CTF) for participating developers. The CTF charges 0.50 euros per install of an app after it surpasses one million downloads annually. Epic’s CEO, Tim Sweeney, has described this fee as a barrier to competition and promised that the company will absorb the costs for developers while the European Commission investigates Apple’s compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
In a recent statement, Sweeney emphasized Epic’s vision of creating a single, cross-platform store where users can access and own games across multiple devices. He noted that covering these fees is a temporary measure and not a sustainable long-term strategy but deemed it necessary to facilitate broader adoption of Epic’s store.
Expanding the Store’s Reach
Despite ambitious goals, Epic’s mobile store has yet to reach its target user base. By the end of 2024, it reported 29 million users, far below its 100 million goal. Sweeney attributed this shortfall to challenges such as mobile scare screens that deter users from installing alternative app stores. Epic aims to double its install base and leverage network effects to achieve its targets.
The company has also faced resistance from Apple and Google, both of which impose restrictions and fees that Epic claims discourage developers from joining alternative marketplaces. In Europe, where the DMA mandates a more open ecosystem, Epic has seen progress. Apple approved the Epic Games Store on iOS in the region last year, marking a significant victory for the company.
Free Games and Future Plans
Epic’s free games program will roll out monthly and eventually transition to a weekly schedule. The initiative aims to attract users to its platform while offering developers an incentive to participate. However, the initial launch of third-party games has faced technical delays, with Epic working to resolve bugs before making the titles available.
The company’s broader vision involves fostering true competition in app stores worldwide. Sweeney remains optimistic, even as Epic’s legal battles with Apple and Google continue. He criticized Apple’s practices in the U.S., highlighting that Fortnite remains inaccessible to American iOS users. Epic hopes its efforts in Europe will set a precedent for other markets and drive change in the industry.
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Challenges and Legal Battles
Epic’s struggle against tech giants began with its high-profile lawsuit against Apple in 2020. The company has since faced mixed results in its legal challenges but remains committed to advocating for fair competition. Epic argues that the restrictive policies of Apple and Google not only harm developers but also limit consumer choice.
The introduction of the free games program and the integration of third-party titles are part of Epic’s strategy to disrupt the status quo. While the road ahead remains uncertain, Epic’s efforts signal a significant shift in the mobile gaming landscape.
Conclusion
Epic Games’ expansion of its mobile store to include third-party titles and free games demonstrates its commitment to challenging the dominance of traditional app marketplaces. By supporting developers and prioritizing user choice, Epic aims to reshape the mobile gaming industry. As the company navigates technical and regulatory hurdles, its efforts in Europe could pave the way for a more competitive and inclusive future for app stores worldwide.
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