Fortnite Makes Mobile Comeback After Four-Year Hiatus

Fortnite, one of the most popular video games globally, has returned to mobile devices after a four-year absence. The game is now accessible on Android phones via the newly launched Epic Games Store, marking its first mobile appearance since 2020. However, iPhone users in the UK will have to wait until 2025 for its return, as the game is currently only available for iPhone users in the European Union.

The game’s removal from mobile platforms in 2020 stemmed from a dispute between Epic Games, the game’s creator, and tech giants Apple and Google over payment processing methods. The conflict arose when Epic Games bypassed the companies’ payment systems to avoid paying their commission fees, leading to Fortnite being pulled from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Now, thanks to new EU legislation, Apple is required to allow third-party app stores on its devices, enabling Fortnite’s return to iOS devices in the region. This legislation, known as the Digital Markets Act, came into effect in March and is currently exclusive to the EU, meaning that users in other parts of the world, including the UK, are still restricted to using Apple’s official App Store.

Epic Games’ CEO, Tim Sweeney, expressed his satisfaction with the game’s partial return, stating on social media, “Fortnite has been freed on iOS in Europe, thanks to the Digital Markets Act.” He also criticized Apple for continuing to block Fortnite from users in other regions, arguing that it hinders free market competition.

For Android users, Fortnite’s return involves a more complex process, as players must download an alternative app store to access the game. Epic Games has criticized both Apple and Google for what they describe as “intentionally poor-quality install experiences,” which complicate the process for users.

The return of Fortnite coincides with the launch of a new season themed around Marvel’s Doctor Doom. Alongside Fortnite, Epic Games has also made other popular titles like Rocket League: Sideswipe and Fall Guys available on mobile platforms.

As the battle between Epic Games and the tech giants continues, new competition laws in the UK, passed in May, could eventually pave the way for Fortnite’s return to iPhones in the region by late 2025. Tim Sweeney remains optimistic, stating, “The fight is far from over, but this is tangible progress for developers and consumers who can begin to benefit from competition and choice.”