Why is Fortnite No Longer on Phones? The Epic Games vs. Apple/Google Saga
The simple answer: Fortnite is no longer readily available on iPhones (through the App Store) and was temporarily unavailable on Android (through the Google Play Store) due to a legal battle between Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite, and Apple and Google. This stemmed from Epic implementing a direct payment system within the Fortnite app that bypassed Apple and Google’s in-app purchase systems. This violated the app store policies of both companies, leading to the game’s removal and subsequent lawsuits. While Fortnite is compatible with Android and iOS devices, access is now more complicated than a simple app store download. Let’s dive deeper into the details of this contentious situation.
The Core of the Conflict: Revenue and Control
The heart of the issue lies in the 30% commission that Apple and Google take from in-app purchases made through their respective app stores. Epic Games argued that this “tax” was anti-competitive and unfair, hindering innovation and taking a disproportionate cut of developers’ revenue. They believed they should be able to offer a direct payment option to players, allowing them to bypass the app stores and save money on commissions, which in turn, they could pass on as savings to players.
In August 2020, Epic Games deliberately violated the terms of service of both the App Store and Google Play Store by introducing its own direct payment system within Fortnite on mobile devices. This allowed players to purchase V-Bucks (Fortnite’s in-game currency) directly from Epic, bypassing Apple and Google’s payment systems. This was a calculated move, designed to trigger a response and initiate a legal challenge to the app store policies.
Predictably, both Apple and Google reacted swiftly. They removed Fortnite from their respective app stores, citing violations of their terms of service. Epic Games immediately responded by filing antitrust lawsuits against both companies, accusing them of monopolistic practices and stifling competition. This marked the beginning of a protracted legal battle that continues to have ramifications for the app ecosystem.
The Legal Battles: A Summary
The legal battles between Epic and Apple have been the most high-profile. Epic argued that Apple’s control over the iOS app distribution ecosystem constituted an illegal monopoly. However, a judge ruled largely in Apple’s favor in 2021, stating that Epic failed to demonstrate that Apple was a monopolist under antitrust law. While the judge did find Apple guilty of anticompetitive behavior under California’s Unfair Competition Law, this aspect of the ruling had limited immediate impact on the availability of Fortnite on iOS.
The legal dispute with Google has followed a similar path, although it is has progressed differently and the final verdict is not yet clear as of this writing. The core arguments remain the same: Epic claims that Google’s control over the Android app distribution ecosystem stifles competition and unfairly burdens developers.
The Current Status: Where Things Stand
As of 2023, Fortnite remains unavailable for direct download on iPhones through the App Store. Players who already had Fortnite installed on their iOS devices before the ban can still play version 13.40 of the game, but they cannot receive updates or access new content.
Android users have more options. While Fortnite is no longer available on the Google Play Store, it can be downloaded directly from the Epic Games website and installed using the Epic Games App. This is possible because Android is a more open platform than iOS, allowing users to sideload apps from sources other than the official app store.
Furthermore, Fortnite is playable on iOS devices through cloud gaming services like Nvidia’s GeForce Now. This allows players to stream the game to their iPhones and iPads through the Safari web browser, bypassing the App Store restrictions. An Android version is also playable through GeForce Now.
The Implications: Beyond Fortnite
The Epic Games vs. Apple/Google saga has far-reaching implications for the entire app ecosystem. It has brought attention to the power dynamics between app store owners and developers, sparking debate about the fairness of app store commissions and the control that Apple and Google exert over app distribution.
This case has emboldened other developers to challenge app store policies and seek alternative distribution methods. It has also highlighted the potential of cloud gaming services as a way to bypass app store restrictions and reach a wider audience. The outcome of these legal battles will likely shape the future of the app economy for years to come.
The Games Learning Society, is an organization dedicated to researching and promoting the educational potential of video games. Understanding the business and legal dynamics surrounding games like Fortnite is crucial for educators and researchers who are interested in leveraging these platforms for learning and engagement. You can learn more about the organization at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Fortnite on iOS: A Future of Uncertainty
While cloud gaming offers a workaround, the long-term future of Fortnite on iOS remains uncertain. The legal battles are ongoing, and the possibility of a settlement or a change in Apple’s App Store policies cannot be ruled out. However, for now, iPhone users who want to play Fortnite will need to rely on alternative methods like GeForce Now.
Ultimately, the Fortnite saga serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between content creators, platform owners, and consumers in the digital age. It highlights the importance of fair competition, open access, and a level playing field for all players in the app ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why can’t I download Fortnite on my iPhone?
Apple banned Fortnite from the App Store in August 2020 after Epic Games implemented a direct payment system that violated Apple’s App Store policies.
2. How can I play Fortnite on my iOS device?
You can play Fortnite on iOS through cloud gaming services like Nvidia’s GeForce Now, which streams the game through the Safari web browser.
3. Can I still play Fortnite if I already have it installed on my iPhone?
Yes, if you had Fortnite installed before the ban, you can still play version 13.40. However, you will not receive updates or access new content.
4. Is Fortnite banned in India?
Fortnite was removed from the App Store and Google Play Store in India in 2020, due to similar policy violations as in other regions.
5. Will Fortnite come back to Apple?
The future is uncertain. While there’s no official timeline, the ongoing legal battles could eventually lead to a settlement that allows Fortnite’s return, or a change in Apple’s App Store policies.
6. Why is Fortnite not on Play Store?
Epic Games called the companies monopolistic, particularly Apple, and even released a video parodying Apple’s iconic 1984 video. Now, Fornite has been kicked off the App Store and the Play Store for violating app store policies.
7. Why is Fortnite called Fortnite?
The game got it’s name from the games Save the World Mode, where the original goal was to survive for a fortnight. They then changed the name to fortnite, then Battle Royale came out.
8. What is the Apple dispute with Fortnite?
Epic filed an antitrust lawsuit in 2020, accusing Apple of acting as an illegal monopolist by requiring consumers to get apps through its App Store and buy digital content inside an app using its own system – for which it charges up to a 30% commission. Rogers in 2021 rejected Epic’s antitrust claims against Apple.
9. Can you still play Fortnite on mobile 2023?
Fortnite is compatible with Android and iOS devices, but not all. You may download Fortnite via the Epic Games website or the App Store after you’ve verified that your smartphone is compatible. After installing Fortnite on your mobile, you can launch the game and sign up or log in to your account.
10. Is Fortnite still popular?
Fortnite has enjoyed a significant rise in popularity from 2017 to 2023. It continues to hold its position as one of the most popular battle royale games, making others like Warzone and Apex Legends look over their shoulders.
11. What devices can you play Fortnite on?
Fortnite is a high-fidelity game that is compatible with devices running 64-bit Android on an ARM64 processor, Android OS 8.0 or higher, minimum 4GB of RAM, and GPU: Adreno 530 or higher, Mali-G71 MP20, Mali-G72 MP12 or higher.
12. What happens if I delete Fortnite?
If you delete Fortnite, your stats are all saved in your account cloud. So if in the future you want to reinstall or play Fortnite on another computer, you just need to login with your credentials (username and password) and all your stats will come back. No worries.
13. Why is Fortnite banning kids?
Players can access features that are unavailable in their Cabined Account by having their parent or guardian provide consent and complete the account setup, or when they reach age 13 (or the age of digital consent in their region).
14. Is Fortnite 100 players?
“Fortnite Battle Royale is 100 players because we can’t support more. That’s as many players as we can fit on a single server, on a single floor, on a machine.”
15. Do many adults play Fortnite?
A further 22.5% of players are aged between 25 to 34 years. Meanwhile, around 1 in 8 (12.7%) Fortnite players fall in the 35 to 44 years category. Just 2% of Fortnite players are aged 45+ (45 to 54 years).