Fortnite, the immensely popular battle royale game, has made its triumphant return to the U.S. App Store. This exciting development comes as a result of the ongoing legal skirmish between the game’s developer, Epic Games, and tech giant Apple. As of Tuesday, players in the U.S. can once again download Fortnite, while in the European Union, it is also accessible via the Epic Games Store and AltStore. Epic Games announced on the social media platform, X, that Fortnite would soon appear in App Store searches, making it easier for fans to find and enjoy the game.
The saga began in 2020 when Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store after Epic introduced a feature that allowed players to make in-game purchases using Epic's virtual currency. This new payment option offered players a 20% discount, which did not align with Apple's in-app purchase policies. In response, Epic Games took a bold step and filed a lawsuit against Apple, accusing the tech giant of engaging in anticompetitive practices.
In a significant turn of events, a judge sided with Epic Games, ruling that Apple had violated laws prohibiting anticompetitive pricing. This ruling mandated that Apple must allow developers to collect payments outside of the App Store, without imposing additional fees. Following this legal victory, Epic resubmitted Fortnite to the App Store; however, the company faced delays in obtaining approval. Epic Games claimed that Apple was deliberately blocking the game's re-entry into the U.S. and EU markets.
Earlier this week, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers intervened, stating in a filing that Apple must either approve Epic's submission of Fortnite or provide a valid legal justification for any continued blockage. This development potentially tilted the balance in favor of Epic Games, paving the way for Fortnite’s return.
The newly launched version of Fortnite on the App Store comes with exciting features, including a 20% cashback incentive for players who purchase in-game items directly from Epic, rather than through Apple's in-app purchase system. This move not only enhances the gaming experience but also allows players to save money while enjoying their favorite battle royale game.
As Fortnite re-establishes its presence in the U.S. App Store, fans are eager to dive back into the action and explore the new opportunities that await them within the game.
