Will Fortnite Mobile Ever Come Back?
Fortnite, one of the most popular battle royale games, has been absent from mobile devices for quite some time. The game was removed from the App Store and Google Play Store after a disagreement between Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, and Apple and Google over in-app purchases and revenue sharing. However, in recent news, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney hinted that Fortnite might return to iOS and iPadOS in 2023. But what’s the current status of Fortnite mobile, and will it ever come back?
Current Status
As of now, Fortnite is still not available on mobile devices through the traditional app download method. However, players can still play Fortnite on mobile devices using Nvidia’s streaming game service GeForce Now. This allows users to play a touch-control version of Fortnite through cloud gaming. While this is not the same as having the game installed on their device, it is a viable option for players who want to experience the game on their mobile device.
Why Was Fortnite Removed from Mobile Devices?
Fortnite was removed from mobile devices due to a dispute between Epic Games and Apple and Google over in-app purchases and revenue sharing. Epic Games added a direct payment option to Fortnite, which allowed players to bypass Apple’s and Google’s payment systems and make purchases directly through the game. This move was seen as a challenge to the revenue sharing model of these tech giants, and as a result, they banned Fortnite from their app stores.
Epic Games’ Lawsuit Against Apple and Google
Epic Games filed a lawsuit against Apple and Google, accusing them of antitrust behavior and monopolistic practices. The lawsuit claims that Apple and Google are stifling competition by restricting access to their app stores and charging excessive commissions on in-app purchases. The case is ongoing, and a verdict has not been reached yet.
Tim Sweeney’s Hint About Fortnite’s Return
In a recent tweet, Tim Sweeney hinted that Fortnite might return to iOS and iPadOS in 2023. The tweet simply read, "Next year on iOS!" While this does not provide a clear timeline or details about the game’s return, it is a positive sign that Epic Games is exploring options for bringing Fortnite back to mobile devices.
Possible Ways Fortnite Could Return
There are a few ways Fortnite could return to mobile devices:
- Through a different payment model: Epic Games could find an alternative payment model that avoids the need for in-app purchases through Apple’s and Google’s payment systems. This could involve partnering with other payment providers or creating a subscription-based model.
- Through cloud gaming: As mentioned earlier, Fortnite is already available on mobile devices through Nvidia’s cloud gaming service GeForce Now. This could be an option for Epic Games to bring the game back to mobile devices without having to develop a native app.
- Through a different distribution channel: Epic Games could explore alternative distribution channels, such as the Steam Store or the Microsoft Store, to bring Fortnite to mobile devices.
Table: Comparison of Fortnite’s Availability on Different Platforms
| Platform | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PC | Available | Native app available on Steam and Epic Games Store |
| Console | Available | Native app available on PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch |
| Mobile (Android) | Unavailable | Removed from Google Play Store due to payment dispute |
| Mobile (iOS) | Unavailable | Removed from App Store due to payment dispute, but available through cloud gaming on GeForce Now |
| Cloud Gaming | Available | Fortnite is available on mobile devices through Nvidia’s GeForce Now cloud gaming service |
Conclusion
While there is no clear timeline for Fortnite’s return to mobile devices, the recent tweet from Tim Sweeney provides a glimmer of hope for fans of the game. If Fortnite does return to mobile devices, it is likely to be through a different payment model, cloud gaming, or an alternative distribution channel. For now, players can continue to enjoy Fortnite on other platforms, such as PC and console, or use cloud gaming services to access the game on their mobile devices.