The open war between Epic Games y Google due to the controversy generated around the non-publication of the game Fortnite on Android in the Play Store. Negotiations between the two companies regarding profit sharing for the hit game fell through, and Epic Games decided to go it alone to avoid relying on the Android app store.
Now, the creator of such well-known brands as Gears of War, Unreal Engine or own Fortnite, goes a step further, announcing the launch of their own Android game storewhich will feature new releases and continuous updates. That's how it has Epic Games to respond to his disagreement with Google and hopes to attract many developers to his new marketplace.
And it will do so the way the world works, with direct economic incentives. Epic wants developers to bring their games to the new Epic Games Store They reap greater benefits than what Android and even Apple currently offer. This means that 88% of Revenue The revenue generated by a game goes to its creator; in other words, Epic only keeps 12%. This figure represents a significantly higher margin than standard distribution from other mobile platforms, which for many independent studies can make the difference between a profitable project and an unfeasible one.
We don't know if this will be enough of a threat for Google to counter the offer, but it could, at least initially, attract the attention of a good number of developers. Furthermore, Epic has made it clear that its goal is for the store to be not just a showcase for its own titles, but a open platform for any developer who wants to publish games or even applications.
What is the Epic Games Store for Android and why does it compete with Google Play?
La Epic Games Store for mobile devices It is a digital distribution platform that can be installed independently of Google Play StoreFrom there you can download Epic games like Fortnite for Android, Rocket league sideswipe, LEGO Fortnite or the renewed Fall Guys for mobile, along with other titles that will be added over time.
One of the key features of this store is that it is designed to become something more than just a catalog of Epic gamesThe company has stated its intention to allow any developer You can launch your games and apps through this ecosystem, both on Android and other compatible platforms. In this way, it positions itself as a real alternative to the official Google and Apple stores, with its own payment system, offers, and free games.
In the Android ecosystem, the situation is especially interesting, since the system allows the installation of files APK from external sources. This opens the door for users to be able to install the Epic Games Store from the browser, without relying on Google Play, something that fits Epic's strategy of avoiding traditional commissions.
The store is also available for other devices and regions, and Epic collaborates with regulators from different countries to be able to offer its store on more systems and markets. In the case of iOS, for example, the rollout is supported by regulatory frameworks that encourage greater competition among app stores, with Epic positioning itself as one of the most visible alternatives.
How to install the Epic Games Store on Android step by step
Install the Epic Games Store on Android It's a relatively simple process, thanks to the open nature of the operating system. Unlike other platforms, Android allows you to install applications from the browser in APK format, provided you grant the necessary permissions.
The general steps To install the store on an Android mobile phone, the following steps apply:
- Access the official Epic Games website from your device, for example by entering epicgames.com or in the abbreviated direction epic.download from your trusted browser.
- Once on the page, locate the button Install which usually appears at the top or in a prominent area of ​​the website.
- Choose the option Install on Android to download the specific installer from the Epic Games Store for this system.
- When your browser displays the pop-up window to download the APK file, accept the download and wait for it to complete. The file is usually small, so the download is quick even on slow internet connections.
- When the download is complete, tap on the file notification or search for it in the File Browser on your mobile device, within the downloads folder, where it will appear as something similar to "EpicGamesApp.apk".
- If it's the first time an APK is being installed from that browser or file manager, the system will display a safety message indicating that installation from unknown sources is restricted. At that point, you will need to go to Settings o Configuration and activate the installation permit for that specific application (for example, the browser or the file manager).
- With permission granted, return to the APK file and tap on InstallAfter a few seconds, the Epic Games app will be installed on the device.
- Finally, all that remains is to look for the icon of the Epic Games Store in the app drawer or on the home screen to open it, log in with an Epic Games account and start downloading games.
Once the store is installed, you will be able to access different sections such as Featured Locations, Free Games, Epic Games, Must-see games o Paid gamesFrom there you can install new titles or reinstall games you have already redeemed in your account, using the cloud icon to start the downloads and the installation button to complete the process.
Competition, available games, and the role of Google Play
It has never been easy to fight Google with an alternative marketplace, no matter how many resources are put into the attempt. This is the case with Amazon and its own Amazon AppStore or the famous alternative store AptoideBoth have their audience and offer content not available on Google, but the pre-installed app on a device holds the upper hand. Android The Mountain View company still has it.
The difference in Epic's case is that it relies on franchises of enormous importance to boost adoption of your store. Titles like Fortnite, Rocket league sideswipe, LEGO Fortnite o Fall Guys For mobile devices, these features act as a hook to get users to install the client. This is in addition to the strategy, already seen in the Epic Games Store for PC, of ​​offering free games on a regular basis and aggressive promotions to expand the user base.
Although Epic Games y Google Even though they're not going through their best moment, Epic hasn't completely ruled out Google as a platform for some of their releases. This is the case with... Battle breakers, an action-adventure RPG that currently has an open pre-registration process at Google PlayIt is true that this is the only project Epic has pending with Google, which demonstrates the extent to which the company is focused on building its own ecosystem.
The Epic Games Store for mobile still has many functions in developmentBut it already allows users to manage their catalog of purchased or redeemed titles, reinstall games, and receive updates. Epic acknowledges that its platform will continue to evolve with more tools for users and developers, from better recommendations to new categories and social options.
We'll see what happens and how far Epic Games is capable of going with its anti-Google crusade. What is clear is that Fortnite It would have most likely broken Google Play records had it launched on that platform. Meanwhile, the existence of the Epic Games Store adds a layer of competence Much needed in a market dominated by a few platforms, it offers developers and players a real alternative on Android that can continue to grow if Epic maintains its favorable revenue policy, its flagship games, and a steady pace of store improvements.
