Good news for video game lovers. We have learned that the Epic Games Store, Epic Games' digital store, will arrive on Android and iOS before the end of 2024. Just as you read it, Epic Games would be one step away from becoming a multiplatform focused on video games.
What is the Epic Games Store?
Epic Games Store is a digital video game store developed by Epic Games, the company responsible for the hit game Fortnite. Since it was launched in 2018 for PC, the platform has offered developers a higher revenue share of 88% compared to other digital storefronts.
Throughout its existence, the Epic Games Store has sought to compete with Steam, the leading digital store on PC. All this time, Epic Games has focused on offering periodic free games, adjusted regional prices and temporary exclusives for important releases. Despite its growth, the platform has been criticized for lacking some features such as user reviews, achievements, and mod support.
Epic Games aims for cross-platform success
But, Epic Games has ambitious plans to expand its reach beyond desktops and laptops. In a recent announcement during the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2024, the company revealed that it is working on bring Epic Games Store to Android and iOS mobile devices before the end of the year.
With this move, Epic Games Store would become the first multi-platform digital store focused on games, with a presence on Android, iOS, PC and Mac. The expansion to mobile will include all existing functions and programs. Namely, 88% revenue share, regular free games, and integration with Epic accounts. In addition to Fortnite for iOS, the Epic Games Store on mobile will also offer content from third-party partner developers, although specific names have not yet been revealed.
Challenging the dominant stores
Epic Games is ready to challenge Apple and Google's app store dominance in the mobile market. The company has been involved in legal battles against these tech giants, alleging monopolistic practices and unfair restrictions on developers.
During the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2024, Steve Allison, General Manager of Epic Games, criticized Apple and Google, stating that Epic had "fought the good fight" on behalf of the developers. Although Apple was forced to open its ecosystem by European Union legislation, the company's new rules are still restrictive, creating disagreements with Epic Games.
Today, Epic Games has a base of more than 270 million user accounts on PC and a peak of 75 million monthly active users. Now, Epic Games Store seeks to replicate its success in the mobile field by becoming a multiplatform focused on video games.
While the exact release date has not yet been revealed, the Epic Games Store is expected to be available on Android and iOS devices before the end of 2024.