Fortnite's Epic Comeback: A Game-Changing Victory Over Apple's Monopoly

Fortnite has made a triumphant return to the US Apple App Store after being banned for nearly five years. The game was removed in August 2020 due to a controversial in-app payment system introduced by its developer, Epic Games, which bypassed Apple’s hefty 30% commission on transactions. This bold move by Epic sparked a legal battle accusing Apple of monopolistic practices and unfair fees.

In a recent announcement on X, Fortnite confirmed its availability not just on the Apple platform but also through the Epic Games Store and AltStore in the European Union. The game reassured players that it would soon appear in search results, marking an important milestone for its creators. Although Apple has consistently maintained that its rules are designed to protect users’ security, the lifting of the ban is perceived as a significant win for Epic.

Joost van Dreunen, a professor at NYU Stern, noted that this development marks a crucial shift in the gaming industry, granting creators and publishers greater leverage against oppressive distribution models. The ongoing struggle with Apple highlights an industry that has long been hesitant to confront platform gatekeeping tactics.

Interestingly, Fortnite faced another setback just a week ago when its latest update was reportedly blocked by Apple, resulting in its temporary unavailability from app stores worldwide. However, it returned to the EU app store last January, aided by legislation fostering increased competition within the tech sphere. Google had also banned Fortnite in 2020 but lifted its restrictions last year. With about 400 million registered players, Fortnite remains a global sensation, primarily due to its battle royale mode where up to 100 players compete until one remains.