Epic Games is gearing up to expand its digital storefront, the Epic Games Store (EGS), to mobile platforms by the end of 2024.
This ambitious move will introduce EGS to both iOS and Android users, aiming to create a game-focused, multi-platform marketplace that transcends traditional boundaries. Anchored by players’ Epic accounts, the mobile version of EGS promises to offer the same favorable 88/12 revenue share to developers, a stark contrast to the more conventional 30% fee charged by existing app stores.
Epic Games Store’s general manager, Steve Allison, emphasized the company’s ongoing efforts to challenge the “gatekeepers” of mobile platforms, referring to the likes of Apple and Google.
This announcement comes amid Epic’s legal battles and public disputes with these tech giants over app store policies and revenue sharing. Despite these challenges, Epic is committed to providing a fairer, more open distribution channel that aligns with the modern needs of developers and businesses.
The mobile launch will include a range of third-party games alongside Epic’s flagship title, Fortnite, and introduce new self-publishing tools designed to simplify the process for mobile developers. This initiative not only promises to enrich the gaming ecosystem on mobile devices but also positions EGS as the first game-focused store available across Android, iOS, PC, and Mac.
Epic’s move is a direct response to the evolving dynamics of the digital marketplace and regulatory pressures, such as the EU’s Digital Markets Act, aimed at fostering competition. By offering a competitive alternative to established app stores, Epic Games Store seeks to empower developers with more control over their revenue and provide gamers with a broader selection of content.
As the gaming community awaits further details on the EGS mobile launch, this expansion signifies a significant step towards a more inclusive and interconnected digital gaming landscape.