Epic Games is once again making waves in the mobile gaming industry, as they reinstate their mobile catalogue on iOS via the AltStore while simultaneously removing their games from the Samsung Galaxy Store. The company's move comes amidst their ongoing battles with Apple and Google over app store policies.
In a surprising turn of events, Epic Games has announced a series of major changes regarding the distribution of their mobile games. The company has reinstated its mobile catalogue on iOS through the AltStore, while also removing its games from the Samsung Galaxy Store.
The move to bring Epic Games' mobile catalogue to the AltStore is significant as it represents the company's return to the iOS platform after being removed from the App Store in August 2020 due to violating Apple's guidelines. The AltStore is an alternative app store that allows users to install apps on their iOS devices without going through the official App Store.
Epic Games Reinstates Mobile Catalogue on iOS, Removes Games from Samsung Store
However, Epic Games' return to the iOS platform is limited to the EU region for now, as the company continues to fight legal battles with Apple in the United States. Epic claims that Apple's policies are anti-competitive and restrict consumer choice.
The removal of Epic Games' games from the Samsung Galaxy Store is also a significant move, as Samsung is one of the largest Android smartphone manufacturers in the world. Epic has stated that the decision to remove their games from the Galaxy Store is a protest against Samsung's policy against side-loading apps on their devices.
Samsung's policy prohibits users from installing apps from sources other than the official Galaxy Store. This policy has been criticized by developers and consumers alike, as it limits the availability of apps and gives Samsung control over the distribution of apps on its devices.
Epic Games' latest moves come as part of a broader effort to challenge the dominance of Apple and Google in the app store market. The company has filed lawsuits against both companies, alleging that their policies are anti-competitive and stifle innovation.
In addition to its legal challenges, Epic Games is also working to build its own app store ecosystem. The company announced its plans to launch an app store on iOS in the EU "soon," with a 12% fee for payments processed through the store and no fees for third-party payments.
Epic Games also plans to announce support for at least two more third-party app stores in the near future, most likely in the EU as well. The move to end distribution partnerships with other app stores is a significant one, as it shows that Epic Games is committed to providing consumers with a wider range of options for downloading and installing apps.
Whether Epic Games' latest moves will pay off remains to be seen. However, the company's willingness to challenge the status quo and fight for consumer choice is a welcome development in the mobile gaming industry.
