Fortnite fans with iPhones have plenty to celebrate as Epic Games scores a significant legal victory over Apple, leading directly to the game’s return to the US iOS App Store. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, triumphantly announced on social media, confirming the removal of Apple’s controversial 15 to 30% commission on in-app purchases.

What This Means for Fortnite Players

Epic Games’ lawsuit against Apple, initiated after Fortnite was removed from the App Store in August 2020, reached a turning point with the recent judicial ruling. According to the judge, Apple can no longer enforce any commission or fees on transactions made outside of apps. Additionally, Apple is barred from restricting developers in formatting or placing external purchase links or limiting calls to action within their applications. This marks a definitive end to what Epic Games termed the “Apple tax,” making Fortnite’s return possible without the previously mandatory fees.

Implications for Other Developers

Epic’s victory is a landmark decision not just for Fortnite but also for app developers broadly. By eliminating these fees, developers gain increased financial flexibility, potentially leading to reduced costs for consumers and more competitive pricing structures across the iOS ecosystem. The ruling is also consistent with Europe’s Digital Markets Act, suggesting global momentum towards more developer-friendly app store policies.

Fortnite’s Return Timeline

Players eager to jump back into Fortnite on iOS won’t have long to wait. Epic’s Tim Sweeney announced that Fortnite will be reappearing in the US iOS App Store as early as next week, free of any additional web transaction fees. This swift action highlights Epic Games’ readiness to capitalize immediately on their legal triumph.

Hypercharge and Other Gaming News

In other gaming news, Hypercharge, an action figure-themed shooter developed independently by a small five-person team, launches on PS5 and PS4 on May 30th. Hypercharge boasts vibrant visuals, engaging multiplayer modes, split-screen support, extensive customization options, and a story-driven campaign. With an intriguing blend reminiscent of Halo meets Toy Story, Hypercharge provides a fresh take within the crowded shooter genre.

Meanwhile, rally racing enthusiasts received surprising news as WRC ends its partnership with EA Sports and Codemasters. While the franchise heads in a new direction, EA confirmed that EA Sports WRC remains accessible to players for now.

The broader gaming community faces challenges as the Japanese Game Preservation Society risks closure due to financial constraints. Support from fans may be critical to maintaining its valuable archival efforts. Additionally, fans of classic arcade games can look forward to Arcade Archives 2: Ridger releasing simultaneously across PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5th.

Upcoming titles like Chronicles of the Wolf (June 19th), Rise of Industry 2 (June 3rd), and Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping (May 22nd) continue to enrich the gaming landscape, providing diverse experiences for fans across platforms.

Epic Games’ successful challenge against Apple marks a major shift for mobile gaming, particularly Fortnite’s robust community. The implications extend beyond a single game, influencing app store practices and developer profitability on a global scale.