After its legal dispute with Apple four years ago, Epic Games might soon return to mobile devices as the game publisher receives support from other tech giants.
With Meta, X (formerly Twitter), and Microsoft backing its fight on the mobile gaming scene, the Fortnite maker is expected to create a new age for mobile gamers.
We’re coming to iOS and Android!
— Epic Games Store (@EpicGames) March 20, 2024
Same fair terms, available to all developers, on a true multi-platform store – with amazing games for everyone. pic.twitter.com/TUKlF8PI8A
New Competition on Google Play Store, Apple App Store Dominance
The most notable impact Epic Games might bring into the mobile games industry is its capability to challenge the long dominance of Google and Apple for gaming apps.
The two platforms, for the lack of better terms, "monopolized" people's access to games, allowing the tech giants near-free rein on the platform charges they impose to customers and developers using their game stores for monetary transactions.
This means Google and Apple can increase the prices of their service without much worry as people would still remain on their platforms just because there is not much choice available.
In the same sense, they can block certain apps on their online stores, making it more difficult for users to get apps without risking getting it from suspicious websites.
With Epic Games potentially partnering with other platforms to host exclusive games, people will soon have another avenue to download apps and games free from restrictions on the Play Store and App Store.
More Free Games on Mobile
Epic Games made its name in the computer games industry, competing with Steam, by offering free games for a limited time.
With its arrival on mobile platforms, this practice may soon be experienced by more people as they may soon be able to own previously paywalled apps for free.
Big discounts could become more common, especially Epic Games' exclusive titles. At least, much lower than the seasonal sales offered on Play Store and App Store.
Unreal Engine Potentially to Arrive on Mobile Games
Of course, an Epic Games platform is not complete without it offering people high-quality renders from Unreal Engine.
With dedicated gaming phones continuously improving to keep up with modern computers, it allows Epic Games to bring more games to players that are made outside of Unity and RPG Maker.
Maybe someday soon, players will be able to enjoy games like Mass Effect, Batman Arkham series, and Ark on mobile devices.
This is already proven true with the release of a mobile remaster for Square Enix's Life is Strange. It is not far off that similar feats will become more common in the near future.
