Fortnite returns to the Apple App Store

 

The video game Fortnite is back in the United States on Apple's App Store, an AFP correspondent reported Tuesday, minutes after developer Epic Games announced the resumption.

Launched in 2017 and an instant success, Fortnite was removed from its online store in 2020, accusing Epic Games of violating its rules by offering in-app payments without going through Apple's system.

Epic Games also noted via its X platform that the game, which allows one player to win by eliminating all other players, has also returned to Europe on Apple's iOS operating system.

Fortnite was blocked in Europe on May 16.

Apple told AFP at the time that it was not behind the game's removal from alternative app stores and urged Epic Games to reapply to install the game.

Apple did not immediately respond to questions from AFP on Tuesday.

The game publisher has been locked in a fierce battle with tech giants since 2020 over the commissions they charge for software downloaded through official stores on operating systems such as Apple's iOS and Google's Android—traditionally the only way for most users to install software on their devices.

The company has filed lawsuits against both giants and developed its own app store that allows users to install games without requiring Apple and Google's systems, which charge commissions that Epic says are excessive.

Earlier this month, a US federal judge ruled that Apple had failed to comply with a court order in the Epic case requiring the iPhone maker to allow users other means to purchase content or services.

An Apple spokesperson told AFP at the time that the company strongly disagreed with the judge's ruling and intended to appeal to a higher court, but would comply.