After a two-year hiatus, Fortnite is finally back on iOS devices. However, it’s not exactly the same experience as before. Nvidia’s GeForce Now cloud gaming service has enabled mobile users to play a touch-control version of Fortnite through cloud gaming. This means that players can now register for a closed beta test and join in on the fun without needing a paid account.
The Background: A Brief History
Fortnite was kicked off the App Store back in August 2020 due to its attempt to skirt Apple’s 30% commission on in-app purchases. Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, sued Apple, alleging that the tech giant is a monopoly that violates antitrust laws. The California court ultimately ruled that Apple cannot prohibit developers from adding links for alternative payments outside the App Store.
A Ruling That Favors No One
While this ruling may seem like a win for developers and consumers, it’s actually a mixed bag. Epic Games’ CEO, Tim Sweeney, tweeted that today’s ruling "isn’t a win for developers or for consumers." He believes that the ruling is a setback for fair competition among in-app payment methods and app stores.
The Appeals Process
Neither Apple nor Epic was happy with the original ruling, so both parties appealed it. Apple convinced the appeals court to grant it more time before the injunction goes into effect. This means that Apple didn’t have to make the court-ordered App Store changes dictated by the original ruling.
A Glimmer of Hope?
While Epic Games’ CEO Tim Sweeney has been a vocal dissident of Apple, it’s unclear if we’ll ever see a Fortnite iOS app again, even if the two entities come to an agreement. The future of Fortnite on iOS remains uncertain.
Key Players:
- Nvidia: Provides cloud gaming services through GeForce Now
- Epic Games: Developer of Fortnite and accused by Apple of violating antitrust laws
- Apple: Accused by Epic Games of being a monopoly that violates antitrust laws
The Cloud Gaming Solution
Fortnite’s return to iOS is possible thanks to Nvidia’s GeForce Now cloud gaming service. This service allows players to stream games from their PC or console to their mobile device, eliminating the need for native apps on the device itself.
Cloud Gaming Benefits:
- Eliminates the need for native apps
- Allows for cross-platform play
- Enables instant access to a vast library of games
The Future of Fortnite on iOS
While this development is exciting, it’s unclear what the future holds for Fortnite on iOS. Will we see a return to the App Store? Only time will tell.
Potential Outcomes:
- Return to the App Store
- Continued use of cloud gaming services
- Alternative payment methods implemented within the game
Conclusion
Fortnite’s return to iOS is a complex and intriguing development. While it’s not exactly the same experience as before, it’s a step in the right direction for fans of the game who want to play on their mobile devices. Only time will tell what the future holds for Fortnite on iOS.
Related Topics:
- Cloud gaming
- Epic Games
- Fortnite
- Apple
- Antitrust laws
Sources:
