Despite successfully reinstating Fortnite on iOS in the US via the App Store and within the European Union through the Epic Games Store, Epic Games` attempts to achieve a similar outcome in the United Kingdom have been met with a significant regulatory roadblock.
Epic recently released a blog post expressing considerable disappointment with the UK`s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The frustration stems from the CMA`s latest strategic outline, which notably omits any concrete plans to open up the mobile ecosystem to competing app marketplaces, such as the Epic Games Store itself. Epic highlighted this by stating, “Four years after concluding that the App Store and Google Play Store are parallel monopolies the CMA has done nothing to allow competing stores.”
The game developer further indicated that the CMA has “deprioritized store competition entirely,” pushing its consideration back to 2026. Epic contrasted this approach with the European Union`s Digital Markets Act, which has served as a catalyst for the emergence of several alternative app stores across Europe, including AltStore, Aptoide, and Epic`s own platform.
Epic also criticized the CMA`s “vague announcement” concerning developers` freedom to direct customers to external payment services. The company warned that without clear measures preventing Apple and Google from imposing fees or discriminating against apps utilizing alternative payment methods, there will likely be “years of malicious compliance,” echoing Apple`s controversial implementation of the Digital Markets Act in Europe.
Drawing parallels to its ongoing legal battles, Epic emphasized that a recent US court order against Apple has established a crucial precedent. This ruling, according to Epic, effectively bans all fees and undue restrictions on applications that guide users towards external payment solutions.
In conclusion, Epic described the current regulatory landscape in the United Kingdom as “bleak news,” starkly contrasting with the more robust pro-competition actions observed in other regions. The company, however, affirmed its commitment to continue advocating for stronger antitrust legislation targeting Apple and Google within the UK. Furthermore, Epic announced that the Epic Games Store is scheduled to launch in Brazil and Japan later this year, building on its recent global successes.