Epic Games aims to attract new developers by covering Apple’s costs
Following a recent development, Epic Games is set to expand its third-party app store in the European Union with the addition of 19 new games, contingent on addressing some existing issues. Furthermore, Epic has pledged to assume the Core Technology Fee associated with apps on its platform.
In response to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act requiring Apple to permit alternative app stores, Epic Games swiftly took advantage of this opportunity. The store was initially launched alongside Fortnite and a limited number of other titles in August 2024.
As reported by The Verge, Epic is actively enhancing its alternative app store’s appeal with an array of new third-party titles and financial incentives aimed at developers. This strategic move comes after falling short of a target set for reaching 100 million users on their alternative platform, amassing only 29 million users instead.
Among the newly introduced games are Bloons TD 6 and Dungeon of the Endless: Apogee. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney emphasized their vision for facilitating cross-platform purchases through a unified shopping experience across different platforms.
“Our goal transcends merely launching different stores across various regions,” said Sweeney at a press conference. “We strive to create an all-encompassing cross-platform marketplace where players can purchase games or digital items once and access them universally.” They aim for weekly game releases in due time but will commence with monthly offerings as they ramp up efforts.
To entice developers further, Epic has unveiled plans to cover the Core Technology Fee for one year. Under current requirements from Apple, any developer exceeding one million installations must remit €0.50 per install past that milestone.
Epic intends to relieve participating developers within their free game initiative on iOS or iPadOS devices from this fee regardless of which app store users opt for when downloading applications or games.
Challenges regarding user adoption have been attributed partially to “scare screens,” which appear when individuals try installing alternative stores. While Fortnite’s popularity contributed substantially towards attaining 29 million initial users, accessibility remains easier across various other platforms without confronting similar hurdles.
As an American gaming company seeking direct sales of mobile games globally, we appreciate what the EU’s Digital Markets Act stands for!
Ironically enough: This is where American companies get space against Apple’s App Store; back home in America? We face considerable roadblocks imposed by them. — Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) January 23, 2025
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