Fortnite Returns to iOS After Five Years

Fortnite was absent from the iOS App Store for nearly five years before making its return to the US market last month. The game was removed by Apple in 2020 after Epic Games implemented an in-app payment system that violated the App Store’s rules at that time. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney anticipated that this decision would lead to the game’s removal, but he initially expected a quicker resolution.

“I had actually hoped that we would get an injunction against Apple blocking Fortnite and that we’d only be off for a few weeks,” Sweeney stated in an interview with The Verge. “But the court process dragged out, and we were off for five years.” This lengthy absence has now come to an end, and the game is back on the platform.

Since its return to iOS, Fortnite has experienced considerable success. As of the latest reports, it is currently the top free game in the App Store. The game has achieved approximately 10 million downloads on iOS since its comeback on May 20th.

In discussions about the game’s resurgence, Sweeney and Saxs Persson, Executive Vice President of the Fortnite ecosystem at Epic, refrained from disclosing specific figures regarding the net increase in players following the game’s return to iOS. However, they noted that Epic typically observes two distinct types of players engaging with the title. The first group consists of individuals who prefer to play on the most advanced devices available to them, such as gaming consoles at home and smartphones while on the move. The second group includes players who may have been waiting for the game to return to iOS.

As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, the return of Fortnite to iOS marks a significant moment for both Epic Games and its player community. The game’s ability to attract millions of downloads shortly after its return highlights the enduring popularity of the title and the anticipation surrounding its comeback.

For more information on the implications of Fortnite‘s return and its impact on the gaming industry, visit Read the full story at The Verge..