Fortnite Mobile eyes a return to iOS in Europe with Epic Games' store launch, amidst regulatory changes and after Apple's App Store removal in UK.
Launched in 2017, Fortnite has transcended its roots to become an international gaming phenomenon.
In a remarkable testament to its appeal, Epic Games announced that Fortnite hit a new zenith of 44.7 million players online concurrently on the day Season OG debuted
*Towering over their past high marked by Travis Scott's virtual concert, which drew 12.3 million attendees.
Based on the statistics revealed, it is anticipated that Fortnite will surpass 800 million registered users in 2024.
Despite its unwavering dominance in the gaming world and a track record of breaking new ground, Fortnite's journey on mobile platforms has been tumultuous -- its removal from prominent app marketplaces such as Apple's App Store and Google Play.
This article delves into the ongoing saga of Fortnite Mobile, examining its status quo, contemplating its potential resurgence on iOS devices in Europe, and forecasting trends that may shape its trajectory moving forward.
As of now, players cannot find Fortnite on either the iOS or Android official app stores due to ongoing legal disputes between Epic Games and Apple that led to the removal of Fortnite from these platforms in 2020.
On iOS devices specifically, this resulted in an outdated version stuck at Chapter 2, Season 3 without any new updates since August 2020.
>>> Related Reading: Fortnite Set for iOS Comeback in Europe via Epic Games Store
A pivotal development occurred with @EpicNewsroom announcing that Fortnite will be making its way back onto European iOS devices in 2024.
This resurgence aligns with regulatory changes under the EU's Digital Markets Act allowing third-party app stores greater freedom within Apple's ecosystem.
Epic Games intends to leverage this opportunity by launching its own mobile game store on iOS, with Fortnite being one of the flagship offerings.
This move represents a significant comeback for the game on Apple devices after being removed due to disputes over payment methods and app distribution policies.
As Fortnite prepares for its return to iOS devices through side-loading and third-party app stores in Europe, it faces a unique set of challenges. The landscape has evolved significantly during its absence from major app marketplaces.
Fortnite's anticipated re-entry into Europe via iOS in 2024 could potentially reignite interest among players who previously enjoyed the game on Apple devices.
However, as four years have passed (Since the removal from App Store and Google Play Store), Fortnite players have likely turned into other Battle Royale Games.
Rivals like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile have established strong footholds, raising questions about how effectively Fortnite can re-establish itself after four years.
* Data from Foxdata.com
>>> Research Review: How Fortnite Carved Out a Market Share and Surpassed PUBG in the Battle Royale Genre?
* Data from Foxdata.com
Before "Fortnite" was removed from the app stores, it and "Call of Duty: Mobile" were two top survival shooter games that were often compared, with their graphics, gameplay, and visual effects being outstanding in the market at the time.
With the anticipated changes allowing for alternative methods such as side-loading on iOS, traditional App Store Optimization (ASO) strategies will need adaptation:
Fortnite's visibility may initially diminish due to the lack of presence on official app stores.
However, Epic Games can leverage their brand strength and community engagement to direct traffic towards their own storefront or other authorized platforms where users can sideload the game.
User acquisition will heavily rely on external marketing efforts since standard discovery via Apple's App Store won't be applicable.
Epic Games must employ targeted advertising campaigns, social media outreach, and collaborations to guide potential players toward their distribution channels.
Retention efforts become crucial when updates cannot be pushed directly through an official store.
Engaging content rollouts and communication regarding new features or patches should be disseminated across all available touchpoints—including social media, email newsletters, and within the game itself—to keep players informed.
Brand keywords remain vital even outside traditional search mechanisms within app stores. A focus on SEO for web pages where Fortnite is available for download becomes paramount—ensuring that searches related to "Fortnite" lead users correctly.
Generic keyword optimization shifts towards online content creation—such as articles, blog posts, videos—and partner sites promoting Fortnite downloads.
Emphasizing terms associated with mobile gaming experiences could attract broader audiences searching for entertainment options beyond specific titles.
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Apple's compliance with EU regulations is expected to encourage competition among app stores, leading to greater choice for consumers and possibly better terms for developers.
With Fortnite already exemplifying cross-platform playability excellence, its return to iOS will further emphasize seamless gaming experiences across different devices—a trend that is likely to gain momentum in coming years.
Given Fortnite's hiatus from certain platforms, strategies focused on retaining returning users will be crucial. Expect innovative events, collaborations, and content updates designed to retain player interest long-term.
>>> Customized Mobile Game Marketing Solutions
The growth of the esports scene in Fortnite and other mobile games will bring new tournaments, streaming platforms, and an increase in sponsorship opportunities.
>>> Global eSports Market Report
Developers are expected to explore new monetization models such as in-game advertising and brand partnerships. This allows players to enjoy the game for free and allows developers to earn money by partnering with various companies.
Fortnite stands at a pivotal juncture as it prepares for its European comeback on iOS devices. This event marks not just a win for Epic Games in reclaiming lost territory but also signifies broader industry transformations influenced by evolving legislative frameworks.
As the effective date of the DMA approaches, all eyes will be on how this strategic maneuver unfolds and shapes the future landscape of mobile gaming.
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