Epic Games has set the stage for a resurgence of its popular battle royale game ‘Fortnite’ on mobile devices, eyeing a second-half 2025 launch for Japanese gamers. Unlike its previous stint, this time around ‘Fortnite’ is slated for distribution through both the Epic Games Store and the App Store.
Despite an earlier release, ‘Fortnite’ faced an unexpected hiatus from mobile platforms in 2020 after Epic Games implemented a direct payment system to bypass app store fees, prompting its removal from the App Store and Google Play. The battle of the tech titans left ‘Fortnite’ virtually unplayable on smartphones for a period of time.
Earlier in March, Epic Games had hinted at a resumption of ‘Fortire’s mobile version in various regions by late 2024. Now, with the Japanese roadmap laid out, fans can mark their calendars for the game’s anticipated comeback.
The cheering news for mobile gamers and developers alike was bolstered by a tweet from Fortnite’s Japanese account, celebrating the decisive victory paved by the passage of a new legislative measure by the Japanese Diet. This ‘competition promotion law’ specifically targets companies controlling substantial market share of certain software applications on smartphones, enforcing prohibitions and mandatory compliance measures to encourage fair competition.
In tandem with the European Union’s initiation of the Digital Markets Act earlier this year, Epic Games took the opportunity to revive ‘Fortnite’ on mobile platforms in response to the regulatory changes. The Japanese legislative milestone similarly suggests a significant impact on the decision to greenlight ‘Fortnite’ for the domestic mobile market once again.
Important Questions and Answers:
1. Why was ‘Fortnite’ removed from mobile platforms in 2020?
‘Fortnite’ was removed from mobile platforms after Epic Games introduced a direct payment system to avoid the fees imposed by the App Store and Google Play, leading to its removal from these stores.
2. What is the ‘competition promotion law’ passed by the Japanese Diet?
The ‘competition promotion law’ is legislation aimed at companies with substantial market share in specific software applications, enforcing rules to promote fair competition in the marketplace.
3. How does the Japanese legislation affect Epic Games and Fortnite?
The Japanese legislation likely influenced Epic Games’ decision to reintroduce ‘Fortnite’ in Japan, as it may change the competitive landscape and lower barriers for distribution on mobile platforms.
Key Challenges or Controversies:
One of the key controversies surrounding ‘Fortnite’s’ absence from mobile platforms was the debate over app store policies and the fairness of the fees charged by platforms like the App Store and Google Play. The struggle represents broader industry challenges regarding the balance between platform control and developer freedom.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
Advantages:
– Increase in accessibility for gamers who prefer playing on mobile devices.
– Potential for growth in the Japanese mobile gaming market.
– Positive implications for developers seeking more equitable distribution terms.
Disadvantages:
– Possible disputes or renegotiations with app stores may arise.
– The fragmentation of the player experience across different platforms and stores.
– Developers may have to navigate complex new legal and regulatory requirements.
For updates and further information, follow the official Epic Games website or the Japanese Fortnite Twitter account. Relevant links to the main domains are:
– Official Epic Games Website
– Fortnite Japan Twitter
Please note that, as of my knowledge cutoff in March 2023, the actual launch of Fortnite on Japanese smartphones in 2025 is hypothetical and not based on actual announced plans. Always refer to the most current sources for the latest information.