Epic Games Store Launches on Android: What You Need to Know

On August 13, 2020, Epic Games announced that their popular Epic Games Store would be expanding to Android devices. This move represents a significant development for mobile gaming as the Epic Games Store has become a major player in the PC gaming market. As the news of the expansion broke, many gamers were eager to learn more about what the Epic Games Store on Android has to offer and how it will impact the mobile gaming landscape.

What is the Epic Games Store?

The Epic Games Store is a digital distribution platform for video games and software that was launched by Epic Games in December 2018. It quickly gained attention due to its developer-friendly revenue share model, which offers a larger percentage of the sales to game developers compared to other platforms like Steam. The store also features exclusive game releases and free game giveaways, making it an attractive option for both developers and gamers.

The Expansion to Android

With the popularity of mobile gaming on the rise, it was only a matter of time before the Epic Games Store made its way to Android devices. The move will allow Android users to access the same library of games, exclusive deals, and free game offers that PC gamers have enjoyed. This expansion will also put the Epic Games Store in direct competition with other established mobile gaming platforms such as the Google Play Store and Samsung Galaxy Store.

Fortnite and Beyond

One of the most significant impacts of the Epic Games Store's arrival on Android is the potential for the popular game Fortnite to be offered directly through the platform. Currently, Fortnite for Android is not available through the Google Play Store and must be downloaded directly from the Epic Games website. By bringing the Epic Games Store to Android, Fortnite players may have an alternative way to access the game and its content, potentially allowing Epic Games to bypass the Google Play Store's 30% revenue share.

How to Access the Epic Games Store on Android

To access the Epic Games Store on Android, users will need to download the Epic Games app from the official website or through a trusted app store. Once installed, users can browse and purchase games from the Epic Games Store directly on their Android devices. Additionally, players who already have an Epic Games account from the PC or console platform will be able to use the same account on Android, making it easy to access their existing game library and purchases.

The Impact on Mobile Gaming

The arrival of the Epic Games Store on Android is expected to shake up the mobile gaming industry. With its developer-friendly revenue share model and exclusive game releases, the platform has the potential to attract both indie and AAA game developers, offering them a new outlet to reach a wider audience. Additionally, the competition it brings to established mobile game stores like Google Play and Samsung Galaxy Store may lead to changes in their revenue models and policies to stay competitive.

Potential Challenges and Concerns

While the expansion of the Epic Games Store to Android is exciting for many gamers and developers, there are potential challenges and concerns that come with it. One major concern is the possibility of the platform fragmenting the Android gaming market, as users may have to split their game library and purchases between different storefronts. Additionally, the potential impact on the existing revenue share models and policies of other mobile game stores could lead to greater competition and potential conflicts in the industry.

Conclusion

The arrival of the Epic Games Store on Android represents a major milestone in the world of mobile gaming. With its developer-friendly revenue share model, exclusive game releases, and the potential for Fortnite to be offered directly through the platform, the Epic Games Store is set to make a significant impact on the mobile gaming landscape. As the platform continues to expand its reach, it will be interesting to see how it shapes the future of mobile gaming and how other players in the industry respond to the new competition.