iOS users want their Fortnite fix.
It’s been about a year and a half since Fortnite was removed from the App Store, and gamers are still wondering when it will make its return. Well, gamers will have to keep wondering because it looks like it isn’t coming back anytime soon. There has been no official word on when it will be back on the App Store. In the meantime, players have had to find other ways to get their Fortnite fix. Any progress on your Fortnite account will carry over any other device that allows it. So it was no fear of losing progress, just losing one’s means to play a game.
Let’s talk more in-depth about this subject and how it all started.
Why Was Fortnite Removed From The App Store?
Fortnite was removed from the App Store in August 2020. This was because Fortnite’s developer, Epic Games, had violated App Store guidelines. These guidelines state that all in-app purchases must go through Apple’s in-app purchase system. This system takes a 30% cut of all transactions made through it.
Epic Games decided to bypass this system by adding its direct payment option to Fortnite. This allowed players to make purchases directly from Epic Games without going through Apple’s in-app purchase system. This move could mean more money for Epic Games and be considered cheaper for gamers. Apple responded to this by removing Fortnite from the App Store.
Then you got the mess of Epic Games suing Apple and all of that drama.
What About Android’s Play Store?
Sadly, Fortnite isn’t any longer on the Play Store either. For the same reasons why it isn’t on the App Store. This happened around the same time as well. Google requires developers to use Google Play as billing and payment. Much like Apple, the Play Store also takes a 30% revenue cut.
However, there is a workaround or alternative. Players with a Fortnite account can still play Fortnite on their android devices. Now players will have to download the game from the Epic Games website and use the Epic Games App to install the game. Everything will carry over. The skins and cosmetics you bought from the Fortnite Item Shop will still be there, so you need to worry.
So not all is lost for Android users. You still have the game in all its glory.
How Can I Play Fortnite If It’s Not On The App Store?
Well lucky for you, Fortnite is basically on every powerful console, Android, and PC. So you can pick whatever suits you the most. If you only have an Apple device for some reason, you are basically out of luck and won’t be able to play an updated version of Fortnite ever again.
It might be a small way to cut corners and get Fortnite back on iOS through cloud gaming.
Play Fortnite On iOS Using GeForce Now
GeForce Now is a cloud-based streaming gaming service that allows you to play games on most browsers, phones, and PC. All you need is a good internet connection.
GeForce Now is not on the App Store, so players will have to play through the Safari browser. It is also worth noting that Fortnite on Safari is the PC version with touch controls. At the moment, it is currently in closed beta. But you can get on the waiting list for free.
Players will need to follow these quick, easy steps:
- Login or create an Nvidia account
- Join the waitlist.
- Become a Geforce Now member
That’s all there is to it. You will be put on the waiting list. Best to do it soon because there is limited space available. If you don’t make it in, I’m sure it will release sometime this year. So iOS users will be able to play Fortnite again, just not from the App Store. Likely with all of their items in their Fortnite accounts still intact.
One massive drawback of Geforce Now is that it only allows you to play for a limited time. If you are using a free membership, you will only be able to have a one-hour gaming session. Becoming a Priority member and paying $10 a month will let you game up to six hours. This also comes with better graphics and frame rates. The third option costs more and increases playtime to 8 hours a session.
Will Fortnite Ever Be Available On The App Store Again?
Only time will tell now. Epic Games and Apple are still not on the best of terms. If they come to some agreement, it is a possibility that it will come back for players to download on iOS devices again.
Conclusion
In short, there is no time frame on when Fortnite will be back on the App Store, whenever Epic Games and Apple come to some agreement or squash their beef. Until then, Android players can use the Epic Games App to download and play Fortnite, so that’s good. However, Apple users will have to settle with hoping to get in the Geforce Now closed beta. At the moment, this is Apple users’ only option.
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