The Fortnite app has also arrived on the Google Play Store and can be downloaded right now. How to download and what changes for users
A bolt out of the blue: Fortnite is available for download on the Google Play Store. The news directly from Epic Games, the software house that created Fortnite: after 18 months of stay on the Epic Games Store, Fortnite arrives on the official Google store. A decision quite suffered that of Epic Games, but in the end had to yield, despite the total opposition to release Fortnite on the Play Store.
To understand the story, we must take a step back, 18 months ago when Epic Games released the Fortnite application for Android smartphones. At that time, the company decided not to publish the game on the Play Store, but only on its own store: users downloaded the APK of the game and installed it on the smartphone. This decision was taken after the lack of agreement between Google and Epic Games on the division of revenues generated by in-app purchases on Fortnite: the Mountain View company, in fact, asked 30% of revenues generated by the app, a rule common to all developers. A percentage deemed excessive by Epic Games that decided to do everything at home, leaving Google empty-handed.
Why after 18 months the software house is back on its feet? Very simple, the too many pop-up messages that appeared on players' Android smartphones, warning them of the dangers of downloading apps outside the official store. This practice was deemed unfair by Epic Games, which, however, was forced to release Fortnite on the Google Play Store.
Fortnite available on the Google Play Store, the opposition of Epic Games
Releasing an app on the Google Play Store is the dream of every developer, but this does not seem to be the case for Epic Games. The U.S. software house, in fact, was not very happy to release Fortnite on the Google Play Store: from now on, for all purchases made by users through the app downloaded from the official Google store, 30% of revenues will end up in the pockets of Big G. This is the "tax" applied to all developers to be able to publish their applications on the Google Play Store. Epic Games also tried to negotiate for a discount that would favor developers, but Google was adamant and did not want to play favorites: the rules are the same for everyone.
Why did Epic Games release Fornite on the Google Play Store after 18 months since the arrival of the app on Android smartphones? The company explained it in a press release, also using rather harsh tones. According to Epic Games, Google puts all apps not on its official store at a disadvantage, showing threatening pop-ups warning users that viruses might be present. This also happens to those who download Fortnite from the Epic Games App Store.
To avoid problems, Epic Games has decided to release Fortnite on the Google Play Store and close, at least for the time being, the issue with Big G.
Fortnite on the Google Play Store, what changes for users
Usersersers who play Fortnite on Android smartphones and have downloaded the app from the Epic Games store don't have to worry: absolutely nothing will change. The game will continue to be supported and updates will be constant.
How to download Fortnite from the Google Play Store
To download Fortnite from the Google Play Store, simply access the store via your smartphone's app and search for "Fortnite". After downloading it, you'll have to wait for the installation. Only then will you be able to start playing.