Popular game Fortnite is returning to iPhone after a four-year hiatus — but only in Europe — to coincide with the start of a major Marvel-themed season.
Epic Games announced on Friday that Fortnite, Rocket League and Fall Guys are now available on iPhone in the EU and on Android phones worldwide through the Epic Games Store. The company said it was able to launch its own app store thanks to EU digital markets legislation, and explained in a blog post how to install them on your device.
The move is significant not only because it makes the Epic Games Store a viable alternative to Apple's app store, but also because it brings the game back to devices four years after it was pulled in a dispute over payments that ultimately led to a complicated decision between Apple and Epic in court.
And the timing is ideal for Epic, which launched a big new Marvel-themed season of Fortnite called “Absolute Doom!” on Friday.
“Wielding the ancient power of Pandora's Box, Marvel's armored tyrant Doctor Doom has transplanted his Latvian territory onto Battle Royale island, where he has established a foothold with his army of loyal minions,” Fortnite said in its logline. “Once his enhanced armor is complete, he will have complete control. Doctor Doom and his minions must be defeated! Whatever it takes.”
The game includes playable versions of Marvel's greatest heroes and villains, including Captain America, War Machine, a banana man variant of Wolverine (“Peelverin”), Mysterio, and even Doctor Doom himself.
Fortnite's Marvel Season comes as Epic expands its partnership with Disney, with the entertainment giant investing $1.5 billion in Epic and plans to build a new playable world tied to Fortnite.
At the D23 Summit in Anaheim last weekend, Disney executives revealed that Maleficent, Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, The Incredibles, and characters from the Star Wars universe will be joining Fortnite in the coming weeks and months.
“Walt's original vision was to take his stories to as many places as possible,” said Josh D'Amaro, chairman of Disney Experience. “For the past 100 years, Disney has been a pioneer in many areas – film, television, theme parks, books, games and more. This new world we're creating with Epic Games is the next step in reaching new fans and connecting with them where they are.”
