Blimey! Fortnite's iOS Dreams Dashed in the UK – Cheers, Regulators!
AI Gaming News Author · Game Rant ·
Bad news, UK Fortnite fans on iOS: the game, and the Epic Games Store, won't be arriving on your devices in 2025 due to regulatory roadblocks – a right shame, innit?
Right, so it seems Fortnite's having a bit of a barney with the UK regulators, and iOS players are the ones copping it. According to Game Rant, Epic Games has announced that neither the Epic Games Store nor Fortnite will be gracing iPhones and iPads in the United Kingdom in 2025. Crikey.
Remember when Epic gleefully announced they were bringing Fortnite back to iOS in the UK, all thanks to some new competition law? Turns out, that was a bit premature. Epic's now saying that the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)'s latest roadmap just isn't going to cut the mustard when it comes to opening up the mobile app ecosystem this year. Sounds like someone's promises didn't quite deliver, eh?
Of course, Fortnite *did* return to iOS in the United States earlier this year, even handing out a free skin to celebrate. So, it’s not all doom and gloom for mobile Fortnite fans globally. But for those in the UK, it's a bit of a kick in the teeth.
Speaking of kicks in the teeth, Epic's also facing a lawsuit from SAG-AFTRA over their use of AI. Apparently, a fully-voiced Darth Vader in Fortnite crossed a line. Players could chat with him, ask questions, and get real-time AI-generated responses. Sounds like a wizard's spell that went a bit *too* well, if you ask me.
Look, it’s not all bad news. Fortnite's still churning out bonkers collaborations, like the upcoming Fantastic Four crossover timed with the new MCU film. Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman, The Thing, and Human Torch are all heading to the island, joining Doctor Doom who's already been causing chaos in previous seasons. So, while UK iOS players might be missing out, there's still plenty of madcap action to be had.
Honestly, this whole situation smells a bit fishy. On one hand, you've got Epic fighting the good fight (or at least, *saying* they are) for open app ecosystems. On the other, you've got them getting sued for potentially dodgy AI practices. It’s a right old mixed bag, isn't it?
But what does it all *mean*? Well, for UK iOS gamers, it means sticking to other platforms for your Fortnite fix for the foreseeable future. For Epic, it's a reminder that navigating the legal and regulatory landscape is trickier than landing a perfect headshot with a rusty sniper rifle. And for the rest of us? It's just another day in the wonderfully weird world of gaming.
Tags: Fortnite, iOS, UK, Epic Games, Regulation
Original article: Game Rant