- Code snippets found on the Fortnite Mobile website suggests it may not launch on Google Play.
- The popular shooter may instead be available directly via its website, allowing publisher Epic Games to avoid Play Store fees.
- It would be a risky move for Epic that could cost it some users in the process.
Fortnite Mobile developer Epic Games may not launch its popular shooter title on Google Play, it has emerged. Code discovered on the Fortnite Mobile webpage (via XDA-Developers) makes explicit references to disabling permissions “necessary to install any app outside of the Play Store,” as well as downloading and installing Fortnite through a web browser, suggesting it’s going to give Google’s app distribution platform the slip.
Why avoid the Play Store?
Google takes a 30 percent cut from revenues earned on apps in its Play Store. Given how much loot might flow from the Android platform, it’s possible Epic is calculating that this move will maximize its earnings. Fortnite Battle Royale on PC also isn’t available on major distribution channels like Steam or Origin — which take a cut like Google — and this hasn’t harmed its chances of success on desktop systems.
The existence of the instructions makes it clear that Epic has, for whatever reason, considered how it would explain this to its users, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that is its final plan.
Here’s why it’s a bad idea:
Making users download it elsewhere adds unnecessary complications and security risks. The complications include needing to enable external download sources from your Android phone, which comes with a security warning. It might be a small hoop, but it’s a hoop nonetheless.
Fortnite is a game that relies on availability and ease-of-access: it’s free, it’s rated “teen” for content, it has reasonable system requirements, and it’ll soon be playable on every popular gaming platform. Therefore, it would seem like it’s not worth putting off potential users by complicating the whole thing. It also would create big security risks as scammers create malware-laden “Fortnite” APKs to leach off those who don’t know any better.
The Google Play Store listing would also act as a…
Popular Fortnite Merch
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- Dart-blasting Fortnite blaster replica: this spmrnum-r blaster is inspired by the blaster used in Fortnite, capturing the look and colors of the one in the popular video game
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