Epic Games' CEO Tim Sweeney has confirmed that Fortnite will not be making its return to iOS in Japan, blaming Apple for "obstruction and lawbreaking." In recent posts on social media, Sweeney criticized Apple's new fees implemented for third-party app developers and their app distribution processes. He claims Apple has introduced a series of "junk fees," a 21% charge on in-app payments and additional fees on web purchases, which he argues limits competition and harms consumers. Sweeney expressed disappointment that despite an obligation to open iOS to competing stores, Apple instead opted for measures perceived as anticompetitive. He emphasized that this ongoing dispute has been detrimental for vendors and players alike, highlighting a long-standing conflict between Epic Games and Apple.

Will Fortnite return to iOS in Japan in the future?

As it stands, there is no clear indication that Fortnite will return to iOS in Japan anytime soon. Sweeney has expressed frustration over Apple's practices and the continued challenges posed by their fees, making it unlikely that a resolution is imminent.

Fortnite, developed by Epic Games, has become a cultural phenomenon since its launch in 2017, thanks to its engaging battle royale gameplay and frequent updates. However, the ongoing legal battle with Apple, stemming from a 2020 incident where Epic introduced a direct payment method to circumvent Apple's fees, has negatively impacted the game's availability on iOS. This feud has broad implications not just for Fortnite, but for how digital marketplaces operate and the relationships between developers and platform holders in the gaming industry.