After a multi-year hiatus, popular battle royale Fortnite is now officially back on the Google Play Store.
If you were unaware, Epic and Google’s ongoing legal battles started all the way back in 2020. After being removed from Apple’s and Google’s storefronts due to in-game purchases and commission for those, new policy changes allow for other app stores to launch on the Play Store with external monetization controls.
Almost six months after Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney confirmed the move following the landmark court decision, Fortnite is now back on the Google Play Store as the year draws to a close. Season 7 of the popular battle royale title begins today, which is likely a reason for the app returning to the Play Store in such a quiet fashion.
Until recently, one of the only ways to get Fortnite on Android was via the Galaxy Store or by sideloading on non-Samsung Galaxy phones. The title was pulled from the Korean tech giant’s storefront over a year ago due to an ongoing dispute over Samsung’s sideloading policy.
By returning to the Play Store, the good news here is that, at least in theory, you no longer require the Epic Games Launcher. This application was required to download the APK files needed to install the game, while also providing app updates and other information on Epic titles for mobile and desktop. Epic has yet to confirm whether all app updates will be handled via the Play Store or if players will still be able to use the launcher for future updates. We will update this information should the company confirm its plans.
What’s interesting is that this Play Store return also comes six months after Fortnite returned to the iOS App Store after a full five-year hiatus on the platform. That said, Android gamers have had a workaround at least until now.
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