Epic Games Store launches Japan

Mobile app stores are the story here — not just Fortnite. Epic has launched the Epic Games Store on iPhone in Japan, which means Japanese iPhone users can o(epicgames.com) is that Japan has now become the next real test of whether laws forcing Apple to open iOS actually create competition, or just a very cramped version of it. (epicgames.com) ### Why is Japan suddenly open to this? Because Japan passed the Mobile Software Competition Act, a law meant to force (epicgames.com)nsumer effects of that law on iPhone. In plain English, regulators told Apple it could not keep iOS completely closed to rival app stores in Japan anymore. (epicgames.com) ### What can people actually download? Right now, not much beyond Epic’s own stuff. Epic’s announcement names Fortnite and Rocket League Sideswipe for the iPhone launc(epicgames.com)own launch materials center on those two games, so that is the firm ground. (epicgames.com) ### Why is Fortnite’s return a big deal? Because Fortnite vanished from iOS years ago after Epic picked a fight with Apple over payments and store control. So this is not just a regional storefront e(epicgames.com)n. Japan is effectively reopening a market Apple had kept shut to Epic. (msn.com) ### So why does this still feel limited? Because Epic says Apple’s compliance still comes with heavy friction. The company says Apple charges a 5% Core Technology Fee on purchas(epicgames.com)es that makes it unattractive for outside developers to join the store right now. That is why the launch arrives without a broader catalog from other publishers. (epicgames.com) ### What is the install problem? The catch is the setup flow. Epic says Apple forced a 15-step install path i(msn.com)he improved EU flow. Epic claims that when Apple reduced the EU flow to 6 screens, abandonment by users trying to install the store fell by 60%. Basically, every extra warning screen matters. (epicgames.com) ### Why are there no third-party apps yet? Because rival app stores only matter if other developers actually use them. Epic says none have joined a(epicgames.com)etplace. Right now it is closer to an Epic-owned tunnel back onto the iPhone than a broad new app economy. That last part is an inference from the launch lineup and Epic’s own complaints. (techspot.com) ### Does this change Apple’s model? Not really — at least not yet. Japan has forced an opening, but Apple still seems able to shape (epicgames.com) onto the field. It has not proved the field is fair. (epicgames.com) ### Bottom line? Japan just gave Epic a foothold on iPhone, and that is real progress. But the launch also shows the harder truth about app-store regulation: opening the gate is one fight, making the path usable is the next one. (epicgames.com)