Epic Games is taking full advantage of a recent legal victory over Apple by launching a new incentive program designed to draw users away from the App Store. Starting today, players using Epic’s payment system for in-app purchases in popular games like Fortnite, Rocket League, and Fall Guys will receive 20% back in Epic Rewards. The company is also offering the same 20% reward for purchases made on PC, Android, and the web, making this a tempting deal for players across multiple platforms.
Epic’s Bold Move to Compete with Apple
This new reward program comes on the heels of a legal victory for Epic Games. Last week, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled in favor of Epic, stating that Apple had violated a previous court order from 2021. That ruling mandated that Apple allow developers to direct users to alternative payment systems, bypassing Apple’s hefty 30% fees. Despite this, Apple had continued to charge a reduced 27% commission for external payments, with a lower 12% rate for iOS Small Business Program members.
In addition to the reduced fees, Apple’s efforts to dissuade users from using third-party payment systems included displaying “scare screens” warning of potential privacy and security risks. Judge Rogers sharply criticized Apple for its tactics, saying the company had “chosen the most anticompetitive option at every turn.” With the legal battle now in Epic’s favor, the company wasted no time launching its new reward program to capitalize on the situation.
How Epic’s 20% Reward Program Works
Epic’s new reward program isn’t just limited to the App Store—it applies to in-app purchases on all platforms where Epic operates, including PC, Android, and the web. For every in-app purchase made in Fortnite, Rocket League, and Fall Guys, players will receive a 20% rebate in the form of Epic Rewards. The reward balance will appear in your account 14 days after the purchase is made, and can be redeemed within any of Epic’s games or on the Epic Games Store.
For PC gamers who prefer to shop on the Epic Games Store, there’s a similar offer. Purchases made on the platform will also earn users 20% back in Epic Rewards, but this incentive is only available for a limited time. The offer will expire on August 31, so gamers will need to act quickly to take advantage of it.
A Major Shift in Mobile Payments
Epic’s move to offer rewards across multiple platforms is a direct challenge to Apple’s dominance in the mobile gaming market. In the past, Apple charged developers a hefty 30% commission on all in-app purchases made through the App Store, a practice that has drawn considerable criticism from developers and users alike. Epic, one of the loudest critics of Apple’s policies, now has the upper hand following the court’s ruling and is using this leverage to offer more attractive terms to consumers.
While Apple is still in the process of complying with the court order, this new reward program positions Epic Games as a major player in the ongoing fight over mobile payment systems. By offering 20% back on purchases across multiple platforms, Epic is creating a strong incentive for users to make their in-game purchases directly through Epic’s payment system, bypassing Apple’s fees altogether.
The Return of Fortnite to the App Store
As part of the legal settlement, Epic Games also announced that Fortnite would be making its return to the App Store. After a long hiatus due to the ongoing dispute between the two companies, Epic confirmed that it had submitted Fortnite for review on Apple’s storefront. With the game now poised to return, Epic will be looking to win back players who were previously forced to make their in-app purchases through the App Store’s payment system.
By offering 20% back on purchases, Epic is hoping to lure those players back into its ecosystem, giving them a reason to return to Fortnite and its other games. The company’s new rewards program could help make Fortnite more appealing than ever before, especially for mobile players who were previously frustrated by Apple’s payment policies.
The Future of Mobile Payment Systems
Epic’s reward program and its victory in court are just the latest developments in the ongoing battle over mobile payment systems. The ruling against Apple has set a significant precedent, and other developers are likely to follow Epic’s lead by exploring alternative payment options. For now, Epic’s aggressive push with its rewards program looks set to make waves in the gaming industry, offering users a compelling reason to choose Epic’s payment system over Apple’s.
While it’s unclear what Apple’s next move will be, Epic Games has certainly raised the stakes in the battle over mobile payment systems. By offering users 20% back, Epic is not only providing a financial incentive but is also sending a message that developers and players alike have more control over how they make purchases in mobile games. With Fortnite returning to the App Store, this could be just the beginning of a new era for mobile gaming, one where users have more options and better deals.
