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Fortnite finally comes back to Apple devices via GeForce Now

By Jess Reyes Published January 14, 2022

Nvidia announced today that it’s bringing Fortnite back to Apple platforms with an open beta on Android and iOS devices through its cloud gaming service, Nvidia GeForce Now. This limited-time testing will take place on the Nvidia GeForce Now Android app and the iOS Safari web browser. Note that it’s the Apple web browser, not an app.

GeForce Now members can sign up for the open beta before it starts next week. However, there’s limited space available, so everyone who signs up won’t necessarily receive an invite. Those who want to participate but don’t yet have a Nvidia GeForce Now account can sign up for free.

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Nvidia’s cloud gaming service doesn’t cost anything for its basic subscription, though paid tiers offer more perks such as longer session lengths and the potential for higher resolution graphics. Though GeForce Now offers PC and mobile options, its Fortnite beta is specifically for mobile devices and implements touch controls.

Fortnite returning to iOS in such a roundabout way is especially hilarious given Apple and Epic Games’ recent feud from last year. Apple removed Fortnite from its App Store back in 2020 for breaking its developer agreement and setting up a system that prevents Apple from receiving a cut of its revenue from in-app purchases. The incident escalated into the famed Apple vs. Epic court case, which turned into somewhat of an online exhibition. As a result, Fortnite stayed banned from the App Store. Todd Sweeney even alleged that Apple blacklisted Fortnite from the storefront for five years.

It’s unclear exactly when the Fornite beta will start next week. Interested fans can still signup for the waitlist through the Nvidia website.

Jessica Reyes is a freelance writer who specializes in anime-centric and trending topics. Her work can be found in Looper…

Topics

Gaming

Fortnite is coming back to iOS, but Epic Games still isn’t happy about it

Solid Snake aiming a pistol out of a box in Fortnite.

Fortnite is set to come back to iOS in Europe sometime in 2024. This will mark the first time a natively running version of Fortnite will be available on iOS since Apple removed the game from the App Store in 2020.

Apple did so at the time because Epic tried to use its own third-party payment system, kicking off a series of legal battles in an attempt to get Apple to open up its platform more. Although those legal battles have yielded mixed results for Epic, a newly passed Digital Markets Act in the European Union is forcing Apple to do things like "allow third parties to inter-operate with the gatekeeper’s own services in certain specific situations" and "allow their business users to promote their offer and conclude contracts with their customers outside the gatekeeper’s platform."

Gaming

PC Game Pass will leverage GeForce Now in the coming months

During the "What's Next For Gaming" panel with team Xbox at the 2023 Xbox Games Showcase, corporate Vice President Sarah Bond said that PC Game Pass members will soon be able to play their catalog on GeForce Now devices.

"I'm thrilled to share with you that in the coming months, we're actually going to bring GeForce Now as something you can leverage with PC Game Pass," explained Bond.

Gaming

Microsoft pledges to bring Xbox PC games to Nvidia GeForce Now

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Microsoft has announced a 10-year partnership with Nvidia aimed at bringing Xbox PC games to its cloud gaming service competitor Nvidia GeForce Now as part of its ongoing efforts to win over companies skeptical of its potebtial Activision Blizzard acquisition.
This means that players can use Nvidia GeForce Now to play the Steam, Epic Games Store, or Windows versions of titles like Halo Infinite, Redfall, and eventually, Call of Duty through the cloud on GeForce Now. Third-party publishers with games on the Windows Store can also now grant streaming rights to Nvidia. This announcement came during a European Commission hearing where Microsoft tried to convince regulators that its impending acquisition should bne allowed.
Microsoft has been under a lot of regulatory scrutiny even since it announced its intent to acquire Activision Blizzard in January 2022. It's trying to win over industry peers with deals like this one with Nvidia. This week, the Communications Workers of America voiced its approval of the deal, and Microsoft has signed a binding agreement to bring Call of Duty to Nintendo platforms as well. Previously, Nvidia had raised concerns about Microsoft's Activision Blizzard acquisition, but the press release announcing this agreement states that the deal "resolves Nvidia's concerns," and that Nvidia now gives "full support for regulatory approval of the acquisition."
Regulatory bodies in the U.S., U.K., and Europe are worried that Microsoft acquiring Activision Blizzard will hurt the game industry and sabotage Microsoft's competitors in both console and cloud gaming. Nvidia GeForce Now is seen as one of the biggest competitors to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate's cloud service offerings, which makes it surprising that it reached an agreement with Nvidia. However, this deal also demonstrates how Microsoft is willing to make concessions so that its acquisition of Activision Blizzard is approved.