Epic Games has recently expressed strong dissatisfaction with the United Kingdom’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) over its newly proposed Digital Markets, Competition, and Consumers Act. The gaming giant contends that the CMA’s approach is insufficient to foster genuine competition within the mobile app ecosystem, particularly concerning the dominance of Apple and Google’s app stores.
Background on the CMA’s Proposed Regulations
On July 23, 2025, the CMA concluded an extensive investigation, recommending that both Apple and Google be designated with strategic market status under the new legislation. This designation would subject the tech behemoths to specific regulatory obligations, including:
– Allowing app developers to direct users to alternative payment methods.
– Enhancing transparency in app store rankings.
– Undergoing ongoing CMA oversight for up to five years.
However, the CMA indicated that it would defer decisions on whether to mandate Apple to permit alternative app stores and sideloading of apps until the following year. This postponement has been a focal point of contention for Epic Games.
Epic Games’ Response and Concerns
In a candid blog post, Epic Games articulated its disappointment, stating:
> We can’t bring the Epic Games Store to iOS in the UK this year (if ever), and Fortnite’s return to iOS in the UK is now uncertain.
The company criticized the CMA for not prioritizing the opening of the mobile ecosystem to alternative app stores in its current roadmap, labeling it a missed opportunity to introduce competition into a monopolized market and to unlock economic growth and consumer choice.
Epic Games highlighted that, despite the CMA’s earlier conclusion that the App Store and Google Play Store operate as parallel monopolies, no substantial actions have been taken to facilitate competing stores.
Comparisons with Other Markets
Epic Games drew comparisons between the UK’s regulatory stance and recent developments in other countries. The company noted that in Brazil and Japan, regulatory changes are expected to allow the return of Fortnite and the launch of the Epic Games Store later this year. This contrast underscores Epic’s frustration with the UK’s perceived sluggishness in implementing similar reforms.
Critique of Anti-Steering Provisions
Another point of contention is the CMA’s vague announcement regarding anti-steering provisions. Epic Games referenced recent court orders in the United States as a benchmark, emphasizing that unless Apple and Google are entirely prohibited from imposing fees and discriminating against apps using out-of-app payment methods, the market could face years of malicious compliance without genuine competition restoration.
The company pointed out that in Europe, Apple introduced restrictions, obstructions, and additional fees that undermined the Digital Markets Act. Epic Games fears a similar scenario in the UK if the CMA does not implement more robust measures.
Implications for Fortnite’s Return to iOS in the UK
Given the current regulatory landscape, Epic Games has expressed uncertainty about bringing Fortnite back to iOS in the UK. The company hopes that the CMA will reconsider its current roadmap decisions to bring the benefits of genuine app store and payment competition to British consumers.
Broader Industry Reactions
The CMA’s proposed regulations have elicited varied responses from industry stakeholders. While some developers and consumer advocacy groups have welcomed the potential for increased transparency and alternative payment options, others share Epic Games’ concerns about the lack of immediate action on alternative app stores and sideloading capabilities.
Apple and Google have also voiced apprehensions. Apple warned that the proposed changes could undermine user privacy and security protections, hamper innovation, and force the company to provide its technology for free to competitors. Google expressed disappointment, stating that the CMA’s move was both disappointing and unwarranted, emphasizing the need for evidence-based and proportionate regulation that does not impede growth in the UK.
The Path Forward
As the CMA continues to consult on potential interventions, the tech industry remains attentive to how these regulations will evolve. Epic Games’ vocal criticism underscores the broader debate about balancing regulatory oversight with fostering innovation and competition in the digital marketplace.
The outcome of this regulatory process will have significant implications not only for major tech companies but also for developers, consumers, and the overall health of the digital economy in the UK.
