Epic Games just fired another shot in its long-running battle with Apple. The gaming giant announced a new rewards program offering players 20% back on purchases made through its direct payment system, effectively undercutting Apple’s App Store commission model.
“Players deserve better value,” said Epic CEO Tim Sweeney in the announcement that coincides with Fortnite’s planned return to iOS devices after a nearly five-year absence.
Effective from May 9, players buying purchases in Fortnite, Rocket League, and Fall Guys using the Epic payment solution will get credited back 20% of every transaction they’ve spent as Epic Rewards. Any future purchases you’d like to make within Epic’s universe could now be repurchased using your acquired credits.
“This is a game-changer for regular Fortnite players,” said gaming analyst Maria Chen. “For someone spending $100 monthly on in-game items, that’s an extra $20 back in their pocket.”
Epic’s Post-Apple Strategy: Rewards and Lower Fees
The rewards program applies across multiple platforms including PC, Android, and web, creating a unified incentive system regardless of how players access Epic’s games. PC gamers will enjoy an even broader benefit, with the 20% reward rate applying to all Epic Games Store purchases until August 31, 2025. After that deadline, only Epic’s own titles will continue offering the enhanced rate permanently.
Epic’s bold action comes on the heels of a major court win against Apple. A federal court judge recently ordered Apple to cease charging fees on transactions made outside of its App Store and held the tech giant responsible for deterring consumers from seeking other payment alternatives.
The ruling had placed a 2021 injunction that allowed developers to direct users to their own payment systems, effectively bypassing Apple’s typical 30% commission. Epic moved swiftly on this and re-submitted Fortnite for review immediately on the US App Store.
“This is exactly what we’ve been fighting for,” said Sweeney. “Competition that gives players more choices and better deals.”
The strategy is transparent in its attempt to lure players away from Apple’s payment system. Users who make purchases through Apple’s platform will receive no rewards, creating a clear financial incentive to use Epic’s direct channel instead.
Epic’s Rewards Program and Platform Competition
For developers, Epic is extending similarly attractive terms. Beginning in June, game creators will pay no revenue share on their first $1 million processed through the Epic Games Store each year. Beyond that threshold, they’ll enjoy an 88/12 split that significantly undercuts Apple’s and Steam’s traditional revenue models.
“Epic is playing the long game here,” explained tech industry consultant James Wilson. “They’re willing to sacrifice immediate revenue to build loyalty and market share.”
Developers can also set up their own webshops with Epic’s blessing, offering players out-of-app purchasing options that further bypass platform fees. This developer-friendly approach has earned praise throughout the industry.
The gaming community has responded enthusiastically to Epic’s announcement. Online forums and social media platforms are buzzing with players calculating potential savings and planning their return to Fortnite on iOS.
“I’ve been waiting years to play Fortnite on my iPhone again,” said longtime player Tyler Johnson. “Getting 20% back on purchases makes it even sweeter.”
As the digital marketplace for games continues evolving, Epic’s bold rewards program represents a significant challenge to established commission models. The company is betting that consumer choice, backed by tangible financial incentives, will shift the balance of power in the gaming ecosystem.
The ball is now in Apple’s court. Industry watchers are curious whether the tech giant will adjust its own commission structure in response or hold firm on its existing business model.
Either way, the immediate winners appear to be players and developers who stand to benefit from the increasingly competitive landscape. As Fortnite makes its triumphant return to iOS, Epic’s rewards program signals a new chapter in the ongoing struggle for platform independence and fair digital marketplace practices.
