Fortnite returns to iOS via Xbox Cloud Gaming

What just happened? Starting today, Fortnite can be played on Apple devices for the first time since Apple removed the game from its App Store in 2020. While the game is still banned from the App Store, users can now play it on iPhone and iPad thanks to Microsoft’s Xbox. Cloud.

Fortnite is the first free-to-play game that to come on Xbox Cloud, with more planned. It also doesn’t require a Game Pass subscription to play. All users need is a Microsoft account. Just go to Xbox Cloud Web site in the browser to play Fortnite on mobile or even PC without installation.

Since last year, free multiplayer games are no longer available. demand Paid Gold subscription on Xbox. This policy applies to the cloud version of Fortnite, along with any other free games that Microsoft may add to its cloud service, such as Halo Infinite, Rocket League, Destiny 2, Apex Legends, or Call of Duty Warzone. It is not yet clear if Microsoft will take over some of the sales of microtransactions in free cloud games.

Microsoft is not the first company to try to bring Fortnite to the cloud. In January, Nvidia brought battle royale back to Apple devices through its GeForce Now cloud gaming service running on Safari. However, there the game is still in closed beta testing. Xbox Cloud is the first public cloud version of Fortnite and the first public re-release on the Apple platform.

Apple removed Fortnite from its App Store in 2020 after Epic Games began offering microtransactions outside of Apple’s payment system. The intentional breach of the rules led to a lengthy legal battle that Apple largely won. iPhone, iPad and Mac users can now play Fortnite for the first time in almost two years.