Epic Games Store Offers Game-Changing Alternative to Apple’s In-App Purchases for Developers
Epic Games is revolutionizing the way developers handle in-app purchases by offering a competitive alternative to Apple’s standard commission fees. As part of a major shift, Epic has announced that it will allow developers to keep 100% of the revenue on their first $1 million in sales processed via the Epic Games Store. This change comes on the heels of a significant court ruling that limits Apple’s ability to charge fees on off-platform purchases, making Epic’s move even more appealing to developers.
In a clear departure from Apple’s model, where commissions can be as high as 30%, Epic Games offers a game-changing zero percent revenue share for the first $1 million of sales per app each year. After reaching this threshold, developers will follow the typical Epic revenue split of 88/12. For comparison, while Apple and Google have started offering lower commission rates on sales under $1 million, Epic’s zero percent rate significantly outshines the 15% fee offered by Apple and Google, positioning it as the more cost-effective option for developers.
Additionally, Epic is launching a new feature that will allow developers to create their own Epic Games Store-hosted webshops. These webshops will provide players with a way to make out-of-app purchases, offering a more affordable alternative to the in-app purchasing models that currently dominate mobile platforms like Apple’s App Store and Google Play. Epic Games argues that this new option will help developers bypass the high fees imposed by Apple, Google, and others, ultimately giving them more control over their revenue streams.
To further sweeten the deal, Epic will offer players who make purchases through these webshops 5% Epic Rewards on all transactions. These rewards can be redeemed on future purchases within the Epic Games Store, adding extra value for players and encouraging more spending within the ecosystem. The new feature is set to roll out in June 2025, offering a new avenue for developers and gamers alike to enjoy a more transparent and cost-effective platform.
The announcement is part of Epic's broader strategy to challenge the dominance of major players like Apple in the digital store ecosystem. CEO Tim Sweeney also revealed plans to bring Fortnite back to the US iOS App Store, following a lengthy legal battle that led to Apple’s removal of the game from the store in 2020. This new move by Epic could have far-reaching implications, especially for smaller developers looking to retain more of their earnings while navigating the competitive landscape of app stores.
With these changes, Epic Games is positioning itself as a key player in the ongoing battle over app store fees, offering developers a more favorable revenue-sharing model and a cost-effective alternative to traditional in-app purchases.
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