CARY – Epic Games has found another way around bans by Apple and Google to deliver its global hit Fortnite to players through a new partnership with Microsoft. And Epic CEO Tim Sweeney hailed the news.
“Monumental news everyone! Fortnite is now available to play FOR FREE streaming to web browsers on iPhone, iPad, and Android via Xbox Cloud. No subscription required, no 30% Apple tax,” Sweeney wrote in a tweet on Thursday after Microsoft announced its decision to add Fortnite to its Xbox Cloud lineup.
Microsoft’s top exec Satya Nadella also took to Twitter to announce the news.
“We’re partnering with Epic Games to make Fortnite available with Xbox Cloud Gaming, as we build on our commitment to use the power of the cloud to bring great games to more people across more devices,” he wrote.
Microsoft also noted that “we want you to have more choice in both the games you play and the way you choose to play them.”
Epic has been involved in global legal battles with both Apple and Google about fees charged at their respective app stores, thus Sweeney’s reference to the “Apple tax.”
In a blog post, Microsoft said Fortnite will be “available on supported browser-enabled devices for free with Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) in 26 countries.”
Here’s what players need, according to Microsoft:
- A Microsoft account
- An iOS, iPadOS, Android phone or tablet, or Windows PC with internet access
- With no installation or memberships required, all you need to do is go to Xbox.com/play on your web browser and sign-in with your
- Microsoft Account to party-up with friends or earn your next Victory Royale in Fortnite.
“Whether you want to play Fortnite with native touch controls or a supported controller, it’s easy to jump into Fortnite with Xbox Cloud Gaming,” Microsoft adds.
