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Battle royale hit Fortnite may bypass Google Play for Android release

Rumours suggest there will be timed exclusivity for Samsung Galaxy Note 9

Battle royale hit Fortnite may bypass Google Play for Android release

Fortnite is set to come to Android this summer but may launch outside the Google Play Store.

That’s according to a report from xda-developers, which claims that hidden away in the source code of the Fortnite Mobile webpage there are instructions that detail how users can download the title for Android.

On Redditor meanwhile, /u/thesbros, claims to have got the site to display the images. They guide users through how to download and install Fortnite via the browser and state that players will need to grant security permissions to make the game playable.

Should Epic avoid Google Play entirely, it would enable the company to avoid the 70/30 revenue split.

It should be noted that for the iOS launch, Fortnite has been made available to download on the App Store.

Samsung timed-exclusive?

The news comes as a “trusted source” also claimed to xda-developers that Fortnite for Android will launch with the Samsung Galaxy Note 9.

9To5Google corroborated the story, after a source “familiar with the plan” told the site that Fortnite will be available exclusively on the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 for 30 days after launch.

Following that period, it will be made available on other Android devices.


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Craig Chapple is a freelance analyst, consultant and writer with specialist knowledge of the games industry. He has previously served as Senior Editor at PocketGamer.biz, as well as holding roles at Sensor Tower, Nintendo and Develop.