The Epic Games Store launches on iOS in Japan and the results are disastrous

The Epic Games Store has begun its journey in the Japanese mobile gaming market, a sector that stands out internationally, following its launch on May 1 on iOS.

This event comes after Japan’s Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA) allowed the creation of alternative app stores on Apple devices, although its arrival has been marked by significant challenges.

Developers do not want to join

Despite the possibility of accessing the Epic Games Store, Japanese video game developers have shown a notable reluctance to join this new platform. To date, only titles like Fortnite and Rocket League Sideswipe are available, leaving the store with a limited and symbolic offering.

Fears of possible reprisals from Apple have led local creators to refrain from collaborating with Epic, which has seriously undermined the store’s competitiveness in a market where Apple maintains considerable hegemony.

The controversy surrounding the high commissions imposed by Apple on alternative stores has been one of the most prominent obstacles in Epic’s path. The fees, which include a 26% for in-app purchases through Apple’s payment system and other significant charges for third-party payments, have been criticized by Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic, who considers them unfeasible. This has led to rumors that the company may have postponed its entry into the Japanese market due to uncertainty surrounding the commissions.

The silence of the Japanese industry on the matter is eloquent. Although the MSCA forces Apple to allow competition, the lack of concrete actions from the sector illustrates a complex landscape. As time goes by, the golden opportunity that Epic had to establish itself in Japan seems to be fading, leaving Sweeney with a greater challenge than expected in this lucrative market.

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