Epic Games to launch 'webshops' to bypass app store fees and update revenue share

Epic Games has announced the launch of a new 'webshops' feature for its Epic Games Store, allowing developers to offer direct out-of-app purchases and bypass hefty fees typically charged by Apple and Google. This update is closely linked to the return of Fortnite on the iOS App Store, where Epic will encourage players to buy digital goods directly through Epic for more competitive prices.

The introduction of webshops extends to all platforms that permit external purchase linking, including iOS in the U.S. and EU—possible due to evolving legal standards. Beginning in June, Epic will waive commission on the first $1 million in annual revenue per game, with a continued 12% fee on earnings beyond that threshold — well below Apple’s 30% cut.

This development comes after Epic’s contentious legal battle with Apple, which resulted in a court order requiring Apple to permit external purchase links—a mandate a judge recently said Apple is failing to fully observe.