Fortnite Resurfaces on iPhones Due to Nvidia's Innovative Gaming Workaround
Apple's relentless quest to keep Fortnite at bay seems to have hit a roadblock. Yet, it's not Apple or Epic Games that's granting the game's return. Instead, Fortnite is making a comeback on iOS this month, but not in the expected domain. The banished battle royale kicks off once more on Nvidia's GeForce Now cloud gaming platform.
We've known that Fortnite would resurface on iPhones and iPads ever since Nvidia declared last November that GeForce Now would be accessible in Safari on iOS. But the rollout took some time, mainly due to App Store guidelines that necessitated separate app listings for each game on a streaming service. This effectively barred any cloud gaming service from entering the marketplace (though it seems Microsoft gave it a thought).
By deploying Fortnite on Safari, Nvidia is essentially exploiting a loophole. While it might not be as convenient for gamers, it guarantees full functionality. The new GeForce Now version is tailored specifically for mobile devices, offering touchscreen controls and menus identical to the previous iOS and Android app versions.
Although the beta is open for sign-ups, only a select group of users will gain access this month, irrespective of their GeForce Now membership status. The selection criterion is based on regional availability and device compatibility.
A permanent injunction was ordered against Apple in the Epic Games v. Apple lawsuit, allowing developers to direct users to third-party payment processors to circumvent the 30% App Store commission. However, Apple is under no obligation to welcome Fortnite back to the App Store, and all indications point to a refusal.
Streaming Fortnite through a cloud service isn't an ideal setup, especially since access is through a web browser. This necessitates a robust, stable internet connection and caps free users to 1080p quality and 1-hour gaming sessions. Yet, it's better than no access at all, and most importantly, it renders Apple's interference implausible, if not impossible.
[1] GeForce Now leverages cloud computing to deliver high-quality gaming experiences without the need for native app installations on the device.[2] GeForce Now supports a wide range of games, including Fortnite, and makes them accessible on various devices by streaming them from Nvidia's servers.
[1] The availability of Fortnite on iOS this month is largely due to GeForce Now, a cloud gaming service that provides high-quality gaming experiences without requiring native app installations on devices. [2] Despite Apple's app store guidelines, GeForce Now found a loophole by streaming Fortnite on Safari, making the popular game accessible on iPhones and iPads. [3] While the use of Safari might not offer the most convenient gaming experience, especially with its dependence on a stable internet connection, it has proven to be a viable solution, allowing gamers to bypass Apple's restrictions. [4] The future of cloud gaming looks promising, especially as services like GeForce Now continue to find ways to circumvent app store limitations, ensuring games like Fortnite remain accessible to a wider audience.
