Epic Games finally releases Fortnite beta on Android

Epic Games’ free-to-play shooter Fortnite is the hottest game out there right now. It has been available on just about every device capable of running it, from PC to consoles to iPhones – but not Android. This has finally changed with the announcement of a beta for Android devices.

Fortnite appearing on Android devices seemed like far from a sure thing, due to Epic Games avoiding Microsoft’s Google Play store in protest of its “disproportionate” cut from transactions. Considering how much money Fortnite makes, it is sensible that Epic Games wants as much of a cut from it as possible. However, the developers have figured out a way to get around that by distributing it directly from Fortnite’s website. Although Fortnite won’t be on the Google Play store, it is currently available on Apple’s App Store.

Owners of Samsung Galaxy devices are the first to be invited, although it is possible to sign up here. If you have purchased a Samsung Note 9 or Galaxy Tab S4, you will have access to the exclusive “Galaxy” outfit. Unlike the PS4 version, the Android port will have full cross-play and cross-progression with the other versions.

Fundamentally, it is good that Android owners get the same access to this game that iPhone owners have had.  It seemed as though Epic Games’ feud with Microsoft would have kept the game from that platform, but where there is a will to have Fortnite on something, there is a way. Epic Games isn’t the only developer getting around online distributor monopolies. For example, Bethesda have recently announced that their upcoming Fallout 76 will be skipping the Steam store in favour of Bethesda’s own website.

Epic Games’ Fortnite beta for Android will be rolling out over the next few days for various Android devices. We don’t know when the full release will be, but with the release of this beta, it can’t be far off.