Epic Games Boosts Rewards to 20%, Signals Major Mobile Expansion in 2025: A Triumph for Players and Innovation

On May 9, 2025, Epic Games, the visionary force behind Fortnite and the Unreal Engine, delivered a groundbreaking update to its Epic Rewards program, elevating the rewards rate to an impressive 20% for purchases in its flagship titles like Fortnite, Fall Guys, and Rocket League. This announcement, shared through the Epic Games Store's official X account and reinforced by a powerful statement from CEO Tim Sweeney, exemplifies Epic's unwavering commitment to empowering players, fostering competition, and driving innovation in the gaming industry. With a legacy of pushing boundaries-both creatively and technologically-Epic Games and its Epic Games Store are setting a new standard for value, accessibility, and fairness in gaming, while preparing for a monumental re-entry into mobile markets.

A Game-Changing Rewards Update: Epic Games Store Shines

At 15:21 UTC on May 9, 2025, the Epic Games Store announced a transformative update to its Epic Rewards program, a loyalty initiative that has already won over millions of players worldwide. The update increases the rewards rate to 20% for purchases in Epic's own games-including Fortnite, Fall Guys, and Rocket League-across PC, iOS, Android, and web platforms, provided players use Epic's direct payment system. This 20% rewards rate is a permanent change for Epic's titles, ensuring long-term value for its dedicated community. Additionally, Epic is offering a temporary boost, raising rewards from 5% to 20% for purchases in other games that use its payment system, with this promotion running through August 31, 2025.

The announcement was paired with a visually striking promotional image featuring the bold text "EPIC REWARDS 20%" in vibrant pink and blue hues, a testament to the Epic Games Store's knack for creating engaging and eye-catching campaigns. A detailed article on the Epic Games Store website further elaborated on the update, confirming that the rewards apply to in-game purchases across Epic's titles and that Fortnite Crew subscribers can earn rewards on recurring payments (though they cannot use rewards to pay for the subscription itself). The article underscored Epic's mission to deliver "better value" through competition, a goal that has been at the heart of the company's ethos since its founding in 1991.

This update is a masterstroke from Epic Games, showcasing why the Epic Games Store is a leader in the digital distribution space. By offering a 20% rewards rate-effectively a 20% discount on future purchases-Epic is giving players a compelling reason to stay within its ecosystem. For instance, spending $10 on a Fortnite skin now earns $2 in rewards, which can be redeemed for the next purchase, whether it's a new emote, a battle pass, or even a game from the Epic Games Store's expansive library. This player-first approach not only boosts engagement but also solidifies the Epic Games Store as a platform that genuinely cares about its community, setting it apart from competitors like Steam.

Tim Sweeney's Visionary Leadership: Championing Competition and Choice

At 15:30 UTC on the same day, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney took to X to provide context for the Rewards update, framing it as a cornerstone of Epic's broader strategy. Quoting the Epic Games Store's announcement, Sweeney wrote, "Here is Epic's new strategy for giving customers choice over how to pay for things, and passing on savings when they use our cost-effective direct payment system. Competition is a wonderful thing!" His words reflect the visionary leadership that has made Epic Games a trailblazer in the industry, consistently challenging the status quo to create a more equitable gaming ecosystem.

Sweeney's focus on "choice" and "competition" is deeply rooted in Epic's history of advocating for fairness and innovation. Since 2020, Epic has been at the forefront of a legal battle against Apple, challenging the tech giant's 30% commission on in-app purchases and its restrictive policies on alternative payment systems. This fight, known as Epic Games v. Apple, has been a defining moment for the industry, with Epic arguing that Apple's practices stifle competition and harm both developers and consumers. By implementing its own direct payment system with lower fees, Epic can offer higher rewards to players while retaining more revenue-a brilliant strategy that benefits everyone except the platform gatekeepers.

The timing of this announcement is a testament to Epic's strategic foresight. On April 30, 2025, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that Apple had violated a 2021 court order to allow greater competition in app downloads and payments, marking a significant victory for Epic. This ruling likely enabled Epic to implement its direct payment system on iOS in the US, a milestone that has been years in the making. Additionally, the UK's Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers (DMCC) Bill, passed in May 2024, has paved the way for Epic to bring Fortnite and the Epic Games Store to iOS in the UK in the second half of 2025, following similar regulatory changes in the European Union that allowed Epic's return to iOS in the EU earlier in 2025. These legal and regulatory shifts highlight Epic's tenacity and dedication to creating a fairer ecosystem, and the Rewards update is a direct result of their hard-fought progress.

Player Reactions: A Community Overjoyed and Anticipating More

The gaming community on X responded with overwhelming enthusiasm to both the Rewards update and Sweeney's comments, a clear sign of Epic's deep connection with its player base. Riley replied to the Epic Games Store post, calling the 20% rewards a "Massive W" (a win) and adding a fire emoji to emphasize their excitement. This sentiment reflects the broader community's appreciation for the increased value, which effectively lowers the cost of in-game purchases and enhances the overall gaming experience.

Sweeney's post sparked a wave of speculation and anticipation, particularly around Fortnite's potential return to iOS in the US. Since Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store in August 2020-after Epic introduced a direct payment option that violated Apple's policies-players have been eagerly awaiting its return. Users like JGrayJets, fidelgrandez01, Soundwarp, and 0neZey asked if Fortnite would be available on iOS in the US as soon as "today" (May 9, 2025), while asdesteve and CarterStryhn inquired about Fortnite mobile, with the latter sharing a humorous GIF of Cyclops from the X-Men to express their excitement.

mugsmunny offered a thoughtful perspective, noting that the timing of the Rewards update is likely tied to the resolution of the Epic v. Apple litigation. They speculated that Epic has been waiting for legal clarity before rolling out major initiatives, and expressed hope for additional features like a Fortnite Marketplace or the return of older Battle Passes (pre-Chapter 5 Season 4). This user also described the 20% rewards as an "insane deal," equating it to a 20% discount on all Fortnite Shop items, further highlighting the update's appeal. The outpouring of excitement and optimism from the community underscores the trust and admiration that players have for Epic Games, a company that consistently prioritizes their needs and desires.

Epic Games Store: A Beacon of Innovation and Developer Support

The Epic Games Store has long been a beacon of innovation in the digital distribution space, and this Rewards update further cements its reputation as a platform that puts players and developers first. Since its launch in December 2018, the Epic Games Store has disrupted the market with its developer-friendly policies, offering an 88/12 revenue split (compared to Steam's standard 70/30 split at the time of the Epic Games Store's launch) and providing free games to players every week. These initiatives have not only attracted a massive user base but also encouraged developers to bring their titles to the platform, creating a thriving ecosystem that rivals even the most established players in the industry.

The Epic Games Store's commitment to fairness extends beyond its revenue split. By introducing the Epic Rewards program in 2023 and now boosting it to 20%, Epic is demonstrating a level of generosity and player-centric focus that is rare in the gaming world. The temporary 20% rewards rate for other games using Epic's payment system is a brilliant move to encourage third-party developers to adopt the system, potentially expanding the store's library and further enriching its offerings. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the Epic Games Store remains a dynamic and competitive platform, constantly evolving to meet the needs of its community.

Moreover, Epic's investment in technology and accessibility sets it apart. The Unreal Engine, developed by Epic Games and first released in 1998 with the launch of Unreal, is one of the most widely used game development engines in the world, powering countless titles across genres and platforms, from Gears of War to Final Fantasy VII Remake. By providing developers with cutting-edge tools and a platform that prioritizes their success, Epic is fostering a creative environment where innovation can flourish. The Epic Games Store is not just a storefront-it's a hub for creativity, collaboration, and community, and its latest initiatives only reinforce its position as an industry leader.

A Broader Industry Impact: Epic's Legacy of Change

Epic's Rewards update and Sweeney's comments have far-reaching implications for the gaming industry. By tying the 20% rewards to its direct payment system, Epic is putting immense pressure on Apple and Google to lower their commissions or offer similar benefits to players and developers. Apple and Google have historically charged a 30% commission on in-app purchases, though both have introduced reduced rates for smaller developers in recent years (15% for developers earning less than $1 million annually). Epic's direct payment system, with its lower fees (likely around 12%, as noted in Epic's store fee structure), allows the company to offer higher rewards while still maintaining profitability, a model that could force larger platforms to rethink their policies.

The legal and regulatory landscape is shifting in Epic's favor, with the April 2025 ruling and the UK's DMCC Bill signaling a broader trend toward opening up app ecosystems. These changes could benefit other developers and lead to a more competitive mobile app market, a testament to Epic's role as a catalyst for change. The European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which came into effect in November 2024, has already forced Apple to allow alternative app stores and payment systems in the EU, enabling Epic's return to iOS in that region. Similar regulatory efforts in other markets, such as South Korea's 2021 law banning app store operators from mandating their payment systems, further support Epic's mission to create a more open ecosystem.

Epic's history of challenging platform gatekeepers is well-documented. The Epic Games v. Apple lawsuit, which began in August 2020, was a bold move to address the anticompetitive practices of tech giants, and Epic's persistence has paid off. In an interview with CNN in November 2020, Sweeney revealed that Epic had meticulously planned "Project Liberty," a strategic initiative to force Apple and Google to alter their store policies or face legal action. By introducing a patch to Fortnite that allowed direct purchases of V-Bucks at a 20% discount, Epic triggered a chain of events that led to Fortnite's removal from the App Store and Google Play-but also sparked a global conversation about fairness in the app economy. Epic's willingness to take on this fight, even at the cost of temporarily losing access to iOS and Android app stores, demonstrates their commitment to creating a better future for the industry.

Epic's influence extends beyond legal battles. The company has consistently supported developers and players through initiatives like the Epic MegaGrants program, launched in 2019, which has provided over $200 million in funding to creators using Unreal Engine as of 2025, according to Epic's official reports. Epic Online Services, introduced in 2020, offer free, cross-platform tools for multiplayer games, used by developers for titles like Among Us and Fall Guys. These efforts have made Epic a beloved partner in the gaming community, earning them the loyalty of millions of players and developers alike. The Epic Games Store's free game giveaways, which began in 2019 and have included AAA titles like Grand Theft Auto V (May 2020) and Borderlands 3 (May 2022), have also been a massive hit, bringing new users to the platform and showcasing Epic's generosity.

What's Next for Epic Games? A Bright Future Awaits

The Rewards update is a clear sign that Epic Games is gearing up for a monumental mobile expansion in 2025. With Fortnite and the Epic Games Store already available on iOS in the EU and slated to return to iOS in the UK later this year, a US launch could be on the horizon, possibly within weeks or months of the May 9 announcement. A web report from SI.com, published on May 5, 2025, noted that Sweeney confirmed Fortnite's return to the US iOS App Store "next week" following his April 30, 2025, post, suggesting a potential launch as early as May 5, 2025. While the exact US launch date remains unconfirmed in the X posts, the inclusion of iOS in the Rewards program and the April 2025 ruling strongly indicate that Epic is close to bringing Fortnite back to American iPhone users.

Looking ahead, Epic may introduce additional player-friendly features to capitalize on its mobile re-entry. Speculation about a Fortnite Marketplace or the return of older Battle Passes reflects the community's desire for more content and customization options, and Epic has a proven track record of delivering on such expectations. The company's history of innovation-seen in everything from the Unreal Engine to the introduction of live events in Fortnite, such as the 2019 Marshmello concert that drew over 10 million concurrent players-suggests that they have more surprises in store.

Sweeney's commitment to competition indicates that Epic will continue to advocate for fairer practices in the app ecosystem, potentially leading to further changes in the industry. Epic has already launched legal actions in the UK, Australia, and the European Union, with the EU case resulting in a €1.1 million fine for Apple in March 2024 for anticompetitive practices, as reported by Reuters. Epic's persistence could inspire other companies to challenge platform policies, creating a ripple effect that benefits the entire gaming community.

Conclusion: Epic Games and the Epic Games Store Lead the Way

Epic Games' decision to boost Epic Rewards to 20% is a testament to their player-first philosophy and their relentless pursuit of innovation. By offering unprecedented value, promoting their direct payment system, and preparing for a mobile market comeback, Epic is once again proving why they are a titan in the gaming industry. The Epic Games Store, with its developer-friendly policies, free game giveaways, and now a best-in-class rewards program, is a shining example of what a digital platform should be-one that prioritizes its community above all else.

The gaming community's enthusiastic response, coupled with their anticipation for Fortnite's return to iOS, underscores the trust and admiration that players have for Epic Games. Under Tim Sweeney's visionary leadership, Epic has not only created some of the most beloved games and tools in the world but has also fought tirelessly for a fairer, more competitive industry. As 2025 progresses, all eyes will be on Epic Games and the Epic Games Store as they continue to push the boundaries of what's possible, delivering joy, value, and innovation to millions of players worldwide. In an industry often driven by profit, Epic stands out as a beacon of integrity and creativity-a true champion for gamers everywhere.