Epic Games’ ‘MegaGrant’ Allows Free Access to European Alternative App Store, AltStore PAL

AltStore PAL, leveraging the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, now offers a third-party app marketplace to users in the EU without any cost, courtesy of financial support from Epic Games. The creators behind the app revealed on social platforms recently that they have been granted financial backing from the gaming giant Epic Games. This backing, known as a “MegaGrant,” will help them manage the costs associated with Apple’s Core Technology fee indefinitely, enabling free access to AltStore PAL for all users without needing a subscription.

Developed by Riley Testut, known for the Delta video game emulator, and his longtime collaborator Shane Gill, AltStore made its debut alongside the EU’s Digital Markets Act with an initial offering that included Delta and the clipboard management app, Clip, designed by the AltStore team. This marketplace stands as a unique alternative to Apple’s App Store, offering a self-publishing platform that empowers any developer to distribute their apps freely, the company announced.

Despite AltStore’s exploration of varied business models, including Patreon support for certain apps, the platform initially required users to pay a modest annual fee of €1.50. Testut clarified that this charge was necessary to meet the financial demands of the Apple Core Technology Fee, as the platform operated on a free, donation-supported basis.

Following the financial aid received from Epic Games, as broadcasted through their social media channels, AltStore PAL plans to utilize this MegaGrant to cover the Core Technology Fee moving forward, removing the need for any subscription fees for its users.

The MegaGrants program, unveiled by Epic Games in 2019, directs funds from a $100 million reserve to support innovators across the globe working in game development, enterprise, education, and beyond, specifically those utilizing Epic’s Unreal Engine or contributing to the open-source 3D graphics community. The program awards amounts ranging from $5,000 to $500,000, as initially described by Epic Games.

Epic Games has chosen not to reveal the exact amount granted to AltStore PAL upon request for comment.

Epic has consistently challenged Apple, confronting the tech giant over antitrust issues within its App Store. Although Apple was largely victorious in the legal battle, it was decreed that developers could direct customers to external sites for payments, albeit with Apple imposing a slightly reduced commission of 27%. In its critique of Apple’s approach to complying with the Digital Markets Act in the EU — introducing new developer fees including the Core Technology Fee — Epic Games has come to the aid of AltStore PAL by handling this particular fee.

Furthermore, AltStore PAL has informed its existing subscriber base that they will not face renewal charges moving ahead.