Black Friday is here, and across the digital landscape, storefronts are unleashing a torrent of deals and giveaways to lure in shoppers. In the midst of this seasonal generosity, the Epic Games Store has become a weekly destination for PC gamers seeking free titles. However, its foray into mobile game giveaways has been more modest, and this week's offering continues that trend, coming with a notable caveat for iPhone users.
When the Epic Games Store first launched its mobile giveaway program earlier this year, it made a splash by offering two high-profile games simultaneously. Unfortunately, that initial burst of enthusiasm hasn't been sustained. This Black Friday week, instead of a bounty of free mobile games, Epic is offering just one title for both Android and iOS users: Universe for Sale.
What is "Universe for Sale"?
For those unfamiliar, Universe for Sale is a unique narrative-driven game where you play as a cosmic real estate agent of sorts, tasked with selling entire galaxies. The game is also available on PC and is currently free to claim on that platform until December 4.
The mobile version has its merits, having even snagged an Editors' Choice award on the Apple App Store. This recognition highlights the game's creative premise and engaging storytelling. But before you rush to hit the "purchase" button, a look at user reviews reveals a less-than-stellar reality.
A Universe of Bugs? Performance Warnings for iPhone Users
A quick scan of the app stores shows a common complaint: the mobile port of Universe for Sale is reportedly plagued with various bugs that have yet to be addressed. More importantly, the developer, Akupara Games, has included a specific performance warning.
The studio indicates that Universe for Sale may encounter significant performance issues on iPhones with less than 6 GB of RAM. This requirement is more impactful than it may initially seem.
What does this mean for you? This specification rules out a number of relatively recent and popular iPhone models, including:
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone SE (2022)
If you own any of these devices, you might experience stuttering, crashes, or other performance problems while playing, despite the game's relatively simple visual style. This is a crucial piece of information for potential players to consider before claiming the game.
For more details on the game and the giveaway, you can check out the official announcement on the Epic Games Store.
How to Claim Your Free Universe
Despite the potential performance issues, the price is still right—free. If you have a compatible device or are willing to look past some potential bugs, you can add Universe for Sale to your mobile Epic Games library.
The claim window is shorter than the PC version. You have from now until November 28 at 16:00 UTC to grab it.
You can secure your free copy instantly by using this direct checkout link or by navigating through the official Epic Games Store mobile app. Remember, once you claim it, it's yours to keep.
So, is this Black Friday freebie a cosmic deal or a shaky port? For Android users and those with higher-end iPhones, it's certainly worth a download. But for owners of an iPhone 13, 13 mini, or SE (2022) (renewed on Amazon), your universe might be better off staying on the market for now.
FAQ:
Q: Until when is Universe for Sale free on mobile?
A: You can claim it until November 28 at 16:00 UTC.
Q: Which iPhones might have problems running the game?
A: The developer warns of issues on iPhones with less than 6GB of RAM, which includes the iPhone 13, 13 mini, and iPhone SE (2022).
Q: Is the game also free on PC?
A: Yes! Universe for Sale is also free on the Epic Games Store for PC until December 4.