Multiplayer hit 'Fortnite' may be headed to the Apple TV [u]

A reference to tvOS can be found in the game's code, according to "Storm," a Twitter user specializing in Fortnite leaks. No other details have been shared so far.

Epic Games' "Fortnite" is a free-to-play game that has succeeded mostly because of its main mode, "Battle Royale," based on another game, "PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds." The lack of an entry fee combined with a more family-friendly atmosphere has made Fortnite wildly popular, and the title is now on several platforms including Apple's macOS and iOS.

The inclusion of a tvOS string is not a guarantee that the app will make it to the media streamer. However, it does suggest that Epic is at least considering the possibility.

On the low-end, "Fortnite" requires a A9 processor, as found in the iPhone SE and iPhone 6. So the app, should it materialize, will likely not be restricted to the Apple TV 4K.

Apple's tvOS set-tops have largely failed to take off as a gaming platform, even though they have enough power and support third-party apps. This is likely because of the Siri Remote, which simply doesn't have the controls to handle the actions and movement of a game like Fortnite. If the game was ported, players would essentially be forced to buy a gamepad.

Update: An Epic representative, Nick Chester, said that the company isn't planning a port.

"References to tvOS in the Fortnite files are the result of general Unreal Engine support for the Apple TV platform," he explained on Twitter.