Viral videogame Fortnite is set to be released on Android in the coming weeks, giving hundreds of millions of phone and tablet users the chance to play the game on the move for the first time.

But a decision by Fortnite developer Epic Games not to publish the title through Google's Play Store has sparked major security concerns.

The Google Play Store is the app store for Android phones, used on smartphone models from Samsung, Sony and Huawei. It is generally considered a more secure way to download apps from the internet, which could contain viruses or malware.

But Fortnite, the cartoon-like online game where players compete in a "battle royale", won't be featured. Instead, Epic Games will make it available for download on a dedicated installer on its website.

The move means the firm can avoid the 30pc revenue share that Google gets if it hosts the game. However security experts claim the savings could prove costly elsewhere.