Epic Games announced that its Epic Direct Payment was coming to Fortnite on iOS and Android, allowing players to purchase in-game items directly from Epic at a discounted price. This move was a direct violation of Apple’s App Store guidelines, which require developers to use Apple’s payment system and give Apple a 30% cut of all in-app purchases.
Apple swiftly responded to Epic’s action by removing Fortnite from the App Store, sparking a legal battle between the two tech giants. Epic retaliated by filing a lawsuit against Apple, accusing the tech giant of engaging in anti-competitive behavior and monopolistic practices.
In response to the heated battle, Epic’s CEO, Tim Sweeney, took to social media to rally support for the company’s cause. Sweeney called upon developers and players to stand up against Apple’s restrictive policies and fight for a more open and fair app ecosystem.
Apple, on the other hand, defended its App Store policies, citing security and privacy reasons for its strict guidelines. The tech giant argued that its 30% commission fee is justified as it provides developers with access to a secure platform and a vast user base.
The legal battle between Epic and Apple escalated further when Apple threatened to revoke Epic’s access to all developer tools and, in turn, cripple Epic’s ability to develop iOS games and updates. Epic responded by filing for a temporary restraining order against Apple, seeking to prevent the tech giant from taking any punitive actions.
The showdown between Epic and Apple highlighted the growing tension between tech companies and app developers over the control and revenue sharing within app stores. The outcome of this legal battle could have far-reaching implications for the future of app distribution and monetization on mobile platforms.
