![]() As a result their Fortnite app has been removed from the store. "Today, Epic Games took the unfortunate step of violating the App Store guidelines that are applied equally to every developer and designed to keep the store safe for our users. ![]() ![]() Apple further argued that Epic is seeking a special arrangement, but Apple is unwilling to give in. Epic wants to give all customers simple, in-app purchasing options free of Apple obstruction."įollowing Apple's removal of Fortnite from the App Store, it issued the following statement to GameSpot in which Apple explained that Epic’s decisions violated the App Store guidelines. It further points out that it believes the workarounds used by services like Netflix are "user-unfriendly," saying, "Apple prohibits apps like Netflix from even telling customers how to pay for their subscription service outside of the app. It does not shy away from taking shots at Apple, going so far as to say, "Apple intentionally sabotages consumer iOS devices to prevent users from installing software directly from developers, as consumers are free to do on PC and Mac." It also notes that direct payments are allowed in certain types of apps, but that games are not allowed to operate in this way. Epic says that it would offer its own competing store, were it allowed to do so.Īlongside the lawsuit, Epic has its more public-facing statements available on its website. In short, Epic is arguing that Apple has put developers in an unfair position, as the only means for selling software on iOS is to use the App Store-other options for distribution are not allowed. "When these devices are unfairly restricted and extortionately 'taxed' by Apple, the consumers who rely on these mobile devices to stay connected in the digital age are directly harmed." In the first suit, Epic states that the "anti-competitive consequences of Apple's conduct are pervasive," arguing how central mobile devices-which are subject to the 30% fee-are to people's lives. The suits both call this rate "exorbitant," comparing it with the average of 3% that other payment operators take for software sales on, say, a Mac. Instead, it wants to see changes in the way these platforms operate, allowing for alternative payment methods and storefronts that could offer more competitive rates than the 30% cut they take. Instead, it's suing over antitrust violations, arguing that Apple and Google operate monopolies over their respective mobile platforms.Įpic has spent the past nine months or so trying to clearly position itself as the good guy in this fight: It says it isn't seeking monetary compensation, nor is it looking for a special exception for Fortnite or Epic as a whole. However, it's clear it deliberately took a provocative step (introducing direct payments) that it knew would result in the game being banned to add fuel to its lawsuit. So, Why Is Epic Suing Apple And Google?Įpic's lawsuits aren't about Fortnite being removed from the app stores. The entire filing contains some eye-opening language, and the opening of the preliminary statement in particular is designed to grab the attention of consumers. But attempting to weaponize the anger of gamers, particularly younger players who are likely to fall in Fortnite's mobile audience, has rubbed some the wrong way.Īt the same time as this was happening, Epic filed a lawsuit against Apple, alleging antitrust violations. Or perhaps you side with Epic due to its argument that it's doing this to help everyone, not just Epic's bottom line. A legal fight over money between two massive corporations might be hard to care about. It's this aspect of the entire ordeal that has proven particularly controversial. Almost the instant Fortnite was banned from the App Store, Epic announced a new short that spearheaded a detailed PR campaign, taking satirical aim at Apple and urging fans to "Free Fortnite." It's clear that Epic knew exactly what would unfold once it launched direct payments. The moves by Apple and Google rendered it impossible to download Fortnite through their respective stores, but the game remained somewhat playable under certain circumstances. By clicking 'enter', you agree to GameSpot'sĪll of this set off alarm bells among observers-bypassing Apple and Google in such a way violates their respective store policies, and Apple unsurprisingly pulled Fortnite from the App Store within a few hours.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |