Earlier today, we reported that Apple removed Fortnite from the iOS store after Epic Games included a new update that provided their own in-game purchasing system that allowed players to get discounts on in-store items without the 30% cut that goes to Apple. When players began chanting #FreeFortnite, Apple issued a response and it seems like that awoke the bear because Epic is going all-in.
Epic Games took to the Fortnite Twitter page to share a video presenting the ongoing event as a 1984-esque nightmare, painting themselves as the rebellion against unfair revenue practices. While that may seem ironic to have two billionaire companies going at it, it’s important to remember that Epic has walked their talk numerous times in the past when it comes to revenue and cut processes. The video though? The video is snarky, targeted, and intentionally provoking:
Epic Games has defied the App Store Monopoly. In retaliation, Apple is blocking Fortnite from a billion devices.
Visit https://t.co/K3S07w5uEk and join the fight to stop 2020 from becoming “1984” https://t.co/tpsiCW4gqK
— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) August 13, 2020
The above video was a direct response to a statement provided earlier, stating:
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. As a result their Fortnite app has been removed from the store. Epic enabled a feature in its app which was not reviewed or approved by Apple, and they did so with the express intent of violating the App Store guidelines regarding in-app payments that apply to every developer who sells digital goods or services.
Epic has had apps on the App Store for a decade, and have benefited from the App Store ecosystem – including its tools, testing, and distribution that Apple provides to all developers. Epic agreed to the App Store terms and guidelines freely and we’re glad they’ve built such a successful business on the App Store. The fact that their business interests now lead them to push for a special arrangement does not change the fact that these guidelines create a level playing field for all developers and make the store safe for all users. We will make every effort to work with Epic to resolve these violations so they can return Fortnite to the App Store.
While at the time this article was written it was still possible to use Apple’s system alongside Epic’s new in-game purchasing process in Fortnite on iOS, Apple continues to block the game on billions of devices and it doesn’t look like that blockade is going to be stopping anytime soon.
Related: Apple Removes Fortnite From Store After Offering Cheaper Alternative to V-Bucks
This story is developing…
Published: Aug 13, 2020 08:57 pm