Summary Points
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Apple’s Stance: Apple claims it is not blocking Epic from offering Fortnite in the EU but requests resubmission of updates excluding the US App Store to avoid impacting Fortnite’s global availability.
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Epic’s Position: Epic asserts that Apple’s actions prevent Fortnite from being released in both the US App Store and the Epic Games Store in the EU, leading to a global shutdown of the game on iOS.
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Legal Context: Following a court ruling that mandated Apple allow alternative payment methods, Epic submitted a Fortnite update, hoping this would facilitate a return to the App Store.
- Historical Background: Fortnite was removed from the App Store after Epic attempted to bypass Apple’s in-app payment system, part of a broader challenge against the control of Apple and Google over app distribution.
Apple Responds to Epic’s Fortnite Claims in EU
In a recent development, Apple clarified its stance regarding Epic Games and Fortnite. Initially, Epic accused Apple of blocking its game from both the US App Store and the Epic Games Store in the European Union. However, Apple responded affirmatively, stating it did not prevent Fortnite’s availability in alternative distribution marketplaces.
A company spokesperson told Bloomberg that Apple wants Epic’s European branch to resubmit the latest game update. Notably, the update should exclude the US App Store to avoid affecting Fortnite in other regions. This situation arises after a court ruling that favored Epic, allowing developers to support alternative payment methods.
Epic’s CEO Tim Sweeney had high hopes for this change. He believed it would pave the way for Fortnite’s return to the mainstream app stores. Fortnite originally got removed from the App Store in 2020 when Epic began directing players to bypass Apple’s in-app payment system.
Despite the ongoing legal battles and complexities, Epic’s advocacy has already encouraged some developers to explore alternative payment avenues. This development underscores a shift in the app ecosystem, highlighting the tension between large tech companies and game developers.
While the legal and corporate maneuvering continues, both sides aim to establish more favorable conditions for their respective platforms. The future of Fortnite on iOS remains uncertain but offers a glimpse into larger discussions on digital marketplace control and developer rights.
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