Epic Games recently started a lawsuit against the rules of the App Store, Apple's app store (the same thing was done with the Play Store). Yesterday the game developer implemented a new payment method for Fortnite through an update on the servers, allowing purchases to be made directly, bypassing the purchase system within Apple's app store. Due to this action by Epic Games, Apple took action and quickly removed Fortnite from the App Store.
In a press release, Apple said:
"Epic has enabled a feature in their app that has not been reviewed or approved by Apple, and they did so with the express intent to violate the App Store's guidelines regarding in-app payments that apply to all developers selling products or digital services."
The banning of the Epic Games app was something that the developer itself expected and was ready to react. Shortly after the App Store ban, the company said it was filing a lawsuit against Apple, accusing it of abuse of market power. Epic Games said:
"Apple's removal of Fortnite is yet another example of Apple flexing its enormous power in order to impose unwarranted restrictions and illegally maintain its 100% monopoly over the iOS in-app payment processing market."
Soon after, after the revelation of the lawsuit against Apple, Epic Games shared a video of Fortnite, where a parody of Apple's famous "1984" commercial was made. During the video, text was displayed saying:
"Epic Games has challenged the App Store monopoly. In retaliation, Apple is blocking Fortnite from a billion devices. Join the fight to stop 2020 from becoming '1984'. #FreeFortnite"
Unfortunately, any legal action against Apple on monopoly grounds will be a difficult confrontation to win, as Apple CEO Tim Cook has already spoken with Congressional antitrust officials. Even so, Epic Games still has an asset that is the great influence over the 350 million users of the game Fortnite, where the reaction has been in favor of campaigns against companies.
This lawsuit comes shortly after Apple confirmed it would not allow Microsoft's xCloud and Google's Stadia game streaming services to come to iOS.
What do you think of Apple's attitude that continues to be more and more inflexible and wanting to control everything? Comment below and share your opinion with us!
