Just in time when Fortnite, the popular battle royale game developed by Epic Games, was all set to return to the iOS platform in Europe through the Epic Games Store being added to the App Store in 2024, Apple blocked the move by terminating the Epic’s Developer Account.
Epic sees Apple’s action as a DMA violation, while Apple cites past mistrust with Epic
Just when we thought that the Epic vs Apple battle was done and dusted, Apple came up with yet another decision that might have sparked another legal battle. Epic Games took to their official website that their account had been terminated, although Apple had approved their developer account a few months ago.
This unexpected termination hinders Epic’s ability to develop the Epic Games Store for iOS and launch Fortnite. This move is seen as a violation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires Apple to allow third-party app stores. Epic Games argues that Apple’s actions undermine competition and discourage developers from utilizing third-party app stores, which now I feel like there might be some truth to it.
Now, Apple has its own reasons to give. In the email threads shared by Epic, we can see that Apple pointed out Epic’s public criticism of their proposed DMA compliance plan as a factor in terminating the developer account. Additionally, Apple cited instances where Epic had previously “denigrated” their developer terms and portrayed Epic as historically untrustworthy.
Speaking of the long-lasting battle, in August 2020 when the game was removed from the App Store and Google Play Store after the violation of a direct payments policy and was blacklisted for five years. Fortnite did return to iOS devices in 2022 through Nvidia GeForce Now. Thanks to the Digital Markets Act aimed at loosening store dominance and allowing alternative app stores, Tim Sweeney mentioned Fortnite coming to iOS in 2024 which was officially confirmed earlier this year.
The European Commission has probed Apple over unexpected termination
Well, it seems as if Apple can’t be expecting any time to relax, with the European Commission now investigating its decision to remove Fortnite-maker Epic Games from the App Store. Well, I’m not sure why would Apple take such a risk, especially in light of Apple being fined $1.9 billion earlier in the week for abusing its dominant position and not complying with EU App Store Rules.
The commission has asked Apple for further explanations regarding its termination of Epic Games’ developer account, which prevents the company from offering titles to Apple users or launching a competing app store on iOS in Europe the commission is also assessing whether Apple’s actions violate other EU laws.
If you ask me, the situation has taken a turn for the worse, and it’s the fans who are feeling the brunt of it. Players on iOS who were waiting for the game’s return will have to wait more or else try the alternative route, whereas Epic’s battle to stop the iOS monopoly will last longer.
Apple backtracks as Fortnite return is still on
Just within two days, Apple took an unexpected U-turn and changed its decision and allowed Epic Games to create its app store in Europe. With this, Epic Games can now use its Apple Developer Account again and can bring back Fortnite to iOS devices in Europe. It looks like Apple didn’t want to bear more heat from the EU and simply decided to let go of its sour relationship with Epic Games.
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