The ongoing feud between Epic Games and Apple has reached its latest chapter. Back in 2020, Epic Games and Apple faced off against each other in court when Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store. Epic then filed lawsuit, which led to the trial. In the end, Apple was no longer allowed to prevent developers from linking to in-app payment options, which was the main reason Apple removed the game in the first place. In 2021, Apple was ordered to allow iOS developers link to external payment options, but they also added a 27% commission om purchases made through web links in apps as well as prompts warning users about the safety risks of using web link purchases. Earlier this month, a U.S. judge ordered Apple to stop forcing the commission and using the prompts. Following this, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney released a statement and expressed his frustration with Apple seemingly not allowing Fortnite back on the App Store days after sending the game for submission.
Following the judge’s ruling earlier this month, Epic said that it was preparing to bring Fortnite back to the iOS App Store in May. They introduced a change to its Epic Rewards plan which now gives players 20% back in rewards if they make Fortnite, Rocket League or Fall Guys purchases directly through Epic instead of through a platform’s payment system.
“No news from Apple yet. They’ve had it since last Friday,” Sweeney told one follower, expressing his frustration.
Talking to another follower, Sweeney explained that platform holders are expected to support the release of apps and regular updates when it comes to continually evolving live service games, and that if a company like Apple “obstructs” the process it hinders the game’s ability to work.
“Our release planning relies on platforms supporting app developers like us releasing apps,” he said. “There is no way a rapidly evolving multi-platform game like Fortnite can operate if platforms use their power or processes to obstruct.”