A judge has partially granted Epic Games’ request for temporary restraining order against Apple; protecting the developer account used to support the company’s Unreal Engine from termination. Previously, Epic alleged that Apple threatened to exclude them from their developer agreement, thus blocking the Unreal Engine from its Mac and iOS products. Epic says this move would be “catastrophic for the future of the separate Unreal Engine business.” They are calling this a retaliation for their ongoing antitrust lawsuit against Apple, following the removal of Fortnite from the App Store.
Microsoft has offered their support to Epic, citing their access to the latest Apple technology as best for developers and gamers alike. Epic expresses similar sentiments in their request, saying “The cascading effect of losing ongoing Unreal Engine compatibility will threaten the viability of the engine and disrupt development of a constellation of apps and uses that rely on its graphics…” The judge clearly agreed and nixed the possibility of this happening anytime soon. The temporary restraining order does not offer protection to Fortnite, as it remains removed at this time. In their request, Epic asked for protection for the game as well as Unreal Engine but was only partially obliged.
This is one victory for Epic Games in what is sure to be a saga of many battles as this lawsuit progresses. Apple hasn’t commented on the retaliation allegations nor on the temporary restraining order placed against them at this time. Click here for more on the lawsuit and check back for more updates.