Fortnite: Epic against Apple, the case also lands in Europe
Fortnite
The war between Epic Games and Apple moves to the 'Old Continent'. It all began in August 2020, with the removal of Fortnite from the App Store of the Cupertino company (but also from the Google Play Store), after the gaming house had introduced a transaction system to circumvent the quota of 30 % set by the bitten apple store. Epic then decided to sue both Apple and Google for monopoly behavior in the U.S.A. Now the battlefield between the well-known videogame company and the Cupertino giant, lands in Europe.The legal complaint to the European Commission (EC) of Epic, also joins that of Spotify, for anti-competitive behavior from part of Apple. The company led by Tim Cook, on the other hand, imposes limitations on the installation of apps, which can only be downloaded through the proprietary App Store platform. As we have previously specified, through the proprietary platform, 30% of sales are collected by Apple. Tim Sweeney, founder of Epic Games, said that “… the future of mobile platforms is at stake” and is determined not to stand still and look at Apple's “dominance”.
Apple, d 'on the other hand, he retorted on Epic's violation of the App Store rules, stating through a spokesperson: "Their reckless behavior has made customers into pawns, and we can't wait to make it clear to the European Commission," he concluded. . In Europe, in fact, Epic Games had allowed users to pay through their app, therefore without using Apple Pay. Arianna Podesta, spokesperson for the EC, confirmed that she had received the complaint from Epic to Apple, and confirmed that she will evaluate according to their standard procedures.
How will it end? Stay tuned with us at Game Division for future updates! In the meantime, did you know that some leaks have revealed details regarding the final event of Fortnite Season 5? Click here to learn more!
On Amazon Italy, a beautiful version of Monopoly dedicated to the famous Epic Games battle royale is available. Click here to view the product page!
‘Fortnite’ Maker Epic Games Extends Legal Battle With Apple to Europe
BRUSSELS—“Fortnite” game developer Epic Games Inc. has filed an antitrust complaint against Apple Inc. in the European Union, broadening its continuing legal battle after filing similar lawsuits in the U.S., Australia and the U.K.
At the core of the legal dispute is how much control and revenue share technology giants should have in relation to popular apps. The online game “Fortnite” was kicked out of both Apple’s App Store and Alphabet Inc.’s Google Play Store last year after Epic introduced a payment system that effectively cut off both companies from the 30% share of users’ spending that they had charged Epic.
Epic has sued both Apple and Google for alleged monopolistic behavior in the U.S., and Apple countersued.
In Europe, Epic’s legal complaint joins plaintiffs including music-streaming service Spotify Technology SA that have prompted a formal investigation into Apple’s alleged anticompetitive behavior.
“What’s at stake here is the very future of mobile platforms,” said Epic founder and Chief Executive Officer Tim Sweeney. “We will not stand idly by and allow Apple to use its platform dominance to control what should be a level digital playing field.”
