In a shocking turn of events, video game developer Epic Games has revealed that Apple is blocking its hit game Fortnite from the app stores in the United States and European Union.
The popular battle royale game, which boasts millions of players worldwide, has been removed from both the App Store and Google Play Store due to a dispute between Epic Games and Apple over policies and fees.
According to Epic Games, Apple has imposed a ban on Fortnite because of a recent update that allowed players to make in-app purchases through Epic’s own payment system, bypassing Apple’s 30% commission fee.
This move has caused a stir in the gaming community, with players expressing their disappointment and frustration over not being able to access their beloved game.
Overview
Epic Games‘ popular title Fortnite has been rendered inaccessible on iOS devices worldwide due to a dispute with Apple over app distribution and payment policies. This development has greatly impacted iPhone users who previously relied on either the App Store or alternative storefronts for downloading the game.
Key Details:
- Apple’s Restriction: Epic attempted to submit Fortnite to the US App Store after a recent legal judgment allowed developers to link external payment methods. Despite this ruling, Apple refused to approve the submission, citing issues with Epic’s implementation process.
- Global Unavailability: The inability to distribute Fortnite via Apple’s platforms has led to its removal from iPhones and iPads. Even in regions like the European Union, where Epic had leveraged the Digital Markets Act to offer Fortnite through third-party stores, the game is now offline worldwide.
- Alternative Stores: Previously, the EU allowed iOS users access to Fortnite via the Epic Games Store or AltStore PAL instead of Apple’s App Store. However, these options are also no longer operational due to ongoing disagreements between Epic Games and Apple.
Legal and Business Context:
Epic’s longstanding battle with Apple stems from its introduction of an independent in-app payment system, which violated Apple’s rules and led to the termination of Epic’s US developer account in 2020. To navigate this, Epic Sweden attempted to resubmit Fortnite using its developer account, but Apple requested modifications, stating the inclusion of the US storefront could cause broader disruptions.
Epic’s Response:
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney has publicly criticized Apple’s app review policies, asserting they are being misused to favor unofficial Fortnite replicas while blocking the official version. He also underscored Epic’s commitment to simultaneous updates across all platforms, further complicating the approval process.
Impact on Users:
This situation affects millions of iPhone owners, as they are unable to access Fortnite through traditional avenues like the iPhone App Store or alternative methods. The removal not only limits availability but also prevents updates and new content releases for iOS users.
Current Status:
Both companies remain at an impasse, leaving the future of Fortnite on iPhone and iOS devices uncertain. The ongoing legal and operational hurdles highlight the complex dynamics between major tech firms and gaming developers in navigating app store policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Fortnite removed from Apple’s App Store?
Fortnite was taken down from Apple’s App Store due to a dispute between Epic Games and Apple. Epic implemented a direct payment option within Fortnite, bypassing Apple’s in-app purchase system. This violated Apple’s rules, which led to the game’s removal.
Could Fortnite return to iOS devices in the future?
It is possible for Fortnite to return to iOS, but the outcome depends on resolving legal and financial disagreements between Epic Games and Apple. Any progress toward reinstatement has not been concretely announced.
Can iOS users who downloaded Fortnite earlier still play the game?
Players who have previously downloaded Fortnite on their iOS devices may still be able to access the game. However, they might not receive updates, new content, or in-game features that have been released since the removal.
What options do iOS users have to play Fortnite?
iOS users can explore cloud gaming services, such as NVIDIA GeForce NOW, to play Fortnite on their devices. These services enable players to stream the game without needing to install it locally.
Has Epic Games made efforts to fix the problem with Apple?
Epic Games has pursued legal action and held public discussions in an effort to address the issues with Apple. Despite these efforts, a long-term resolution has yet to be achieved.
How does Fortnite’s removal affect current iOS players?
The removal limits the ability of iOS players to stay updated with new Fortnite content or features. Cross-platform gameplay may also feel restricted without access to the latest game versions.
