It can happen that fast: The news that #EpicGames is now relying on its own payment processing system for Fortnite to get around the high fees in the #iOS App Store and Android Play Store is only a few hours old. Now Apple and Google have removed Fortnite.
Update from August 14: Google has now also reacted and kicked the popular game Fortnite out of its own Play Store for Android. They made the following statement to the colleagues from The Verge:
“The open Android ecosystem allows developers to distribute applications across multiple app stores. For game developers who choose to use the Play Store, we have consistent policies that are fair to developers and make the store safe for users. Fortnite is still available on Android, but we can no longer make it available on the Play Store because it violates our policies. However, we welcome the opportunity to continue our conversations with Epic and bring Fortnite back to Google Play.”
Update 2 from August 14: We have now also written a commentary on this, in which we explain that Apple and Google are Goliath, but Epic is not fit to be David.
Fortnite is no longer available for iOS – Apple has unceremoniously removed the game from the App Store. Anyone looking for Fortnite now will only find freeloaders with wallpapers and the like. Epic boss Tim Sweeney certainly didn’t think that way, although a special path like Epic had taken could hardly have led to a different reaction.
First statement from Apple is already available
Apple has already issued a statement to The Verge through a spokesperson:
“Today, Epic Games took the unfortunate step of violating App Store policies that apply equally to all developers and are designed to keep the Store safe for our users. As a result, their Fortnite app has been removed from the store. Epic enabled a feature in its app that was not reviewed or approved by Apple with the express intent of violating App Store policies regarding in-app payments, which apply to any developer selling digital goods or services.
Epic has had apps on the App Store for a decade and has benefited from the App Store ecosystem – including the tools, testing and distribution that Apple makes available to all developers. Epic has voluntarily agreed to the terms and policies of the App Store, and we are pleased that they have built such a successful business with the App Store. The fact that their business interests have now led them to push for a special arrangement does not change the fact that these policies create a level playing field for all developers and make the Store safe for all users.
We will make every effort to work with Epic to resolve these violations so they can bring Fortnite back to the App Store.”
Epic had implemented “Epic Direct Payment,” a standalone billing system, in the Fortnite app for iOS and Android. However, no sooner had the update arrived on iOS than Apple removed it again. It is not yet clear how Google will react to this affront. Currently, Fortnite can at least still be found in the Play Store. However, the Android version has also been available for download via EpicGames.com and the Galaxy App Store since the game’s launch.
Postscript: Epic now also has a statement via Twitter. And lo and behold, it’s a lawsuit against Apple. It now says “Epic Games has taken legal action in response to Apple”. The statement of claim is attached as a PDF. It states:
“Rather than tolerate this healthy competition…Apple responded by removing Fortnite from sale in the App Store, meaning new users will not be able to download the app, and users who have already downloaded previous versions of the app from the App Store will not be able to update. This also means that Fortnite players,? will not be able to receive updates to Fortnite via the App Store, either automatically or by checking the App Store for the update. Apple’s removal of Fortnite is another
example of Apple using its enormous power to impose unreasonable restrictions and unlawfully exploit its 100% monopoly over the iOS in-app payment processing market.”
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