Epic Games CEO Criticizes Apple, Announces Exciting Return of Fortnite on iOS in Europe
In a recent development, Tim Sweeney, the CEO of Epic Games, expressed his dissatisfaction with Apple’s changes to its App Store in the European Union. While his criticism of Apple’s compliance strategy raised eyebrows, Sweeney also announced some exciting news for Fortnite fans. The highly popular game will be making a comeback on iOS in Europe later this year, distributed through the upcoming Epic Games Store for iOS.
Although Sweeney referred to Apple’s changes as “hot garbage,” he believes in advocating for a more open iOS ecosystem that encourages competition and alternative payment methods. He accused Apple of forcing developers to make difficult choices between App Store exclusivity and terms that may violate the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Alternatively, developers can accept a new but also illegal anticompetitive scheme laden with additional fees and taxes on transactions that Apple doesn’t process.
While Sweeney voiced his support for Apple’s app notarization and malware scanning processes, he criticized Apple for manipulating these processes to undermine competition and impose taxes on transactions that Apple is not involved in. Despite these criticisms, Epic Games remains committed to bringing Fortnite back to iOS users and providing them with more opportunities to engage with the game.
FAQ:
1. Who is Tim Sweeney and what did he say about Apple’s App Store changes?
– Tim Sweeney is the CEO of Epic Games. He expressed his dissatisfaction with Apple’s changes, calling them “hot garbage” and accusing the company of implementing a devious and malicious compliance strategy.
2. What are developers being forced to choose between according to Sweeney?
– According to Sweeney, developers are being forced to choose between App Store exclusivity and embracing store terms that may be illegal under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Alternatively, they can accept a new, also illegal, anticompetitive scheme that includes additional fees and taxes.
3. What aspects of Apple’s announcement did Sweeney criticize?
– Sweeney criticized Apple’s manipulation of app notarization and malware scanning processes, as well as the additional taxes imposed on transactions in which Apple is not involved.
4. Will Fortnite be returning to iOS in Europe?
– Yes, Fortnite will be returning to iOS in Europe later this year, distributed through the upcoming Epic Games Store for iOS.
5. Why was Fortnite unavailable on iOS for over three years?
– Apple removed the game from the App Store and banned Epic Games due to their introduction of third-party in-app payments.
Definitions:
1. App Store exclusivity: This refers to the requirement for developers to distribute their apps exclusively through Apple’s App Store, without the option of alternative stores.
2. Digital Markets Act (DMA): This refers to the proposed European Union regulation aimed at creating fair competition and protecting consumers in digital markets.
3. Anticompetitive scheme: This term refers to practices or actions that restrict competition in a market, often to the detriment of consumers and other market participants.
Related Links:
– Epic Games Store
– Apple
The source of the article is from the blog windowsvistamagazine.es