New Title: Epic Games to Bring Fortnite Back to iOS in Europe Following Legal Clash
After a fierce legal battle with Apple, Epic Games, the renowned developer of Fortnite, has revealed its plans to reintroduce the game to iOS users in Europe in 2024. Apple had removed Fortnite from the App Store in 2020 due to a disagreement over the utilization of a third-party payment system.
The removal of Fortnite from the App Store sparked a series of legal disputes between Epic Games and Apple, with varying outcomes. However, a new legislation called the Digital Markets Act, recently passed in the European Union, is now imposing changes on Apple. As per the act, Apple is required to facilitate third-party interoperability and allow business users to advertise their products and services and enter into contracts independently of Apple’s platform.
With the backing of the Digital Markets Act, Epic Games intends to release a version of its Epic Games Store exclusively for iOS users in European Union member states, with Fortnite as the flagship app. Although no specific release date has been announced yet, users can anticipate the arrival of the Epic Games Store and Fortnite on iOS in the near future.
In response to the evolving regulations and mounting pressure from developers, Apple has made certain amendments to its App Store Review Guidelines. Nevertheless, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney remains critical of Apple’s revised rules.
The primary objective of Epic Games in this ongoing tussle with Apple is to establish the Epic Games Store as a dominant competitor to the App Store. Sweeney envisions the Epic Games Store being available on both iOS and Android platforms, with the aim of becoming the leading multi-platform software store. The CEO believes that fostering payment competition and offering lower fees, ranging from 0% to 12%, alongside exclusive games like Fortnite, will play a pivotal role in achieving this ambition.
It is worth noting that in 2023, Epic Games faced financial difficulties and consequently had to lay off 16% of its workforce. Sweeney openly acknowledged that the company’s expenses surpassed its earnings at that time.
FAQ:
1. What led to the removal of Fortnite from the App Store?
Fortnite was taken down from the App Store in 2020 due to a dispute between Epic Games and Apple regarding the usage of a third-party payment system.
2. What legal battles resulted from the removal of Fortnite?
The removal of Fortnite from the App Store set off a series of legal battles between Epic Games and Apple. The outcomes of these legal skirmishes have been mixed.
3. What does the Digital Markets Act entail?
The Digital Markets Act is a recent legislation passed by the European Union, imposing specific regulations and requirements on tech companies like Apple.
4. How is Epic Games responding to the Digital Markets Act?
With the support of the Digital Markets Act, Epic Games intends to launch a version of its Epic Games Store tailored for iOS users in European Union countries, with Fortnite as the highlight of the store.
5. What changes has Apple made to its App Store Review Guidelines?
In response to evolving regulations and pressure from developers, Apple has made some alterations to its App Store Review Guidelines.
6. What is Epic Games’ ultimate goal in the battle with Apple?
Epic Games aims to establish the Epic Games Store as a prominent competitor to the App Store. They envision launching the Epic Games Store on both iOS and Android platforms and achieving the status of the leading multi-platform software store.
7. What is the key to achieving Epic Games’ goal?
Epic Games believes that fostering payment competition, offering lower fees ranging from 0% to 12%, and featuring exclusive games like Fortnite are crucial to achieving their goal.
8. What financial difficulties did Epic Games face in 2023?
In 2023, Epic Games faced financial challenges, leading to a 16% reduction in its workforce. CEO Tim Sweeney acknowledged that the company was spending more money than it was generating during that period.
Definitions:
– App Store: A digital distribution platform for mobile applications on iOS devices.
– Digital Markets Act: Legislation in the European Union that enforces certain regulations and changes for tech companies like Apple.
– Epic Games Store: A digital distribution platform for video games developed and operated by Epic Games.
– Fortnite: A highly popular online multiplayer video game developed by Epic Games.
– Third-party interoperability: The ability of software or platforms to interact with and share information with third-party services or systems.
Sources:
– Epic Games Store – [link](https://www.epicgames.com/store/)
– Apple App Store – [link](https://www.apple.com/app-store/)
– Digital Markets Act – European Commission – [link](https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/en/digital-markets-act)
The source of the article is from the blog combopop.com.br