Apple’s Resistance: Epic Games Calls for EU Action Against Tech Giants
In a bold move, Epic Games, the mastermind behind the popular game Fortnite, has urged the European Union to swiftly enforce new legislation regarding tech behemoths, citing Apple’s obstruction of their attempts to create their own app store for Apple devices. The Chief Executive Officer of Epic, Tim Sweeney, emphasized that Apple’s decision to block competition is a blatant effort to weaken their main rival, made possible by the Digital Markets Act (DMA) – a European regulation mandating tech giants to open up their platforms to competition.
For years, Epic has been advocating for the opening of iPhones and Android devices to competitive app stores, as well as for Apple and Google to lower the high commission fees charged for purchases made on their devices. While the EU has incorporated these demands into the DMA, Epic asserts that their initial endeavors to introduce their own store on iPhones were rebuffed, partly as a punishment for publicly criticizing Apple.
Painting a vivid picture, Tim Sweeney likened these actions to “feudal lords nailing the heads of their former enemies on the walls of their castles to deter others from critiquing.” Earlier in March, Apple shut down Epic’s developer account, which allowed for the construction of essential software to run their own stores on Apple devices.
Epic received a letter from Apple’s legal team, quoting Sweeney’s frequent criticisms of Apple and Epic’s violations of Apple’s app store policies. Apple justifies its decision by citing Epic’s egregious breach of their agreement with Apple and Apple’s right to halt Epic’s operations at any time.
Epic maintains that the rejection of their application demonstrates that “Apple has no intention of allowing for genuine competition” on their devices. Sweeney insists on the “unequivocal condemnation of Apple for violating the law, just like anyone else who breaches the law in such a manner.” Epic has informed the European Commission about the incident as the entity responsible for enforcing EU law.
“We are convinced that this is precisely the kind of action that the DMA seeks to influence,” said Corie Wright, Vice President of Public Policy at Epic Games.
FAQ:
1. What is Epic Games?
Epic Games is a company that created the popular game Fortnite.
2. Why did Epic Games call on the European Union to act?
Epic Games called on the European Union to take action against Apple, which blocked Epic’s attempt to develop its own app store for its devices. The company believes Apple is violating new EU legislation regarding tech giants.
3. What are Epic Games’ demands from Apple and Google?
Epic Games demands the opening of competitive app stores on iPhones and Android devices and the elimination of high commission fees for purchases on their platforms.
4. What is the EU legislation that Epic Games is citing?
Epic Games is citing the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires the largest tech companies to open their platforms to competition.
5. What actions has Apple taken against Epic Games?
Apple closed Epic’s developer account, which was necessary for building the software to run their own stores on Apple devices.
6. How does Apple justify its actions?
Apple justifies its decision by referencing Epic’s significant breach of its agreement with Apple and Apple’s right to suspend Epic’s operations at any time.
7. What is Epic Games’ stance on the matter?
Epic Games claims that Apple is unwilling to allow genuine competition on their devices and demands a clear condemnation of Apple for violating the law.
8. How does Epic Games respond to Apple’s decision?
Epic Games has informed the European Commission about the incident and expects enforcement of EU law by the relevant authorities.
9. What is the European Commission’s position on this issue?
Corie Wright, Vice President of Public Policy at Epic Games, believes that Apple’s actions are exactly what EU law is trying to combat.
Definitions:
– Fortnite: A widely popular game developed by Epic Games.
– Tech Giants: The largest tech companies with significant market influence.
– Digital Markets Act (DMA): EU regulation requiring major tech firms to open their platforms to competition.
– Commission: A fee charged for purchases or transactions on a specific platform.
– Developer: An individual or company responsible for creating software.
– EU Law: Legal regulations in force within the European Union.
Recommended Links:
– Epic Games Official Website
– Apple Official Website
The source of the article is from the blog motopaddock.nl