The online shooter Fortnite wants to return to devices running Apple systems – iOS and Mac – after a court dispute. Apple had actually assured this, but now Apple is being obstinate. They refuse to let Fortnite back into Apple’s ecosystem, such as the App Store. As a reason, they cite comments from Epic CEO Tim Sweeney and “hypocritical behavior”. The Epic CEO is sulking and finds it unfair to be punished like this.
This is the backstory:
- Epic rebelled against Apple a year ago: They violated the rules in the App Store and introduced their own payment option – even with nice discounts. This is strictly forbidden.
- As a result, Fortnite was removed from iOS and Epic filed a lawsuit. They accused Apple of abusing its monopoly and taking 30% of the revenue. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney repeatedly poked at Apple; with a big ad spot in Fortnite, they accused Apple of becoming the faceless corporation they once fought against.
- Epic has since lost the lawsuit. Epic backed down and promised to comply with Apple’s rules. Apple had actually assured that they would bring Fortnite back if they “follow the rules that apply to everyone.” After all, the business relationship between Epic and Apple had long been profitable.
- But Apple is now being obstinate. Apparently, they are taking Epic CEO Tim Sweeney’s jabs personally and are retaliating.
Apple denies Fortnite entry to the App Store due to statements from “Mr. Sweeney”
This is what Apple says about Fortnite: The head of Epic Games, Tim Sweeney, has published an email from Apple. There, they deny Epic a possible return to Apple’s “ecosystem” until all legal avenues are exhausted (via twitter).
It says:
- The court had ruled that Apple was right to ban Epic from the platform
- Comments from “Mr. Sweeney” and the “hypocritical behavior” of Epic Games also argue against reinstatement
- Therefore, Epic’s account will not be reinstated
- Apple will not consider any further submissions until the court ruling is final
This is Sweeney’s reaction: The Epic CEO is fuming on Twitter. He says: Fortnite has complied with the rules. They sent $6 million as ordered. And they promised to adhere to the guidelines when releasing a product for an Apple platform.
Whether Fortnite will be submitted by Epic for iOS again depends on whether Apple allows other payment systems to be used equally alongside its own.
But Apple has now “blacklisted” Fortnite. It may take up to 5 years for the ruling to go through all instances.
Apple has lied, they have always said that they would take Fortnite back as soon as they comply with the rules. Most recently, Apple repeated this statement on September 10. But now Apple would again exploit its monopoly position. Nothing has changed in the situation compared to September 10.
In the meantime, Epic Games has only made a few statements.
Apple would blacklist a company just for making a statement. Where would that lead, Sweeney asks. Would Apple next ban Spotify or the New York Times?
More on the whole drama:
This is behind Fortnite 1984, the attack on Apple and #FreeFortnite
