The dispute between the billion-dollar corporation Epic Games (Fortnite) and the trillion-dollar corporation Apple (iOS) continues. Now, Epic Games wants to use a new law in South Korea to make Fortnite playable again on iOS. On those smartphones running iOS, Fortnite has not been playable for about a year.
This is the situation:
- Epic Games protested in August 2020 against Apple taking 30 % of the revenue from Fortnite in the App Store and circumvented the payment method in a nighttime operation. Apple then banned Fortnite from iOS.
- Since then, there have been ongoing disputes between Epic Games and Apple: Epic Games accuses Apple of being greedy. They wanted so much of the profit from games on iOS that it hinders game development globally. Apple portrays Epic Games as deceitful scoundrels. They would only sue, to keep their struggling game relevant.
- Now a new law in South Korea again provides room for an attack. Epic Games is gearing up for a strike.
New law in South Korea calls for opening of App Store and Google Play
What is this law in South Korea? The law forces Apple and Google to allow alternative payment methods in their stores. Should the tech giants refuse to comply with the law, fines of up to 3 % of their revenue in South Korea are threatened.
According to a report by The Verge, lobbyists in the USA are already working to circumvent the law. This would violate a trade agreement, as the law would attempt to influence the behavior of companies based in the USA.
“We intend to re-release Fortnite in South Korea”
This is what Epic Games says: They state on Twitter:
“Epic has asked Apple to reinstate the Fortnite developer account. Epic intends to re-release Fortnite on iOS in South Korea and offer both our payment system and Apple’s in accordance with the new Korean law.”
The tweet has already reached over 20,000 likes within a few hours.
This is what is behind it: It is clearly another maneuver to exert constant pressure on Apple. Epic Games wants to force a decision in this case and continue to annoy Apple.
The new proposal would now be a compromise. Players would have the freedom to choose whether to buy their V-Coins from Apple or from Epic Games. Through price discounts, Epic Games could make it very easy for players to choose.
It can be assumed that Apple will not give in.
Apple declines
Update 21:03: The response from Apple is here. In a statement to The Verge, it is said that Epic Games will not be allowed back into the App Store until they “play by the rules that apply to everyone.”
The law in South Korea is not yet in effect. However, even if the law is enacted in South Korea, it will not have any effect on the policies at Apple, it says. Only if Epic agrees to the conditions of the App Store would they consider Epic Games’ request.
More details on the ongoing dispute between Apple and Epic Games can be read here:
Fortnite: Apple countersues – “Epic plays Robin Hood, just doesn’t want to pay anything”
