Fortnite Removed from Apple and Google Mobile App Stores
By: Bryce L. Jackson
Fortnite has been removed from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store after installing an update gave players an option to buy V-Bucks, the Fortnite virtual currency, directly from Epic Games rather than through Google or Apple. Purchasing V-Bucks also costs less through the option. This action to circumvent each stores’ 30% cut of revenue sharing violated both stores’ guidelines.
“Today, Epic Games took the unfortunate step of violating the App Store guidelines that are applied equally to every developer and designed to keep the store safe for our users. As a result their Fortnite app has been removed from the store. Epic enabled a feature in its app which was not reviewed or approved by Apple, and they did so with the express intent of violating the App Store guidelines regarding in-app payments that apply to every developer who sells digital goods or services.
Epic has had apps on the App Store for a decade, and have benefited from the App Store ecosystem - including its tools, testing, and distribution that Apple provides to all developers. Epic agreed to the App Store terms and guidelines freely and we’re glad they’ve built such a successful business on the App Store. The fact that their business interests now lead them to push for a special arrangement does not change the fact that these guidelines create a level playing field for all developers and make the store safe for all users. We will make every effort to work with Epic to resolve these violations so they can return Fortnite to the App Store.”
Epic Games has since launched an orchestrated campaign to win in the court of public opinion and rally angry gamers. They uploaded a protest video to YouTube, their Twitch Channel, and within Fortnite making a parody ad of Apple’s iconic 1984 ad. Epic Games then filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple saying that they intend to end “unfair and anti-competitive actions that Apple undertakes to unlawfully maintain its monopoly”. Later that day, Google also removed Fortnite from its Android app store, sparking its own tailored response and lawsuit. Mocking Google’s old “Don’t Be Evil” mantra, Epic claims that Google is also creating a monopoly over the “distribution of software and the payment systems of that software”. Further investigation into the contents of Epic Games’ lawsuit against Google, the claimed that Google squashed a deal with phone manufacturer OnePlus to preinstall the Fortnite launcher onto new phones
Purchase screens in both app stores -via Shacknews.com
What does this mean for Fortnite mobile players? Being removed from the app stores means that the app can no longer be updated or redownloaded. As of writing, if a user has lagged behind on updates, they can still get up to the current patch version. Android phones do have a workaround in that Android naturally allows for non-app store downloads and sideloading. Epic Games is allowed to have a third party app store within their Epic Games app, where you are also able to launch the game. However, being unable to update the app means potentially locking mobile users out of new seasonal content, one of the answers given in the FAQ they’ve posted. Mobile players will feel the effects as soon as Early September when Fortnite Chapter 2 - Season 4 is expected. They will be able to play but will be locked out of new content like skins and purchasing the new battle pass from any payment system.
Epic Games has ignited a bold plot that isn’t out of their character. Epic muscled its way into the PC Gaming market and bit into the monopoly that Steam had on that platform and are looking to do the same with the mobile market. In my opinion, the highly choreographed moves and responses are clever, but over-indulgent. The on-the-nose double entendrè to 1984 coming from a smaller billion-dollar company trying to keep more billions from the tech giants in the name of competitive integrity and the Free Market.
New developments have been plentiful within the last day since Epic initiated this plan and changes are still expected.