Why isn’t Fortnite on Apple?
Fortnite is not available on Apple devices due to a dispute between Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, and Apple over the company’s App Store policies, specifically the 30% fee charged for in-app purchases. The issue arose when Epic Games introduced an alternative payment option for V-Bucks, the in-game currency, which Apple deemed a violation of its App Store guidelines.
Background of the Dispute
The conflict between Epic Games and Apple began in August 2020, when Epic Games updated the Fortnite app to include a direct payment option, allowing players to purchase V-Bucks without going through the App Store, thus avoiding the 30% fee. This move was seen as a challenge to Apple’s control over in-app purchases and led to Apple removing Fortnite from the App Store.
Effects of the Ban
The ban has had significant consequences for both Epic Games and Apple, with Fortnite losing a substantial portion of its player base on iOS devices. Despite this, Epic Games has found alternative ways to make Fortnite available on Apple devices, such as through cloud gaming services like Nvidia’s GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming.
FAQs
General Questions
- What is the main reason for Fortnite’s removal from the App Store? Fortnite was removed from the App Store because Epic Games introduced an alternative payment option for V-Bucks, which Apple considered a violation of its App Store policies.
- Can I still play Fortnite on iOS devices? Yes, you can play Fortnite on iOS devices through cloud gaming services like Nvidia’s GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming.
- How do I install Fortnite on my iOS device after the App Store ban? You can install Fortnite on your iOS device by adding a shortcut to Xbox Cloud Gaming on your home screen and accessing the game through the xbox.com/play website.
Fortnite and Apple
- Why did Apple remove Fortnite from the App Store? Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store because Epic Games introduced a direct payment option for V-Bucks, which Apple saw as a breach of its App Store guidelines.
- Is Fortnite available on Apple devices through other means? Yes, Fortnite is available on Apple devices through cloud gaming services like Nvidia’s GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming.
- Can I play the latest version of Fortnite on iOS? Yes, if you’re playing Fortnite through cloud gaming on iOS, you will be playing the current version of the game.
Epic Games and Apple Lawsuit
- Who won the Epic Games vs. Apple lawsuit? Apple won the lawsuit, with the 9th Circuit Court upholding the ruling that Apple’s restraints have a substantial anticompetitive effect that harms consumers, but finding that Epic Games did not prove its Sherman Act case.
- What was the outcome of the Epic Games vs. Apple lawsuit? The outcome of the lawsuit was that Apple prevailed, but the court acknowledged that Apple’s practices have anticompetitive effects that harm consumers.
Fortnite Availability and Revenue
- Is Fortnite banned on all Apple devices? Fortnite is not available on the App Store, but it can be played on Apple devices through cloud gaming services.
- How much is Fortnite worth? As of 2023, Fortnite’s net worth is estimated to exceed $10 billion.
- Who owns Fortnite? Epic Games owns Fortnite, with Tim Sweeney, co-founder and CEO, being the major shareholder, and Tencent holding a stake of over 40% of the company.
Player Base and Revenue
- How many players did Fortnite lose due to the Apple ban? Fortnite reportedly lost as many as 60% of its iOS players following the ban.
- How does Epic Games earn revenue from Fortnite? Epic Games earns revenue from Fortnite through in-game purchases, V-Bucks, and royalties from games that use the Unreal Engine.
- Why did Epic Games pay $500 million? Epic Games paid $520 million as part of a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission over violations of children’s privacy laws and predatory practices surrounding Fortnite’s in-game purchases.
Age Rating and Safety
- What is the age rating for Fortnite? The age recommendation for Fortnite is 13 and up, due to its action violence and open chat features.