Why Doesn’t Apple Want Fortnite?
Apple doesn’t want Fortnite because the game’s developer, Epic Games, introduced a way for users to circumvent Apple’s in-app payment system, which violates Apple’s policies and deprives the company of its 30% commission on in-app purchases. This move by Epic Games led to a legal battle between the two companies, with Apple ultimately removing Fortnite from the App Store and Epic Games accusing Apple of antitrust behavior.
Understanding the Dispute
Background Information
The dispute between Apple and Epic Games began when Epic Games updated Fortnite to allow users to purchase V-Bucks, the game’s virtual currency, directly from Epic Games rather than through Apple’s App Store. This update violated Apple’s guidelines, which require developers to use Apple’s in-app payment system for all in-app purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why was Fortnite removed from the App Store? Fortnite was removed from the App Store because Epic Games introduced a feature that allowed users to purchase V-Bucks directly from Epic Games, violating Apple’s policies.
- What is the main issue between Apple and Epic Games? The main issue is Epic Games’ attempt to circumvent Apple’s in-app payment system, which Apple sees as a violation of its policies and a threat to its revenue.
- Is Fortnite still banned on Apple devices? Yes, Fortnite is still banned on Apple devices, but it can be played on iOS devices through cloud gaming services like Amazon Luna or Microsoft’s xCloud.
- Why doesn’t Apple allow third-party payment systems? Apple does not allow third-party payment systems because it wants to maintain control over the App Store and ensure that all transactions are secure and compliant with its guidelines.
- What was the outcome of the Apple-Epic Games lawsuit? The lawsuit resulted in Apple being cleared of monopolistic malpractices, but the court also found that Apple’s restraints have a substantial anticompetitive effect that harms consumers.
- Can I still play Fortnite on Android devices? Yes, Fortnite can still be played on Android devices, but it is no longer available on the Google Play Store due to Google’s policies against third-party payment systems.
- How much did Apple sue Epic Games for? Apple sued Epic Games for $3.6 million, which is 30% of the revenue that Epic Games earned from in-app purchases through its alternative payment system.
- Why is Epic Games suing Google? Epic Games is suing Google for antitrust practices related to the Google Play Store, which Epic Games claims is an unlawful monopoly.
- Is Epic Games in financial trouble? Epic Games has admitted to having financial problems, which led to layoffs and a restructuring of the company.
- What is the current net worth of Fortnite? The current net worth of Fortnite is estimated to be over $10 billion, making it one of the most valuable and successful games in the world.
- Will Fortnite come back to the App Store? It is unclear if Fortnite will return to the App Store, as the dispute between Apple and Epic Games is still ongoing.
- Can I play Fortnite on my iPad? Yes, you can play Fortnite on your iPad through cloud gaming services like Amazon Luna or Microsoft’s xCloud.
- Did Epic Games lose the lawsuit against Apple? Epic Games lost the lawsuit against Apple, as the court ruled in favor of Apple on most of the claims.
- Is Fortnite banned in China? Yes, Fortnite is banned in China due to the country’s crackdown on online video games that are considered a waste of time and a bad influence on young people.
- Can kids under 13 play Fortnite? Fortnite accounts for players under 13 are limited to cabined accounts until parents give permission for additional features, and Epic Games requires parental consent for players under 13 to play the game.