In a significant development in the ongoing dispute between Epic Games and Apple, the tech giant has reversed its decision to block Epic from launching its game store and reinstated Fortnite on the App Store in Europe.
This reversal comes following pressure from European regulators enforcing the new Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Read: Apple’s Termination of Epic Games’ Developer Account Puts Fortnite iOS in Limbo
Apple Greenlights Epic Games to Bring Fortnite and Game Store Back to iPhones Across Europe
The feud between Epic and Apple dates back to 2020 when Epic challenged Apple’s practice of charging hefty commissions of up to 30% on in-app purchases within its App Store, citing antitrust concerns.
In a move to protest this policy, Epic introduced a direct payment system within Fortnite, bypassing Apple’s payment system altogether. Consequently, Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store and revoked Epic’s developer account.
Despite losing its legal battle against Apple in the US, Epic found support from the European Union through the DMA.
This legislation aims to prevent tech giants like Apple and Google from exercising undue control over app distribution on their platforms. With the EU issuing a deadline for compliance with the DMA, Apple’s decision to block Epic coincided with this timeframe.
Read: PlayStation Eyes Crypto: Patent Hints at ‘Super-Fungible’ Tokens
In response to pressure from EU regulators, Apple reconsidered its stance. This led to the reinstatement of Epic’s developer account, paving the way for the return of Fortnite and the establishment of Epic’s game store on iPhones and iPads in Europe.
The DMA went through its first major challenge with Apple banning Epic Games Sweden from competing with the App Store, and the DMA just had its first major victory. Following a swift inquiry by the European Commission, Apple notified the Commission and Epic that it would relent…
— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) March 8, 2024
This development underscores the increasing influence of regulatory measures like the DMA in shaping the digital marketplace. It represents a significant victory for Epic and could mark a turning point in their legal battle with Apple.
While Epic views this as a demonstration of the EU’s commitment to holding tech giants accountable, Apple asserts that Epic has agreed to comply with their DMA policies.
Although Fortnite’s return to Europe is assured, its availability in the US remains uncertain as the legal proceedings there continue.
This situation is likely to be closely monitored by developers and tech enthusiasts, given its potential to reshape the landscape of app distribution on mobile devices.
