Just a few hours ago, Apple has cut off the Epic Games developer account on the App Store. This means the studio will not be able to upload new games or updates to existing games on Apple’s digital application.
This move is Apple’s latest move in an intensifying fight between the two companies. The legal battle started early August after Epic Games bypassed Apple’s platform fees by utilizing a new direct payment option. This move led to the removal of Fortnite from the App Store.
Other Epic Games applications such as Infinity Blade Stickers and Battle Breakers have also been withdrawn from the App Store after Epic Game’s developer account was terminated. Apple also tried to terminate Epic International’s account – a separate entity to the Unreal Engine of Epic Games which is being utilized by third-party developers. However, a judge issued a temporary restraining order which stopped it from being terminated.
In a statement, Apple revealed that they were disappointed to remove the account of Epic Games on the App Store since they have worked with the studio for many years. They have been partners in both the launches of new games and releases of amazing updates.
“The court recommended that Epic comply with the App Store guidelines while their case moves forward, guidelines they’ve followed for the past decade until they created this situation. Epic has refused.
“Instead they repeatedly submit Fortnite updates designed to violate the guidelines of the App Store. This is not fair to all other developers on the App Store and is putting customers in the middle of their fight.
“We hope that we can work together again in the future, but unfortunately that is not possible today.” – Apple
In response to the statement, Epic Games’ CEO tweeted this:
— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) August 28, 2020
Fortnite can still be played on IOS devices for anyone who has downloaded it before it was removed in the App Store. However, with the recent removal of Epic Games’ developer account, they won’t have the authority to update the game. This means players who are playing on IOS devices will not experience the new Fortnite Season 4 featuring Marvel characters.
