Epic Games is suing Apple and Google for removing Fortnite from App Store and Google Play Store. While Google and Apple said that they have removed Fortnite because Epic Games violated their Store policies by introducing a direct payment system in the Fortnite which bypassed the fees needed to pay both Apple and Google if the payment is done through App Store or Play Store.
Epic Games has sued Apple and Google for anti-competitive restrictions in its app marketplace. Apple was the first to remove Fortnite from the App Store, hours later Google also followed the same removed Fortnite from Play Store.
In the lawsuit, Epic Games mentioned that Google forced the company to withdraw a deal with OnePlus to pre-install Fortnite launcher on OnePlus phones. Google also reportedly prevented LG from pre-installing the Epic Games app on LG devices.
Although Fortnite is removed from the Play Store Android users can use it. They just need to sideload the APK in Android, actually, it was the case for Fortnite until it was introduced in Play Store. But the story is totally different for iOS users. iOS provides no alternative to the App Store, completely blocking users from installing or updating the app.
In a statement to The Verge, Apple said that “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…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.”
A Google spokesperson said that “For game developers who choose to use the Play Store, we have consistent policies that are fair to developers and keep the store safe for users. While Fortnite remains available on Android, we can no longer make it available on Play because it violates our policies. However, we welcome the opportunity to continue our discussions with Epic and bring Fortnite back to Google Play.”
