Fortnite Removed From Apple's App Store (UPDATED)

Apple just kicked out Fortnite

News by Grayshadow on Aug 13, 2020

Today Fortnite developer Epic Games introduced a questionable option on the App Store when buying in-game currency called V-Bucks. Players could bypass Apple's 30% fee by buying directly from the developer and Apple was not happy. Removing the world's most popular game from the store.

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The Verge did get an official statement from Apple:

Today, Epic Games took the unfortunate step of violating the App Store guidelines that are applied equally to every developer and designed to keep the store safe for our users. As a result their Fortnite app has been removed from the store. 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.

Epic has had apps on the App Store for a decade, and have benefited from the App Store ecosystem - including its tools, testing, and distribution that Apple provides to all developers. Epic agreed to the App Store terms and guidelines freely and we’re glad they’ve built such a successful business on the App Store. 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. We will make every effort to work with Epic to resolve these violations so they can return Fortnite to the App Store.

This is a great example of showing how Apple's huge cut means higher prices for customers. Whereas purchasing directly from the developer would be cheaper prices. What was $10 of the in-game currency dropped to $7.99. Tim Sweeny of Epic Games has been very vocal about this.

Sweeney told The Verge in 2018. “Apple, Google, and Android manufacturers make vast, vast profits from the sale of their devices and do not in any way justify the 30 percent cut.” Epic launched a game store on PC in which it takes only 12 percent of revenue as a way to try to encourage a similar change in competitor Valve’s Steam marketplace.

Apple has been notorious for its ill-managed App Store and being anti-consumer. Often littering the store with knock-offs of popular games and services while asking for high fees for services. Recently, Apple refused Microsoft's Game Pass on the App Store saying it was violating its policies by offering a myriad of games that require individual validation but many correctly argued that Netflix and other video streaming options offer similar services but continue to be featured on the store.

This is just completely wrong and shows that Apple is simply trying to maximize profit at the cost of the consumer and the companies on the App Store.

UPDATED AUG 13th 4:42 PM EST

Epic has responded with a lawsuit. Which makes you wonder. With the animation short and now this, did Epic plan this entire thing out?