Apple informs Epic Games of termination of its accounts from iOS and Mac

The conflict between Apple and Epic Games has gotten more intense as their digital and legal battles over App Store policy continue. Today, the developer informed on Twitter that the iPhone maker has given August 28 as the termination date for all of Epic’s developer accounts. Apple has also decided to severe Epic from iOS and Mac development tools.

On August 14, Apple removed the Fortnite game from the iOS App Store because of Epic’s new rebellious direct payment method. In the announcement post of the update, Fortnite’s developer very publicly called out Apple by deeming its policy of 30% cut in revenue of in-app purchases unfair.

Epic

This update was also released for the app’s Android version which resulted in similar action from Google. As surprising as the update was, it immediately triggered a series of reactions from all sides, Apple, Google, and Epic Games.

Like the last time, this time Epic has a legal order ready against Apple to stop the removal of Fortnite from the App Store. The developer’s motion states that,

“Plaintiff Epic Games, Inc. (“Epic”) will and hereby does move this Court pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 65 for a Temporary Restraining Order and an Order to Show Cause Why a Preliminary Injunction Should Not Issue

(1) restraining Defendant Apple Inc. (“Apple”) from removing, de-listing, refusing to list or otherwise making unavailable the app Fortnite, including any update thereof, from the App Store on the basis that Fortnite offers in-app payment processing through means other than Apple’s In-App Purchase (“IAP”) or on any pretextual basis;

(2) restraining Apple from removing, disabling or modifying Fortnite or any code, script, feature, setting, version or update thereof from any iOS user’s device; and

(3) restraining Apple from taking any adverse action against Epic, including but not limited to restricting, suspending, or terminating any Epic entity from Apple’s Developer Program, on the basis that Epic enabled in-app payment processing in Fortnite through means other than IAP or on the basis of the steps Epic took to do so.”

Epic Games’ Controversial Fortnite Update

Since the companies have locked horns, the tech industry is questioning the motive of such a stern action by Epic Games. On Twitter, tech analysts questioned the developer’s motive behind the direct payment update and its similar revenue cuts by Sony and Microsoft.

However, the developer has the support of its players and companies like Spotify.

Previously, Epic Games too has been accused of making money off the music producers. Thus, this conflict is not black or white, it has a lot of grey areas, so whose side are you on and why? Let us know in the comments section.

About the Author

Addicted to social media and in love with iPhone, started blogging as a hobby. And now it's my passion for every day is a new learning experience. Hopefully, manufacturers will continue to use innovative solutions and we will keep on letting you know about them.