Apple and Google have removed Fortnite from their respective app stores.
The two companies made the decision after Fortnite’s developer, Epic, made in-app changes that allowed it to bypass the App Store and Play Store for in-app purchases, therefore allowing it to collect 100% of gamers’ revenue, rather than their usual 70%.
This is against Apple and Google’s rules, and thus the two giants made the decision to remove Fortnite.
Speaking of its decision to remove the game from the App Store, a spokesperson from Apple said: “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.”
Google followed with a similar statement, confirming: “The open Android ecosystem lets developers distribute apps through multiple app stores. 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.”
The game’s developer has since said it will sue both Apple and Google for loss of revenue, and it comes at a time when both companies face antitrust lawsuits in Europe and the United States, with others, including Spotify, claiming Apple’s policies limit growth and diversity.
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