Apple banned Fortnite (Epic Games) developer account recently due to their In-App purchase made directly on Epic’s platform rather than Apple payment system. The ban of Epic Games dev account won’t allow users anymore to download new games or updates on iPhones, iPads or iMacs.
The problem started when Epic Games added a direct payment option for In-Game purchase on 13 August. Epic also tweeted Anti-Apple campaign for #FreeFortnite cup held on 23 August and posted a short video of 1984 Apple parody commercial.
All of your friends. Fabulous prizes. And one bad apple. We’re droppin the #FreeFortnite Cup on August 23.
Check out our blog for full info: https://t.co/BFpiMQoWID
— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) August 21, 2020
Table of Contents
So why Apple banned Fortnite or Epic Games developers account?
As per the Apple store guideline, In-App purchase should make via Apple payment system. But Epic Games was selling In-Game currency or V Bucks directly from Epic’s platform where Apple was losing the 30% revenue. So Apple shut off the Epic Games developer account under breaching policies of contract.
Epic Games accused Apple to have a monopoly of In-App purchases made via only Apple Pay. And they have paid Apple millions of dollars from games purchases like Fortnite. But Apple rejected the obligation of running any monopoly in business. And they explained that this is their business model for generating revenue to run the business successfully.
Image Credit: Apple | Epic Games
Apple said, Epic Games purposefully violated their policies that applied equally to every developer and designed to keep app store safe for users.
Epic Games also in the same situation with Google for Android platform. But Google allows In-App purchase from an external source, so it is legal to sell game currency directly from Epic platform for Android devices.
How does this will affect gamers after Apple banned Fortnite?
The fight between Apple and Epic Games may disappoint Fortnite players who are playing on iPhone, iPad or iMac. Due to the current issue, users will not get the latest season release update on any Apple device. But they can play the old version with each other as regular gameplay.
If you playing Fortnite on Xbox or PlayStation, the new console Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 coming this holiday.
When will gamers get the update for Fortnite new season?
The legal court case trials running in California and trying to come under some agreement that helps to resolve the issue. Apple said in the court hearing that they are happy to reinitiate the Epic Games developer account if they remove the changes from Fortnite while during the trial debates.
The court asked Epic Games to comply with the Apple store guideline they have followed for the past decade while the case moves forward. Apple said, Epic repeatedly submitted updates that still violets the app store guideline. But we hope to work together in future whereas it is not possible today.
What has changed after Apple’s Fortnite ban?
After Apple banned Fortnite developer account, someone added the 256GB iPhone X on eBay Australia and sold for $18,105.00 after 42 bids. The starting price for this iPhone was $199, and the owner had exceptional success on eBay to sell out this iPhone with Fortnite.
That’s really high price paid for second-hand iPhone. But it’s about gaming and they spend a lot on cool accessories too, especially Fortnite gamers in this case.
Conclusion:
Apple has the business model running under app store where they get the 30% of transactions for In-App purchases. But Epic Games breached the “App Store Guidelines” by pushing the updates with direct payment links. Which lead them to get their developers account terminated.
On top, Epic Games ran Anti-Apple campaign promoting their Free Fortnite tournament. And they also published a 1984 Macintosh parody video commercial. They also sued Apple for banning their developers account in a Californian court. The judge asked Epic Games to revise the update with direct payment options while case trial running in the court.
Apple added, “If Epic makes the necessary changes, we will gladly welcome Fortnite back onto iOS”. So hopefully Epic Games may agree to the court decision and revise the current version. By making the changes, Epic Games not only comply with Apple app store guideline but make their iOS users happy by pushing the new season updates.
Well, it’s hard to decide whether Apple is doing a monopoly business, or it is the right business model. But let the court decide about if it is monopoly or business strategies.