Google, Apple Remove Fortnite From Mobile App Stores

By Mary Anne R. First Posted: Aug 14, 2020 05:53 AM EDT

Apple has decided to remove Epic Games' battle royale game Fortnite from its app store after the developer implemented on Thursday its own in-app system, which bypassed Apple's standard by 30 percent fee.

This caused a feud between Epic and the world's most dominant mobile software marketplaces. It comes at such a bad time to Apple as it is trying to navigate antitrust concerns over its operation of the App Store and the rules it sets on certain developers, according to The Verge.

Epic released a series of responses after the removal. It includes an antitrust lawsuit seeking to establish Apple's App Store as a monopoly. Epic also aired a video on YouTube mocking the iPhone maker's 1984 ad.

The game developer also called on gaming fans to #FreeFortnite by supporting its fight against Apple. Apple said it plans to work with Epic to resolve these "violations" but has no intentions to create a "special arrangement" for the company.

"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," Apple said in a statement.

Fortnite For Android

After its removal from the Apple app store, Fortnite has also been removed from Android's Google Play Store. Epic Games snuck in an update for both the iPhone and Android versions of the game, which allowed users to pay Epic directly for in-app purchases.

Google requires that games use the Google Play system for in-app purchases, just like in Apple. The Google Play Store also requires a 30 percent cut, just the same as Apple.

"While Fortnite remains available on Android, we can no longer make it available on Play because it violates our policies," Google said in a statement.

Google noted that they still welcome the opportunity to continue their discussions with Epic and bring Fortnite back to Google Play.

A Google spokesperson said that Android is an open ecosystem that allows multiple stores. The spokesperson added that it applies equally to all developers.

You can still download Fortnite Android through the Epic Games app or via the Samsung Galaxy Store on Samsung devices. This is different for Apple users as you can not install the game on its devices.

It was not the first time the two developers had a feud over Fortnite. Epic pulled Fortnite from the Google Play Store back in 2018 and began to distribute it then directly. Around 18 months later, Epic put Fortnite back into the Google Play Store.

Aside from Epic, other app developers also issued statements of support to Apple.

The parent company of Tinder and other dating apps, Match Group, was among the app developers to file support for two ongoing antitrust investigations into Apple by the European Union.

This was done after Spotify, and other app makers protested App Store policies. It began after Spotify, and other app makers protested App Store policies.

Fortnite

Epic developed the online game Fortnite and began its distribution in 2017. It can be played on platforms such as PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One.