Fortnite is now banned from the App Store and Play Store!
The most popular (over 350 million users) and most profitable mobile game is no longer available for download on iOS and Android since August 13, 2020.
And for good reason: Fortnite's publisher, Epic Games, launched the offensive.
The company integrated its own micro-payment solution...
But Apple and Google received a 30% commission on each transaction.
A war was declared on the digital giants, who quickly retaliated.
"Today, Epic Games made the unfortunate decision to break the App Store rules, which apply to all developers and are designed to make the store secure for our users. As a result, Fortnite was removed from the store." Apple at AFP.
While this exclusion may have an impact on revenues, Epic Games appears to be sticking to its strategy.
The company, which advocates the independence of applications, intends to put an end to the exclusivity of these two giants and their "tyrannical tax".
As a result, Epic Games did not hesitate to sue Apple and Google for "abuse of dominant position" by denouncing anti-competitive policies.
"Apple imposes unreasonable and illegal restrictions to dominate both markets.
Apple has become what it used to be against. The monster that wants to control markets, block competition and stifle innovation." Excerpt of the case.
Accusations that Apple and Google categorically deny.
"For game developers who choose to use the Play Store, we have consistent policies that are fair to developers and ensure the security of the store for users."Google.
The two giants are being threatened in a context where the U.S. Senate is already investigating the two app stores.
Epic Games' action is backed by Spotify and Tinder but also by many people on social media (thanks to their hashtag #freefortnite)