,fit(cover),quality(100)/https%3a%2f%2ftrackercdn.com%2fghost%2fimages%2f2021%2f9%2f302111_002-fortnite-screens-on-phone.jpg/image.jpg)
Epic Games v Apple's landmark case came to an decision earlier this month; the legal battle is far from over
You may have heard about the whole Epic Games versus Apple fiasco at this point. If not, you should consider flipping over that rock you've been living under
The case, predicated on Apple refusing Epic Games access to its own in-app payment processor, came to a close earlier this month
The result? A mixed-bag, but still a partial win for Epic Games. Despite having to pay nearly $4 million in restitution, Epic Games and other developers alike may now redirect customers from App Store apps to their own websites to pay for in-app transactions
Effectively eliminating the middleman, the new ruling adds pressure to app store giants to reduce fees and be more competitive over in-house alternatives
But it seems like Epic Games is not happy with this concession. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, took to Twitter to air his concerns
Fortnite should not be blacklisted for challenging an agreement containing terms the court found to be unlawful which Apple forces on all developers as terms of access to iOS. We’ll fight on. The need for regulatory and legislative action is clearer than ever before. pic.twitter.com/3oEhppg2AS
— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) September 22, 2021
Sweeney contests Apple for not allowing a native third party payment processor and cites it as part of the reason Fortnite is not allowed back on the app store
Fortnite will return to the iOS App Store when and where Epic can offer in-app payment in fair competition with Apple in-app payment, passing along the savings to consumers.
— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) September 10, 2021
The dispute over said competing in-app payment processors seems to be the main sticking point which holds Fortnite back from being relisted on the App Store
However, Apple reiterates that Fortnite may come back to the App Store if they follow "the same rules as everyone else," per legal documents. Under this statement, Apple would reinstate Fortnite to the App Store should Epic Games opt to use a website redirect for V-buck and other in app purchases
Epic Games can still fight the legal process via appeals without dragging one of its core userbases through the mud. At this point – why should Fortnite users support a cause that is more trivial than when #FreeFortnite first began?
I understand why Tim Sweeney and Epic Games are fighting the good fight. But this move is detrimental from the point of view of the player base
Do you think Epic Games should meet in the middle for the sake of its players? Let us know on Twitter
