Epic Games Sues Apple And Google In UK Over Fortnite

Epic Games is suing Apple and Google in the UK over the removal of Fortnite from the Apple App Store for iOS devices such as the iPhone and iPad, as well as the Google Play Store for Android mobile devices.

By filing a CTA filing, Epic Games claims that Apple is monopolizing the market (the Apple Store app is the de facto space for in-app purchases and in-app purchases) by preventing developers from using the built-in payment system and forcing them to charge unfairly each purchases (Apple takes about 15-30% of all purchases).

The company also claims that alternative app stores and methods of purchasing software and content are allowed on Android devices outside of Google Play.

Epic Games does not require monetary damages. Instead, the company is asking the CTA to force Apple and Google to restore the deleted Epic app and accounts, allow developers to use payment processing systems in their apps (including their own) that are not owned by the platform owners, and allow consumers to download Epic apps outside of the App Store and Google. Play.

The Fortnite lawsuit between Apple (and to a lesser extent Google) and Epic over Fortnite began in August 2020 when the developer added a direct payment method for users looking to purchase in-game content that bypassed Apple's built-in payment system on iOS. Apple considered this to be a breach of contract and resulted in the removal of the game from the App Store.

Apple also tried to strip Epic of its Unreal Engine 4 developer status, but the US District Court issued a preliminary injunction against this action. The game engine developed by Epic is used by thousands of mobile games including PUBG Mobile and Peacekeeper Elite.

The trial between Epic and Apple will begin on May 3 in California Federal Court. In October 2020, Epic also filed a lawsuit against Apple in federal court in Australia.