Games

Apple Ends Epic's Developer Account: What Led to the Termination?

Epic Games, the mastermind behind the widely popular game Fortnite, speaks out against Apple for shutting down its developer account.
Apple Ends Epic's Developer Account: What Led to the Termination?

Highlights

  • Epic Games and Apple clash over the termination of Epic's developer account, impacting the Epic Games Store on iOS.
  • Apple's move to terminate Epic's account is criticized by Epic Games as a breach of the Digital Markets Act.
  • The ongoing dispute reflects a significant setback in the relationship between Epic Games and Apple.

Epic Games, the creative force behind Fortnite, revealed that Apple has terminated its developer account, effectively halting the company's ability to create and support the Epic Games Store on iOS. Recently, Epic Games disclosed that Apple had initially approved its Sweden AB developer account, intended for launching Fortnite on iOS devices in Europe. However, Apple's sudden termination of this account has sparked public criticism from Epic Games.

Epic Games, the studio renowned for the globally acclaimed Fortnite game that debuted in 2017, has continuously elevated the game's status, attracting millions of daily players. The game's immense success is partly due to the frequent updates and fresh content consistently delivered by Epic Games.

The Termination of Epic Games' Account by Apple

Epic Games' plan to expand Fortnite and the Epic Games Store to various devices was disrupted by Apple's termination of its developer account, which Epic Games argues is a significant violation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Expressing surprise at Apple's decision, Epic Games asserts that the DMA mandates Apple to permit third-party app stores, like the Epic Games Store, on its platform. Epic Games contends that Apple's actions are unjust, eliminating a major competitor from the Apple App Store and deterring other developers from participating.

Despite the disappointment in Apple's recent actions, Epic Games currently offers several software and games on the Apple App Store, including Rocket League and Postparty. Additionally, Epic Games has collaborations with Apple for projects like Horizon Chase 2, an Apple Arcade game powered by Unreal Engine. Moreover, Epic Games is actively engaged in developing Unreal Engine 5.4 support for Apple's latest Apple Vision Pro headset.

Apple justifies its termination of Epic Games' developer account by citing Epic's criticism of Apple's proposed DMA compliance plan, particularly pointing to statements made by Epic Games' founder and CEO, Tim Sweeney. Apple perceives Epic Games as a threat to its ecosystem. Although a mobile version of Fortnite was previously available on iOS devices, it was discontinued in 2020. Epic Games condemns Apple's actions as

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