Apple has pulled Epic Games’ “Fortnite” from the App Store after the developer on Thursday implemented its own in-app payment system that bypassed Apple’s standard 30 percent fee in blatant violation of Apple’s App Store terms.
Apple said in a statement to The Verge that it plans to work with Epic to “resolve these violations” but that it has no intention to create a “special arrangement” for the company. Here’s the company’s statement in full:
Today, 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. Epic enabled a feature in its app which was not reviewed or approved by Apple, and they did so with the express intent of violating the App Store guidelines regarding in-app payments that apply to every developer who sells digital goods or services.
Epic has had apps on the App Store for a decade, and have benefited from the App Store ecosystem – including its tools, testing, and distribution that Apple provides to all developers. Epic agreed to the App Store terms and guidelines freely and we’re glad they’ve built such a successful business on the App Store. The fact that their business interests now lead them to push for a special arrangement does not change the fact that these guidelines create a level playing field for all developers and make the store safe for all users. We will make every effort to work with Epic to resolve these violations so they can return Fortnite to the App Store.
MacDailyNews Take: Had to be done.
You know, it costs money to run the App Store and the value Apple provides to developers of having a safe, secure, organized, curated App Store is actually quite significant.
Epic seems to want to enjoy all of the benefits of Apple’s App Store, including access to 1+ billion of the most affluent users for free. That is illogical, unfair, and, basically, theft, regardless of who gets the “savings.”
If there’s no deal between Apple and Epic for this “Epic direct payment” thing, Apple (and Google) should pull the game until it adheres to App Store rules.
Fortnite should just create an online store that bypasses Apple all together, like Amazon with Kindle.
I can agree with that as they are a trusted brand. However unlike with Android, until Apple decides to allow 3rd party App stores they won’t be able to do so.
I think I’ll start using bitcoin to get paid so I dont have to report taxes.
I think I will go to a bit torrent to see if I can find and play Fortnite for free. I can’t believe they actually expect me to pay for their product. That is so unfair, waaaaaannnnhhhhhhhh. I want everything for free – give it to me, now!
Um, fortnight is free
No seriously – Fortnight is free
You raise a good point. Developers don’t want users stealing their work, yet these developers don’t want to pay Apple what was already agreed to.
When they use Apple’s App Store service (otherwise know as the product) it is highly customary in most marketplaces I know of, to pay for it. If you dont have to pay for it, that’s usually because the provider is using it as an incentive to do business or its leveraged some other way (ie. Google advertising.) Apple is under no obligation to give their product away for free.
I have to buy a ticket to get into a stadium to watch a football game in person.
I have to pay eBay to sell my stuff through them.
Fortnite should go build their own App Store, if they think its of so little value. This is extortion.
Epic games, the developer of Fortnite, does have their own successful website where they sell games. Unfortunately since Apple does not allow 3rd party App stores, even for trusted brands, they can’t. This is why there is a current argument regarding Apple having an iOS App distribution monopoly.
Even MS has to sell through Apple and they have their own store.
Like Flash don’t let it back in/on the iPhone, and get on with making the best products Apple move on.
Censor!
Fortnite Responds