Fortnite banned by Apple and Android app stores over in-app purchases dispute

Android have followed Apple in banning Fortnite from its Google Play Store.

Fortnite is a Battle Royale shooter where multiple players drop in to an ever-shrinking map fighting it out to be the last one standing.

It's a popular game mode that has been replicated by many, most notably by Activision who have seen success with their release of Call of Duty: Warzone, part of the 2019 title, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, developed by Infinity War and Raven Software.

The drastic move from Android comes after Apple also banned the mobile version from its App Store, restricting players from installing the world's most popular gaming franchise.

The ban followed a Fortnite update that allows players to make in-game purchases directly from maker Epic Games - bypassing the 30% cut of sales taken by both Apple and Android for in-app purchases.

It's a move that has angered Apple who wasted no time in banning Fortnite from their platforms.

A move Epic games seem to have expected who have sued the US technology giant before releasing an in-game video mimicking Apple's own 1984 commercial, portraying Apple as a monopolist.

Despite Play Store's rules being less strict than Apple's they are very clear when it comes to mobile games.

"Developers offering products within a game downloaded on Google Play or providing access to game content must use Google Play In-app Billing as the method of payment.”

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So what does this mean for mobile gamers who love playing on their smartphone?

Epic Games say that any iPhone users who already have the game installed will be able to continue playing but won't receive future updates to the game while the ban remains in place.

It will be similar for Android users although the platform does allow downloads not available on the Play Store  which could see new versions of the game added to devices.

Fans of Fortnite have taken to social media to pressure the technology giants to reconsider with the hashtag #FreeFortnite.

One gamer tweeted: "Please Apple, let us play again #FreeFortnite"

While another said: I only play on iOS devices. How can I regain access to Fortnite if I only play on iOS devices?"

"#FreeFortnite we want Fortnite back on iOS now. Your dictatorship won't work here, free Fortnite now, I want Fortnite back," said another.