Apple has banned the smash-hit game Fortnite from its App Store until the conclusion of an ongoing legal case against its developer, Epic Games.
In a series of tweets, Epic Games chief executive Tim Sweeney strongly criticised Apple and complained that the appeals process could take as long as five years to conclude.
This means that, until the case is complete or the two parties reach an agreement, new users will be unable to download the game to iPhone or other Apple devices.
What is Fortnite?
Fortnite is an online video game first released in 2017 by Epic Games. Essentially a battle royale-style shoot ‘em up, Fortnite has come to enjoy massive global popularity.
It comes in three versions - Fortnite Battle Royale, Fortnite: Save the World (a shooter survival game) and Fortnite Creative, which allows players to design their own in-game worlds and battle arenas.
How many players does Fortnite have?
It was estimated in May 2020 that Fortnite had 350 million players around the world. There are thought to be between six and 12 million people who play it daily.
Why are Apple and Fortnite fighting?
Apple and Fortnite’s developer Epic Games are locked in a legal tussle over the game’s in-app payment system, which Apple says violates its rules.
Epic Games responded by accusing Apple of running a monopoly, launching a legal battle against the tech giant.
The reason Epic Games included its own payment system in Fortnite was to get around Apple’s 30% commission rate, which it charges on all in-app purchases.
A US court ruled on the matter in September, saying that while Apple could not prevent app developers including their own in-app payment options, but that Epic Games had not proved Apple was running an illegal monopoly.
Both companies are appealing aspects of the judgment.
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