Apple removes 'Fortnite' creator Epic Games' account from App Store amid antitrust probe

Apple removed Fortnite developer Epic Games’ account from App Store amid a legal battle over in-app payment guidelines of tech giant. account termination will prohibit Epic Games from submitting new apps or sending updates on App Store, which means Fornite will remain in its current state and iPhone users won’t be able to make in-app purchases inside Epic’s popular video game.

"We are disappointed that we have had to terminate Epic Games account on App Store," Apple said in a statement.

Epic Games provided an option for Fortnite players to directly pay for in-game upgrades, bypassing Apple’s in-payment guidelines to avoid 30 per cent commission that Cuperti-based company gets. American video game company said that Apple is keeping prices high so y can collect 30% of payments, urging users to join #FreeFortnite campaign on social media.

“Fortnite remains available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, GeForce w, and Epic Games app on Android. Your account, progression, and purchases also remain available on se platforms,” said company.

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A court ruled last week that could terminate account of Epic Games but barred against taking any action which could have affected Unreal Engine, a software tool relied on by hundreds of or app makers. Apple said it would allow Fortnite back into App Store but on condition that Epic removes its direct payment feature.

Antitrust scrutiny

Epic Games has refused to comply with condition and accused Apple of maintaining mopoly over in-app payments on iOS. video game company has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple as tech giant is already facing two EU antitrust investigations into its App Store and Apple Pay.

In June, European Competition Commissioner Margre Vestr said in a statement that Apple appears to have obtained a “gatekeeper” role when it comes to distribution of apps and content to users of Apple's popular devices. Swedish music streaming service Spotify had filed a complaint against tech giant for mandatory use of Apple's in-app purchase system and restrictions put on developers' ability to inform Apple users of or cheaper purchasing possibilities.

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