What Happened to Fortnite on iOS?
As mentioned earlier, Fortnite was pulled from the App Store due to a legal battle between Epic Games and Apple. The game had been available on both iOS and Android devices since 2017, but in August 2018, Apple removed it from the App Store after Epic started selling the game directly to players outside of the platform.
Epic claimed that Apple’s policies on in-app purchases were unfair and allowed the company to take a cut of all transactions made within the app. Epic argued that they should be able to sell their own goods directly to players, without Apple taking a cut. This led to a legal battle that continues to this day.
Why Fortnite Was Pulled from the App Store
Apple’s policies on in-app purchases are designed to protect its ecosystem of developers and publishers. The company takes a cut of all transactions made within apps sold through the App Store, and it has strict guidelines for how these purchases can be processed.
Epic claimed that Apple’s policies were too restrictive, allowing the company to take an unfair share of revenue from in-app purchases. Epic argued that they should be able to sell their own goods directly to players without Apple taking a cut. This led to the game being pulled from the App Store.
The Legal Battle Continues
Epic Games has filed a lawsuit against Apple, alleging that the company’s policies on in-app purchases are anti-competitive and violate antitrust laws. The lawsuit seeks to force Apple to allow Epic to sell its own goods directly to players without taking a cut of revenue.
Apple has responded by stating that it follows a set of guidelines for developers to ensure a level playing field for all apps on the platform. The company argues that Epic violated these guidelines by selling the game outside of the App Store.
What Does This Mean for iOS Developers?
The legal battle between Epic Games and Apple has left many iOS developers wondering what the future holds for their games. If Fortnite is allowed to return to the App Store, it could have significant implications for the way developers sell in-app purchases.
Developers may need to reconsider how they monetize their apps if Fortnite is able to bypass Apple’s in-app purchase system. It could also lead to a shift away from traditional in-app purchases and towards more direct sales between players and developers.
Preparing for Fortnite’s Potential Return
If Fortnite does return to the App Store, iOS developers should prepare themselves for changes in the way they monetize their apps. They may need to reconsider how they sell in-app purchases and explore alternative revenue streams.
Developers should also keep an eye on the legal battle between Epic Games and Apple, as it could have implications for the future of mobile gaming. It is important to stay up-to-date on any changes in policies or guidelines that could affect their apps.