Earlier today, Fortnite the famous battle royale game has been officially pulled out from both Google and Apple stores due to policy violations. Earlier Epic games pushed an update for its Fortnite app that allowed users to pay in-game purchases directly to epic games that violate Google and Apple store policies.
Apple statement
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.
Google statement
The open Android ecosystem lets developers distribute apps through multiple app stores. For game developers who choose to use the Play Store, we have consistent policies that are fair to developers and keep the store safe for users. While Fortnite remains available on Android, we can no longer make it available on Play because it violates our policies. However, we welcome the opportunity to continue our discussions with Epic and bring Fortnite back to Google Play.
Later epic has made a short video mocking app for apple’s dominance in the app store – The short, titled “Nineteen Eighty-Fortnite,” directly mocks Apple’s iconic “1984” ad. And also sues Google with “Don’t be evil mantra” – “Twenty-two years later, Google has relegated its motto to nearly an afterthought.”
Epic also Google forced OnePlus to decimate a Fortnite launcher deal. Stay updated to our blog for more information and updates.
