Fortnite is being removed from digital marketplaces across Europe
"Fortnite" Hit Again: Apple vs Epic Games Drama Continues in Europe!
Ahoy there, folks! Here's a juicy tidbit for all the gamers out there. The popular online game, "Fortnite," is once more absent from iPhones screened in Europe. The ruckus was sparked by another flare-up between Epic Games, the crafty developers, and the ever-dominant Apple.
The arm wrestling began when Epic, in an audacious move, tried to slip "Fortnite" back into Apple's American App Store after a court verdict. Unfortunately for dedicated Fortnite fans, their hopes were dashed as Apple, keeping their cards close to their chest, wavered to wait for further developments in the long-standing legal tussle in the U.S. Thus, the game remains out of reach for iPhone users across the globe until Apple removes the roadblock.
Apple, ever the silent sentinel, countered by claiming that nohammar-like steps were taken against the existing "Fortnite" version running in Europe. However, they quizzically asked Epic to forgo the placement in the U.S. App Store for the new version to disentangle Fortnite's chances elsewhere.
The Court Mandate: Put Fortnite Back in U.S. App Store!
Epic is currently playing hardball, aiming to force Apple's hand to reincarnate the app within the American App Store via a court in California. The judge, in a preceding ruling, determined that Apple can't ban developers just because they lead users to payment methods not originating from Apple's payment system. Owing to this ruling, Apple has cited Epic's return to the U.S. store in their rejection, stating that they would only entertain that request following the conclusion of the legal grind.
Fortnite: A Billion-Dollar Goliath With a Shady Side Story
This head-to-head started way back in August 2020 when Epic engaged in shenanigans by sneakily embedding a "Fortnite" version in the App Store. This sneaky version enabled users to directly purchase digital items from Epic, skirting Apple's payment system. Naturally, Apple then banished "Fortnite" from the App Store, and they managed to secure a victory in the ensuing court battle. By last year, "Fortnite" made a reappearance on the iPhone via alternative app stores. However, Apple, being the iron fist they are, is currently preventing its access on iPhones globally until the green light is given by Apple.
The battle is far from over, with Epic relentlessly pushing for Apple to reinstate "Fortnite" in the App Store, and Apple maintaining their stronghold by contesting the rulings that may facilitate this return.
(Sources: agencies)
- Despite the ongoing dispute between Epic Games and Apple in the United States, the latest version of "Fortnite" remains absent from theApple App Store in Europe, causing smartphone users to miss out on the popular gadget.
- The technological landscape is keenly awaiting the day when Apple will allow the return of "Fortnite" to theirApp Store in the United States, as the ruling by a California court mandates they cannot ban developers who skirt their payment system.
