In another chapter of the legal quarrel between Apple and Fortnite maker Epic Games, the game has been removed from the App Store. The resolution should stand until exhaustion of all court appeals, according to Epic Games‘ CEO, Tim Sweeney. The process could be as long as five years.
Last Wednesday (22), Sweeney criticized Apple‘s decision via his Twitter account and reassured that Epic Games has no intention to abandon its positions in the legal dispute.
In a thread, Epic Games‘ CEO said the iPhone maker would accept Fortnite back in App Store should the company “agree to play by the same rules as everyone else”. But, Epic was not able to offer its game back in the App Store.
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According to documents shared by Sweeney, Apple justifies its decision stating that “Epic committed an intentional breach of contract, and breach of trust by concealing code from Apple and making related misinterpretations and omissions”.
Epic Games has appealed the ruling in its antitrust case against Apple after a federal judge handed down a mixed decision. The hearing between the two companies is scheduled to happen on December 12th. And, Apple‘s response should take place only on January 20th.
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The ruling favored Apple on many counts, including allowing the iPhone maker to continue its prohibition of third-party, in-app payment systems. That’s the main reason for Epic Games appel. In September, the company offered small concessions in easing App Store rules for Netflix and others.
Developers have long criticized Apple‘s 15 to 30% commission on sales charged by App Store. Thus, the battle is far from over and should take many years.
