Home » Apple News • Business News • US business news » Apple Blocks Epic Games’ Access To Developer Account In Europe

Apple Blocks Epic Games’ Access To Developer Account In Europe

By Nithya Bose in Apple News, posted March 7, 2024

Apple has barred Fortnite maker Epic Games from obtaining a developer account to launch its own app store in Europe.

Epic CEO Tim Sweeney said the decision is Apple's retaliation against Epic's antitrust lobbying and legal battle with Apple.

Some of Sweeney’s social media posts cite emails from Apple App Store chief Phil Schiller and the tech giant's attorneys.

He said: “The manner in which Apple is going about killing Epic here as a competitor to the App Store is super egregious.

“This is the medieval feudal lord, mounting the skulls of their former enemies on their castle walls.”

In 2020, Epic Games initiated a lawsuit against Apple.

It challenged the app store policies, particularly the mandate for a 30 percent commission on game sales.

Although Epic Games largely did not prevail in the lawsuit, it successfully compelled Apple to modify some of its policies.

This lawsuit and ongoing disputes underscore broader regulatory concerns surrounding Apple's dominance in app store markets and its impact on competition.

“This is the medieval feudal lord, mounting the skulls of their former enemies on their castle walls”

A spokesperson said: “Epic’s egregious breach of its contractual obligations to Apple led courts to determine that Apple has the right to terminate ‘any or all of Epic Games’ wholly owned subsidiaries, affiliates, and/or other entities under Epic Games’ control at any time and at Apple’s sole discretion.′

“In light of Epic’s past and ongoing behavior, Apple chose to exercise that right.”

Apple has started to comply with the Digital Markets Act in Europe.

This is a new antitrust regulation to curb the monopolistic practices of major tech firms, including Apple.

The law mandates companies like Apple must facilitate the operation of third-party app stores on their platforms.

Apple's plans to introduce new fees and processes for third-party app stores have faced criticism from companies like Spotify for not fully adhering to the new EU law.

Need Career Advice? Get employment skills advice at all levels of your career

Sweeney said Epic planned to register for a developer account in Sweden to launch a new app store in Europe featuring Fortnite, among other games.

However, this application was rejected following an email exchange between Sweeney and Schiller.

The emails highlighted past disputes and Epic's bypass of App Store billing protocols.

Schiller wrote in the email provided by Epic Games: “We invite you to provide us with written assurance that you are also acting in good faith, and that Epic Games Sweden, despite your public actions and rhetoric, honor all of its commitments.”

Follow us on X, LinkedIn, and Facebook