The battle between Apple and “Fortnite” creator Epic Games has escalated with Apple now terminating Epic Games’ mobile developer account.
Apple had already removed “Fortnite” from the store after the game offered a discount on its virtual currency for purchases made outside of the app, from which Apple receives a 30% cut.
The recent move means Epic is essentially locked out of parts of Apple’s mobile game design interface to maintain certain mobile versions of “Fortnite” – this prevents the developer from updating its published games or submitting new ones (so no Marvel-themed Chapter 2 Season 4 launch).
iPhone and Mac players will also no longer be able to cross-play with those on PC or console. This follows shortly after Epic Games snuck in one final update in a patch which added the ‘Tart Tycoon’ skin to the game – a monochrome suited character with an Apple for a head which was first seen in the game’s #FreeFortnite video.
“Fortnite” has also been blocked on the Google Play Store also preventing the new season update, but Epic says its own Epic Games App and the Samsung Galaxy Store will allow Android players to keep playing.
The Epic vs. Apple court case will continue for months with full legal proceedings not expected until next year at the earliest.
Source: Bloomberg and The Wrap