Apple earlier this month told Epic Games that it would terminate the Fortnite creator’s Developer account if it didn’t begin following App Store rules. Apple has followed through on its theat and revoked Epic’s account.
While Fortnite was removed from the App Store a few weeks ago, other Epic Games titles like Battle Breakers and Infinity Blade Stickers were still available in the App Store. However, now that the developer’s account has been terminated, those apps are no longer available.
While iOS and Mac players can still play the game on their devices, they are limited to accessing existing season 3 content, but cannot access Season 4 content and cannot play alongside Fortnite players on other platforms. Battle Lab, Duos, and LTMs are disabled on iOS, and iOS players are unable to complete new Quick Challenges and Style Challenges.
Epic violated App Store rules on August 13, when it introduced a direct payment option in Fortnite that attempted an end-run around Apple’s in-app purchases system. Shortly after the move was discovered, Apple removed the game from the App Store, which led to a lawsuit from Epic and a fierce legal battle between the two companies.
Apple then told Epic Games it would terminate the company’s complete access to its App Store and app development tools. Epic Games said that Apple told it that on August 28, all access will be terminated. And it has.
Apple has said that it’s ready to welcome Fortnite back to the App Store if Epic Games will remove the game’s new direct payment option.
Last night Epic Games sent an email to iOS and Mac Fortnite players blaming Apple for their not having access to the new Fortnite Season 4 Marvel-themed action. Epic claims Apple is “blocking Fortnite” in order to prevent Epic Games from “passing on the savings from direct payments to players.”
In retaliation, Apple has begun featuring Fortnite competitor PUBG in the App Store.
Apple is temporarily prevented from restricting, suspending, or terminating any affiliate of Epic Games, such as Epic International, from Apple’s Developer Program. This means Epic can continue to work on and to distribute the Unreal Engine. The restraining order goes into effect immediately and will remain in force until the court issues an order on the motion for a preliminary injunction.
The hearing for the preliminary injunction is set to take place on Monday, September 28, 2020.
