Last week, Epic Games filed a lawsuit against Apple after "Fortnite" was removed from the App Store. The gaming studio immediately filed a lawsuit against the Cupertino-based tech giant and later released a video titled "Fortnite 1984." Apple recently removed the developer accounts of Epic Games and cut off its access to iOS and Mac developer tools.
Apple Counterattacks
The Cupertino company is seemingly retaliating against game developer Epic Games by revoking its access to its development tools. These changes on the platform Apple made for Epic Games would take effect starting August 28. As a result, all products of Epic Games would be removed from the App Store.
Apple's most recent action is another move in the ongoing legal battle between the two companies. Epic Games recently filed a motion for a temporary restraining order against the Cupertino company as a response to its latest move. The game developer also sought the court's intervention in blocking Apple's action.
The effect of Apple's recent move would significantly affect Unreal Engine, a widely used game engine from Epic Games. In a recent tweet, the game developer noted that Apple's latest restriction would bind its access to the development tools and those essential for the team to keep offering the Unreal Engine. Apart from this, Apple's recent move could pose severe financial consequences for Epic Games.
Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store and has informed Epic that on Friday, August 28 Apple will terminate all our developer accounts and cut Epic off from iOS and Mac development tools. We are asking the court to stop this retaliation. Details here: https://t.co/3br1EHmyd8 — Epic Games Newsroom (@EpicNewsroom) August 17, 2020
Possible Consequences
In a motion Epic Games filed in the court, it claims that Apple has "retaliated furiously" by revoking the studio's privileges in both Mac and iOS developer tools. The battle between these companies is a high stake one. Apple could greatly suffer if the legal battle tips on Epic Games' side.
The Cupertino-based tech giant could lose the chance to take a cut from app creators. The court could lift the restrictions on third-party monetization on its platform. However, suppose Apple wins the legal battle and continues to revoke Epic Games' platform privileges. In that case, the consequences do not only apply to Epic Games but also big and small app developers.
Apple's revocation move against Epic Games also means all upcoming Unreal Engine versions could not be developed and updated in both Mac and iOS devices. The legal battle started when Epic Games offered an option to purchase "Fortnite's" V-Bucks directly to Epic bypassing Apple of the 30% cut it gets from transactions on the platform. Apple is not the only company that reacted to Epic Games' move. Google also removed "Fortnite" on the Play Store.
