The battle between Apple and Epic Games may now involved game developers from multiple companies.
First, the context:
- Epic Games and Apple remain in an ongoing public and legal battle surrounding Fortnite.
- Earlier in August, Apple decided to ban Fortnite from the App Store after Epic Games added its own payment system to the game. Gamers could purchased virtual currency through Epic Games for a discount or normal prices trough Apple.
- After the ban, Epic Games rallied its fan base against Apple, starting a campaign in Fortnite. The company also sued Apple soon after for allegedly monopolizing the App Store.
So what’s new?
Epic Games said in a new court filing that Apple is threatening the entire ecosystem of game developers with its latest threat against Epic, according to The Verge.
- Apple said it would consider removing privileges for Unreal Engine — a gaming technology created by Epic Games — in the ongoing lawsuit.
Epic Games said Apple’s decision to remove the system would affect gamers who have no connection to the case, The Verge reports.
- “The breadth of Apple’s retaliation is itself an unlawful effort to maintain its monopoly and chill any action by others who might dare oppose Apple,” Epic Games said.
How does Microsoft feel?
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Microsoft said this week that it supports Epic Games’ motion, BBC News reports. The company said that Apple’s decision to ban the Unreal Engine could be problematic for other game developers.
- Xbox leader Phil Spencer tweeted: “Ensuring that Epic has access to the latest Apple technology is the right thing for game developers and gamers.”