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It seems that Apple didn't like that Sweeney called them "the medieval feudal lord".
Image credit: Epic Games, Fortnite
Based on the latest statement from Epic Games, Apple has terminated Epic's developer account, which means that the Fortnite maker won't be able to bring its Epic Games Store to iOS.
You may recall that Apple recently approved Epic Games Sweden AB's developer account, intended for launching the Epic Games Store in Europe and bringing Fortnite back to the iPhone. However, Apple has since deleted Epic Games' account, citing past rule violations and unreliability.
"In terminating Epic's developer account, Apple is taking out one of the largest potential competitors to the Apple App Store. They are undermining our ability to be a viable competitor and they are showing other developers what happens when you try to compete with Apple or are critical of their unfair practices," reads the statement from Epic Games.
Epic Games alleges that Apple views them as a threat to its ecosystem and is retaliating for Tim Sweeney's public criticism of Apple's monopoly position. It also may be for that one time when Sweeney called Apple "the medieval feudal lord, mounting the skulls of their former enemies on their castle walls." Who knows.
The situation is deemed unfair by Epic Games, considering their long-standing presence on the App Store and Apple's support of their gaming projects built on Unreal Engine. By disabling Epic Games' account, Apple hindered the Epic Games Store's ability to compete with the App Store, demonstrating the consequences for those who attempt to challenge or criticize its policies.
"If Apple maintains its power to kick a third-party marketplace off iOS at its sole discretion, no reasonable developer would be willing to utilize a third-party app store, because they could be permanently separated from their audience at any time," continued Epic Games.
It seems that Epic Games is committed to advocating for fair competition and has officially informed the European Commission of the issue.
Just when we thought the drama between Apple and Epic Games was at an end, a new conflict arose.
You can read Epic's statement here and join our 80 Level Talent platform and our Telegram channel, follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, where we share breakdowns, the latest news, awesome artworks, and more.