If you are an iPhone or iPad user who plays the hugely popular game Fortnite from Epic Games, today is a very bad day. So far, Apple has successfully blocked Epic Games’ efforts to return the game to the App Store in the US. This decision now comes on the heels of that move. Consequently, Fortnite is completely unavailable to all players on Apple devices until further notice.
Consequently, Epic Games delivered the disappointing blow in a public statement on their official Twitter account. As they shared the news on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the post clarified that “Apple has blocked our Fortnite submission so we cannot release to the US App Store or to the Epic Games Store for iOS in the European Union.” This restriction has in practice pushed the game off of Apple’s platform, banning it from the App Store and devastating its player base.
Fortnite was released on iOS as an “invite only” beta, and it quickly became the most popular mobile game on Apple devices. To this day, millions of players have fun with the game on a daily basis. The recent removal from availability has raised concerns about its future on Apple’s ecosystem. Epic Games had been lobbying hard for Fortnite to be reinstated, stressing the popularity and strong community surrounding the game.
This reality has global repercussions, well beyond the U.S. Epic Games is having a time getting Fortnite on its Epic Games Store for iOS in the EU. This global ban underscores Apple’s nearly absolute monopoly over App Store policies. It really puts the squeeze on small-time developers trying to distribute their wares.
“The official statement from Fortnite continued with, “Now, sadly, Fortnite on iOS will be offline worldwide until Apple unblocks it.” Both Epic Games and its fervent player base were left understandably frustrated. Next steps for developers They’re no doubt playing the long game on this one, and closely watching for a settlement to the three-year standoff with Apple.”
Leave a Reply