Epic Games’ widely acclaimed free-to-play battle royale, Fortnite, has made its long-awaited return to the iOS platform. The game was initially removed from the App Store in 2020, but recent judicial actions have facilitated its reinstatement.
Background on the Removal
The removal of Fortnite stemmed from a legal dispute with Apple regarding the company’s in-app purchasing policies. Epic Games opted to bypass Apple’s payment system, which resulted in the game’s removal from the App Store. The conflict has persisted over the years, with numerous court sessions focusing on Apple’s control over its App Store and the revenue it derives from transactions.
Federal Court Ruling
In a significant ruling earlier this month, federal judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers directed Apple to allow developers to inform users about third-party payment options outside of applications. This decision aimed to dismantle Apple’s exclusive control over app monetization. Epic Games seized this opportunity to announce the return of Fortnite to the App Store, as they could now integrate their own payment system.
Apple’s Compliance and Legal Maneuvering
Despite the favorable ruling, Apple has opted to appeal the decision and initially withheld approval for Fortnite under standard app review protocols. This prompted Epic Games to seek judicial intervention to ensure compliance with the court’s orders. Judge Rogers subsequently admonished Apple to adhere to the court directives, noting the necessity of an appearance by a responsible Apple official if the issue remained unresolved.
Game Reinstatement and Future Implications
As of now, Fortnite is available once again for download on iOS devices after approximately 1,741 days since its removal. Epic Games’ CEO Tim Sweeney expressed excitement about the game’s return, stating, “We back fam.”
However, the ongoing legal battles between Epic and Apple are far from over. Apple is determined to maintain its current App Store practices, and as both companies engage in continued litigation, the outcome of this dispute remains uncertain.