When the Beef Gets Too Real Chap Fortnite

Why We Fight

Epic gave Fortnite players on iOS and Google Play a selection betwixt Apple/Google payment and Epic directly payment, passing on savings to direct purchasers. Both Apple and Google retaliated past blocking Fortnite updates. Further, Apple threatened to preclude Ballsy from creating software for all Apple devices — not but on Fortnite merely all of our games, and Unreal Engine too.

Apple demanded that Epic revert Fortnite to exclusively employ Apple payments. Their proposal was an invitation for Epic to collude with Apple to maintain its monopoly over in-app payments on iOS, suppressing complimentary marketplace competition and inflating prices. As a matter of principle, we refused to exercise so.

Y'all, as a mobile device owner, have the right to install apps from sources of your choosing. Software makers take the correct to freely limited their ideas and to compete in a fair marketplace. Apple and Google's policies take these freedoms abroad.

Apple's policies are so restrictive that they block gaming services like Microsoft xCloud, NVIDIA GeForce Now, and Google Stadia from existing on iOS. Apple tree'due south policies would accept even blocked the Www if it had been invented after the iPhone, because Apple policies disallow running lawmaking not reviewed by Apple, accepting payments directly from customers, and accessing content not reviewed past Apple — all fundamental features of the spider web. These policies, together with Apple's chilling enforcement strategy, straight impede innovation and invention of entirely new kinds of apps, games, and businesses.

Epic is one of the many game developers who have long worked to accelerate better and fairer platform practices, such equally cross-platform gameplay, communication, accounts, and items in Fortnite on 7 platforms (though now merely 6). We are committed to securing lasting freedoms for all. This is why nosotros fight.

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Ballsy has taken legal action to end Apple tree and Google's anti-competitive restrictions on mobile device marketplaces around the world.

Apple Legal Proceedings

US

• August 13, 2020: Epic files a Complaint for Injunctive Relief with the United States Commune Court, Northern Commune of California, commencing legal proceedings confronting Apple in the The states [link]

• Baronial 17, 2020: Epic files a Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order against Apple tree [link]

• August 23, 2020: Ballsy files a Answer Brief in Support of the Motion for a Temporary Restraining Club confronting Apple [link]

• September 4, 2020: Epic files a Motility for a Preliminary Injunction against Apple [link]

• April 8, 2021: Epic files Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law [link]

• May 28, 2021: Epic files updated Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Police force afterward the determination of the Epic v. Apple trial ended [link]

• January 20, 2022: Epic files Opening Brief with the United States Courtroom of Appeals for the Ninth Excursion [link]

• January 27, 2022: Amici file briefs in Ballsy'due south entreatment with the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Excursion [link]

Australia

• November 16, 2020: Ballsy files a legal merits in the Federal Court of Australia, commencing legal proceedings confronting Apple in Commonwealth of australia [link]

European union

• February 2021: Epic files an antitrust complaint against Apple in the European Wedlock with the European Commission [link]

Great britain

• March 2021: Epic files a complaint in support of the United Kingdom Competition and Markets Authorisation'southward (CMA) investigation into Apple's App Store policies [link]

Google Legal Proceedings

U.s.a.

• August thirteen, 2020: Ballsy files a Complaint for Injunctive Relief with the Us District Court, Northern District of California, commencing legal proceedings against Google in the The states [link]

• August 20, 2021: Ballsy files an amended Complaint in its legal proceedings against Google [link]

• Nov 15, 2021: Epic files an Answer and Defenses in response to Google's Counterclaims [link]

• April 28, 2022: Epic files a Find of Motion and Move for a Preliminary Injunction [link]

Australia

• March 8, 2021: Epic files a legal merits in the Federal Court of Australia, commencing legal proceedings against Google in Australia [link]

UK

• December 29, 2020: Epic files a claim against Google with the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal [link]

Regulatory Filings

Commonwealth of australia

• April 1, 2022: Epic submits comments to Australia Contest and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on the Digital Platform Services Enquiry [link]

Uk

• February 10, 2022: Epic submits a response to the Contest and Markets Authority (CMA) Interim Written report on Mobile Ecosystems [link]

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FAQ

Why are players blocked by Apple and Google from updating Fortnite?

Afterward we added directly Epic payments to save players up to 20%, Apple and Google retaliated by blocking Fortnite players from installing and updating the game through the App Store and Google Play. Apple tree and Google need that game developers apply their payment processing service, which charge an exorbitant rate of 30%. Apple and Google block developers from using more efficient payment methods such as Mastercard (including Apple Card), Visa, and PayPal, which accuse rates of two.5% to 3.5%, and therefore preclude developers from passing the savings on to customers.

Why shouldn't Apple and Google collect 30% on App Store and Google Play sales? Aren't they providing the store where developers sell software?

Apple intentionally locks down consumer iOS devices to preclude users from installing software directly from developers, equally consumers are costless to do on PC and Mac. We know this is an intentional strategy because iOS does fully back up installing software from the web -- but simply allows information technology for corporations. Apple uses this direct-installation blockade in order to strength consumers to use their App Store, and so demands that developers use their payment processing service. By blocking consumer pick in software installation, Apple has created a problem then they can profit from the solution.

Google's strategy is distinct: Google advertises Android as an open platform, and Android devices support installation of third-party software such as Fortnite and the Ballsy Games App from the web. However, Google obstructs software installation and updates with scary alert screens that identify 3rd-party software sources at a disadvantage to Google Play, and uses its Google Apps suite contracts with carriers to obstruct pre-installation of competing stores on Android smartphones. Equally a outcome, Google Play has a vast majority of Android store market place share in territories where information technology'southward available.

Didn't Apple and Google announce that they are lowering the fee for some developers to xv percent? Isn't that a skillful thing?

While a reduction in the Apple and Google app taxes may convalesce a modest function of the financial brunt developers have been shouldering, this does not address the root of the event. Whether it's fifteen% or 30%, for apps obtained through the App Shop or Google Play Store, developers are forced to apply their proprietary in-app payment services. iOs and Android need to be fully open to competition, with a genuinely level playing field amongst platform companies, app creators, and service providers. Competition in payment processing and app distribution is the just path to a off-white app marketplace.

What outcome does Ballsy hope for to resolve this occludent from both Apple and Google?

Epic's position is that all mobile developers and consumers have the right to choose alternate payment providers that charge less, as is the norm on all other full general-purpose computing platforms, including Spider web, Windows, and Mac. We look to see a full general change in smartphone practices industry-wide for all developers that brings greater value and freedom of choice to consumers. We expect Apple tree and Google to unblock Fortnite.

Do Apple tree and Google block all apps from processing directly payments?

No. Apple tree and Google allow thousands of apps on the App Shop and Google Play to accept directly payments, including commonly used apps similar Amazon, Grubhub, Nike SNKRS, Best Buy, DoorDash, Fandango, McDonald's, and StubHub. Apple and Google are only blocking directly payments for certain products (like games) and companies (like Ballsy).

Epic believes that all mobile users have a right to save coin using more efficient purchasing options. Adding our own payment system allows us to offering players choice while passing along savings, just like other apps are immune to practise. This pick provides a more level playing field on mobile stores while saving players money, which Apple tree and Google should agree is a positive matter for everyone!

Does a new payment method on mobile mean purchases in that location are less safe?

No. In operating Fortnite on open platforms and operating the Epic Games Store, Epic has processed over $1,600,000,000 of direct payments successfully, and uses manufacture trusted encryption and security measures to protect customer transactions.

Clearly Apple and Google acknowledge that third party payment services are safe and acceptable for goods and services. Epic direct payment simply offers players the aforementioned kinds of payment options as these other apps.

Why don't you offer purchases outside of the app, every bit Netflix did with their subscriptions?

This is a user-unfriendly solution. Apple even prohibits apps like Netflix from even telling customers how to pay for their subscription services outside of the app. Epic wants to give all customers unproblematic, in-app purchasing options gratuitous of obstruction.

Why doesn't Epic capitulate to Apple and Google's demand to remove Ballsy direct payment?

We accept chosen to fight Apple and Google'due south policies on behalf of all consumers and their right to have admission to more than efficient payment methods and to receive the best prices bachelor.

Apple and Google have rules. Why is Epic expecting an exception to those rules?

We don't seek a special exception for Epic. We firmly believe both Apple and Google's policies must be inverse for all developers. For over a decade, Apple and Google accept crafted and proliferated a tangled web of rules and policies to impose a thirty% tax on apps while preventing competitors from offering a better deal. That'south around 10x more than what a typical transaction may price on competing payment processing services such equally Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal, which charge rates of ii.5% to three.five%. When competition is stifled, the customer e'er loses.

Their rules are designed to cement their monopolies, to limit consumer selection, and to stifle competition in digital goods specifically. Apple tree and Google don't force customers to apply their payment organisation to add thirty% to the toll of their dinner when they purchase a meal through Grubhub or DoorDash. Apple even allows Amazon Prime Video to process payments directly as a special bargain while holding other apps to a unlike standard. So why practice customers have to use Apple and Google'due south payment services and increase their prices to pay a xxx% app taxation for games such as Fortnite? There'southward no good reason.

Why is Ballsy advocating for open mobile platforms?

Mobile devices are essential computing devices upon which we conduct our social and professional lives and engage in education, commerce and amusement. Apple tree and Google cannot rightly control the terms of concrete and digital commerce and utilise their monopoly power over devices to prevent contest in payment processing, stores, and app curation. Apple and Google have artificially restricted iOS and Google Play so that there is no competition, so that creators earn less, and so that consumers are forced to pay higher prices. There'southward no reason why smartphone app stores and payment processing should office whatsoever differently than a personal figurer.

What if a player wants a refund?

Unfortunately, Apple does not permit Epic Games to directly refund players and instead crave players to ask Apple straight for a refund. Please follow these instructions to enquire Apple for a refund.

Note: On Baronial 28, 2020, nosotros issued a full refund to all customers who fabricated purchases on iOS through Ballsy directly payment earlier August 28, 2020. There's no action needed on your part and yous volition retain Five-Bucks and items purchased.

Google players can submit a refund asking by contacting Epic customer support at https://www.epicgames.com/customer-service. Refunds may be granted upon eligibility.

Where can I read more on this topic?

What Apple's Fortnite Fee Battle Is Really About

Apple, Its Control Over the iPhone, The Internet, And The Metaverse

He believed Apple's App Store was safety. So a fake app stole his life savings in bitcoin.

Google accused by developer of retaliation for cooperating with House antitrust investigation

What's the Fortnite Mega Drop? What'due south happening with Fortnite Five-Bucks prices?

The Fortnite Mega Drop is an upward to xx% cost reduction on all Five-Bucks and real-money offers within of Fortnite when using select payment methods. This isn't a auction... these are our new disbelieve prices available anytime.

How can players become these savings?

5-Bucks and real-money offers have been automatically discounted by upwards to xx% on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Mac, and PC.

On mobile, nosotros've introduced a new way to pay on iOS and Android: Epic direct payment. When players cull to use Ballsy directly payments, they save up to 20%. Here's how it works:

Cull Epic direct payment to get the best deal on 5-Bucks and real-money purchases.

Currently, at that place are no savings if players use Apple and Google payment options, where Apple and Google collect an exorbitant 30% fee on all payments. If Apple and Google lower their fees on payments, Epic will pass along the savings to players.

Why has Epic decided to implement its payment organisation for purchases inside Fortnite on iOS and Android?

Past offering an alternate payment system, we're not only offering players more choice, just we're able to pass along the savings to players.

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About Ballsy Games

Founded in 1991, Epic Games is an American company founded by CEO Tim Sweeney. The company is headquartered in Cary, Due north Carolina and has more than 40 offices worldwide. Today Epic is a leading interactive entertainment company and provider of 3D engine engineering science. Epic operates Fortnite, one of the globe'southward largest games with over 350 million accounts and ii.5 billion friend connections. Epic also develops Unreal Engine, which powers the world'southward leading games and is also adopted beyond industries such equally flick and television, architecture, automotive, manufacturing, and simulation. Through Unreal Engine, Epic Games Store, and Ballsy Online Services, Epic provides an end-to-end digital ecosystem for developers and creators to build, distribute, and operate games and other content.

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Source: https://www.epicgames.com/site/en-US/free-fortnite-faq