Google and Apple have kicked out the Epic game Fortnite from App Store and Play Store. The reason for removing the game from the apps is launching the direct payment plan. Recently, the Fortnite game has launched the direct payment plan where the users get an option to pay directly to Epic when they do in-app purchases.
Fortnite Kicked Off from Play Store & App Store
This new payment plan by Fortnite bypasses Google and Apple. As from the in-app revenues of the game, Google and Apple both take a 30% share.
On Thursday, the Epic Games brought a new update of the direct payment method. With this update, the users can directly tell the developer to buy the in-app purchases. This update broke the policy of Apple and Google. It had a policy of making bills through Apple and Google only and pay through them. However, as it went against the policy, Apple first removed the game from the App Store and then Google also did the same by removing the game from Play Store.
In a statement, Apple said,
“Epic enabled a feature in its app which was not reviewed or approved by Apple, and they did so with the express intent of violating the App Store guidelines regarding in-app payments that apply to every developer who sells digital goods or services.”
Google said in a statement,
“The open Android ecosystem lets developers distribute apps through multiple app stores. For game developers who choose to use the Play Store, we have consistent policies that are fair to developers and keep the store safe for users. While Fortnite remains available on Android, we can no longer make it available on Play because it violates our policies. However, we welcome the opportunity to continue our discussions with Epic and bring Fortnite back to Google Play.”
Google also said that, even though the game is removed from the Play Store, it can be downloaded from other Android platforms.
Fortnite game is not available on Play Store and App Store, till the companies do any settlement.
This move by Google and Apple didn’t go well with Epic Games, so it filed a lawsuit against Apple and Google. In the lawsuit, Epic Games claims that the policies of Apple and Google regarding the in-app purchases are aggressive.
In the Lawsuit by Epic against Google said,
“Epic does not seek monetary compensation from this Court for the injuries it has suffered. Epic likewise does not seek a side deal or favourable treatment from Google for itself. Instead, Epic seeks injunctive relief that would deliver Google’s broken promise: an open, competitive Android ecosystem for all users and industry participants. Such injunctive relief is sorely needed.”
Seriously ?