Epic Games Sues Apple and Google Over Fortnite App Store Removal
Epic Games files antitrust lawsuits against Apple and Google after both tech giants remove Fortnite from their app stores for bypassing standard payment fees.
Epic Games sues Apple and Google after both tech giants remove the popular game Fortnite from their app stores. The removals occur because Epic introduces a direct payment system that bypasses the standard fees required by the companies. In response, Epic files antitrust lawsuits accusing both Apple and Google of engaging in monopolistic and anti-competitive behavior.
The lawsuit against Apple claims the tech giant acts as a monopolistic behemoth that stifles innovation and controls the market. Epic also takes its fight to social media, rallying fans by declaring that Apple blocks Fortnite from a billion devices in retaliation. Meanwhile, the separate lawsuit against Google accuses the search company of abandoning its famous "don't be evil" motto to crush competitors and dominate markets.
This legal clash emerges as Apple and other major tech companies face increasing scrutiny from lawmakers over their competitive practices. The lawsuits directly reference a recent congressional hearing where lawmakers questioned Apple CEO Tim Cook about the hefty fees charged to app developers. Epic argues that Apple uses its nearly two trillion dollar market cap to enforce unfair rules that apply to every developer in its ecosystem.