Apple vs. Epic Games: Tech Giants’ battle for Fortnite

Apple revealed earlier today that it won’t allow Epic games to join its App Store until the two companies come to an agreement to “play by the same rules as everyone else,” following a prohibition of re-releasing Fortnite for iOS in South Korea.

In August, a South Korean bill was passed forbidding search engine giant Google and Apple from preventing developers from installing built-in payment systems. From its part, Fortnite’s parent company, Epic Games, has previously requested from Apple to “reinstate its developer account so that it could re-release the iOS version of Fortnite in South Korea,” according to The Verge.

However, the smartphone giant is clear about having no legitimate commitments whatsoever regarding Epic games.

“As we’ve said all along, we would welcome Epic’s return to the App Store if they agree to play by the same rules as everyone else,” an Apple spokesperson told The Verge. “Epic has admitted to breaching of contract and as of now, there’s no legitimate basis for the reinstatement of their developer account.”

The South Korean legislation has not yet been passed and enacted. But, if it ever does, Apple won’t have any responsibility to approve developer accounts, according to the tech giant itself.

Until Epic agrees to work according to Apple’s review guidelines, the iOS developer won’t bat an eye towards the video game and software developers’ requests.

Even with all the back-and-forth Epic games is engaging in with Apple, the video game giant had the time to team up with Radiohead for Kid A Mnesia: Exhibition, an interactive game that’ll be available on PlayStation 5, PC, and Mac during November as part of the band’s upcoming Kid A Mnesia commemorative album release.

According to the British rock band, the Kid A Mnesia: Exhibition for PlayStation will be an “upside-down digital/analog universe created from original artwork and recordings” that will go in unison with the re-release. 

Historically speaking, Epic has been dabbing into interactive musical experiences for the past months. So, users are anticipating some type of ‘metaverse’ experience with Radiohead’s interactive game. However, all official details will be disclosed and released to the public by early November.