Epic Games has filed a lawsuit against Apple and Google. The Fortnite developer took this step after removing the game from the official iOS and Android app stores.
The first measure involved Apple, which disapproved of inserting microtransactions outside the mobile platform. This means that the corporation would not earn an amount previously defined in the contract for each deal made. As such, Apple banned the game from its platform, followed by Google.
Mockery
To provoke companies, Epic Games posted a parody of Apple’s 1984 ad, an ad shown during the Super Bowl XVIII about the Macintosh launch and a reference to the classic 1984 book written by George Orwell. The developer’s publication remakes the commercial in a satirical way.
“Go to 2020 and Apple has become what it was trying to defend: the giant that seeks to control markets, block competition and stifle innovation. Apple is bigger, more powerful, more entrenched and more pernicious than the monopolists of the past. With a market capitalization of almost $ 2 trillion, the size far exceeds that of any monopolist in history, “says Epic Games.
Old problems.
The issue revolves around charging 30% of the two platforms for each microtransaction or in-game acquisition. Epic Games considers it an abusive measure, since the App Store is the only way available to download applications for these devices.
In addition, Google has been accused of demanding the end of a collaboration between the developer and manufacturers, such as LG and OnePlus. This partnership aimed to provide content for the game already installed on the devices, bypassing the Play Store.
It is worth mentioning that Fortnife spent more than a year only available on its official website and other platforms in order to avoid these fees.
Controversy involving loot boxes
Essas microtransações dentro do jogo tem a ver com o lootbox, um conceito da indústria de jogos para um item virtual que pode ser comprado, para que o jogador ganhe outros itens adicionais, podendo assim uma personalização do seu personagem até um upgrade em armas, armaduras, entre outros.
Portanto, o lootbox é uma maneira de monetização, já que os jogadores adquirem essas “caixas” diretamente ou ganhando as caixas no decorrer da partida para encontrar as chaves e receber os itens.
The strategy is not only focused on generating revenue, but also maintaining interest in the game with new content in the reward system.
Lawsuits filed by Epic Games
The two lawsuits were filed by Epic Games in California and do not involve financial compensation. The aim is to decrease the fee charged. According to Google, Android is a system that makes it possible to distribute applications through several stores, which reduces the impact.
However, it is still necessary to adapt to measures “that are fair to developers and keep the store safe for users”. While Apple argues that Epic Games has taken advantage of the distribution for a long time and was aware of all terms so far.
In return, Epic Games promoted the #freefortnite campaign. However, the next season of the game begins in the coming days. If the situation is not resolved, the update will not be inserted on the respective platforms.
