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Fortnite cuts cost of V-Bucks on Xbox One consoles before being removed from Apple and Google app stores
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Published onAugust 14, 2020
published onAugust 14, 2020
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It’s been a pretty exciting last two days for players of the popular Fortnite video game and app developers in general. Quite a bit has happened so here’s an easy-to-follow timeline of the events.
It’s clear that Epic Games was completely prepared for both Apple and Google’s responses as it’s doubtful that they could have produced that video and drawn up public statements as quickly as they did.
The timing is also rather deliberate as the game’s current Chapter 2 Season 3 is drawing to a close in just a week or so from now on August 27th. If Apple and Google don’t reinstate Fortnite in their respective app stores, those versions of the game won’t be able to receive the content update for Chapter 2 Season 4 and the two companies could very well be dealing with a massive pushback from users.
Epic Games’ founder and CEO, Tim Sweeney, posted on his Twitter account that his company’s actions are not to get more money but to force Apple and Google to consider better policies for app developers and consumers.
“Today, Apple said Epic is seeking a special deal, but that’s not true,” Sweeney’s tweet reads. “We’re fighting for open platforms and policy changes equally benefiting all developers. And it’ll be a hell of a fight!”
Currently both Apple and Google take a 30% cut of all sales made from apps downloaded from their app stores. While exact details of Fortnite in-app purchases on mobile are unknown, the gamedid earn Epic Games $1.8 billion in 2019 across all of its available platforms. With well over 125 million iOS users having downloaded the game to date, it’s safe to assume that Apple and Google have both been making a lot of money from the free-to-play Battle Royale since its launch and are now missing out on quite a bit of income. Whether that loss is enough to make them change their app store policies remains to be seen.
For now, Fortnite mobile gamers can continue playing on Xbox One, Windows, and other platforms without missing a beat as all game progress syncs between devices using the same Epic Games account. Android players may also want to install the non-Google Play version of the Fortnite app byvisiting this page on the Android smartphone or tablet. This version is mostly identical to the Google Play version but is designed to get around the 30% store commission.
Where do you stand on the #FreeFortnite controversy? Do you support Epic Games or are you more put out by the app being removed from the app stores? Do you think there’ll be a resolution by the end of the current season? Share your thoughts in the comments below and thenfollow us on PinterestandTwitter for more gaming news.
Radu Tyrsina
Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).
For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.
Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.
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Radu Tyrsina
