Apple Terminates Epic Games' Developer Account in Europe in Retaliation Over 'Fortnite' Maker's Lawsuits, Tim Sweeney Says

By Jace Dela Cruz

Mar 07 2024, 00:37 AM EST

Apple has terminated Epic Games' developer account launched in an app store for iPhones in Europe, according to Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney.

Epic Games Tim Sweeney on Apple's Decision: A Retaliation

CNBC reported that Tim Sweeney said Apple's decision to terminate Epic Games' "Sweden AB developer account" was in retaliation for the Fortnite video-game maker's antitrust lobbying, lawsuit against Apple, and some social media posts he made.

He cited emails purportedly from Apple App Store chief Phil Schiller and Apple lawyers to support his claim. Describing Apple's actions as aggressive, Sweeney likened the tech giant's approach to that of a "medieval feudal lord" displaying the "skulls of their former enemies on their castle walls."

This move by Apple marks its first public instance of denying competing app stores in Europe, potentially inviting closer scrutiny of its compliance with newly enacted antitrust regulations.

The relationship between Apple and Epic Games has been fraught with tension, especially since Epic Games filed a lawsuit against Apple in 2020, challenging the restrictions imposed by Apple's App Store policies, particularly concerning Fortnite's distribution and revenue sharing.

Although Epic Games did not completely win in court, the lawsuit prompted some modifications to Apple's rules, particularly under California law.

Apple Defends Its Decision in Terminating Epic Games' Developer Account

An Apple spokesperson defended the company's decision to reject Epic Games' application, saying the tech giant had the right to do it and even terminate its account since the gaming company continues to litigate against Apple.

"Epic's egregious breach of its contractual obligations to Apple led courts to determine that Apple has the right to terminate 'any or all of Epic Games' wholly owned subsidiaries, affiliates, and/or other entities under Epic Games' control at any time and at Apple's sole discretion.′ In light of Epic's past and ongoing behavior, Apple chose to exercise that right," the spokesperson told CNBC.