Fortnite developers Epic Games and Apple are currently embroiled in a cold war following Apple’s policy of removing Fortnite from the App Store. The feud between the two tech companies is likely to continue after Epic announced it would be holding a Fortnite tournament taking place on August 23 where gamers would compete to win “non-Apple” prizes.
A few weeks ago, Epic released a version update for Fortnite where this update added a direct payment system, but this payment feature violates Apple’s policies. Apple later removed Fortnite from the App Store that same day.
Shortly thereafter, Epic immediately retaliated against Apple by suing the company, Epic also released a “Nineteen Eighty-Fortnite” video that “scorned” Apple and promoted the hashtag #FreeFortnite.
“All your friends. What a gift. And one bad apple. We will be launching the #FreeFortnite Cup on August 23rd.” Fortnite tweet.
Players competing in this tournament have the chance to win the in-game skin from Mr. Apple featured in the Epic video “Nineteen Eighty-Fortnite”, the “Free Fortnite” hat, as well as non-iOS gaming hardware, including the Alienware laptop, Galaxy Tab. S7, OnePlus 8, PlayStation 4 Pro, Xbox One X, and Nintendo Switch phones.
“Kami delivers 1,200 gaming hardware (phones, consoles and PCs). Just because you can’t play on iOS doesn’t mean there aren’t other cool places to play Fortnite. Be one of the top 1,200 apple eaters in the world to win one of these prizes!” Epic Games said.
In Epicgames’ official blog regarding the tournament, Epic reminded iOS players that they will not be able to play the next season of Fortnite, which is scheduled to start on August 27 and will likely add a significant update to the game.
Epic even mentions that gamers using iOS consider switching to other platforms where Fortnite is available such as PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, and Android.
“iOS players should check out this list of alternative devices compatible with Fortnite, you may already have access to other ways to play Fortnite. If so, just install the game and log in with your Epic account to play.” Write Epic Games.
Epic is also calling on fortnite players to express their protest over the removal of Fortnite from the App Store by tweeting directly to an Apple account with the hashtag #FreeFortnite.
“Frustrated that you’re blocked on iOS? Share your opinion by sending message to @AppStore on social media with hashtag #FreeFortnite.” Write Epic Games.
The rapid development of Fortnite seems to have found a big obstacle when this game had to be removed from the App Store. Looks like Epic Games is trying to get rid of their dependence on iOS devices.
“Who depends, he will lose” Even though Apple has the upper hand, Apple should not forget that Fortnite has a loyal user base. With the removal of Fortnite from the App Store, this will make Fortnite users will look for alternative devices that still support Fortnite.
If this happens, it means that Apple must also be prepared to be abandoned by its own users. Interesting to hear the ending of the Apple drama and Epic Games. Who will win it?
