Apple Kicks Fortnite Out Of its App Store, The Gaming Org Gets Back With Scathing Spoof Video

This week saw Apple ban “Fortnite” from its App Store, for using its own payment system. And well, the game’s developer Epic Games sprang back into action to get even – with a spoof of the company's most iconic ad. Google followed in on Apple’s footsteps and removed “Fortnite” from its Play Store for similar reasons.

Epic's parody video was aired at 4 p.m. ET on YouTube on Thursday – the same day on which a lawsuit against Apple was filed, for allegedly having engaged in monopolistic practice through its App Store. The video makes a mockery of the iPhone maker’s iconic “1984” ad and urges gaming fans to #FreeFortnite by supporting its fight against Apple.

For the uninitiated, here’s what needs to be known: Epic Games and Apple have had a long-standing feud. But, things went on a downward spiral after the gaming company began offering players the option to pay Epic directly instead of opting to go through the payment gateway of the App Store. The move came as a blow to Apple, which rendered the action as a stark violation of its policies.

While speculations have run amok ever since the ban came through, followed by a spoof video; Apple released an official statement, as shared by a media outlet, which specifies that while the American Multinational technology organization is willing to work towards the violations, Epic will not be availing the benefits of any “special arrangement.”

The statement read: “Today, Epic Games took the unfortunate step of violating the App Store guidelines that are applied equally to every developer and designed to keep the store safe for our users. As a result, their Fortnite app has been removed from the store. Epic enabled a feature in its app which was not reviewed or approved by Apple, and they did so with the express intent of violating the App Store guidelines regarding in-app payments that apply to every developer who sells digital goods or services.

Epic has had apps on the App Store for a decade, and have benefited from the App Store ecosystem - including its tools, testing, and distribution that Apple provides to all developers. Epic agreed to the App Store terms and guidelines freely and we’re glad they’ve built such a successful business on the App Store.

The fact that their business interests now lead them to push for a special arrangement does not change the fact that these guidelines create a level playing field for all developers and make the store safe for all users. We will make every effort to work with Epic to resolve these violations so they can return “Fortnite” to the App Store.”

While Epic’s stance seems like a betrayal to Apple, the arrangement is likely to get customers to save extra bucks and get the best deals on V-Bucks if they go through Epic’s own payment route.