Tim Sweeney: The App Store is a ‘disservice’ to developers

Epic CEO Tim Sweeney has continued his company’s fierce criticism of Apple and called the App Store a “disservice” to developers.

In an interview with Financial Times, Sweeney explained his reasoning behind taking Apple to court.

The long-running feud between Epic and Apple is the result of the latter’s infamous “walled garden” mobile ecosystem that many see as anti-competitive.

While Google has faced similar criticisms, its relatively open approach...

26 May 2022 | App Stores

Epic Games raises $2B a week after Unreal Engine 5’s release

Epic Games has raised $2 billion in a funding round just a week after its release of Unreal Engine 5.

Epic – known for its hit titles, popular game engine, and high-profile spats with Apple – says the funding will support its continued growth and vision to build the metaverse.

Tim Sweeney, CEO and Founder of Epic Games, said:

“As we reimagine the future of entertainment and play we need partners who share our vision. We have found this in our partnership...

12 April 2022 | Development Tools

Apple appeals to delay App Store change following Epic’s single court victory

Apple has filed an appeal for a stay on an injunction following the firm’s court battle with Epic Games.

The injunction forces Apple to enable developers to direct users to payment methods away from the App Store. It’s an important change that means developers can avoid paying Apple a significant portion of their profits (despite a recent cut from 30 percent to 15 percent for most developers.)

“Epic believes that you have a right to save money thanks to using more...

11 October 2021 | App Stores

Epic Games scores for developers in Apple court case

Epic Games has scored for developers in its court battle against Apple over what it considers to be monopolistic App Store policies.

The gaming behemoth took Apple to court following the removal of Fortnite from the App Store. Apple justified its decision as being due to Epic Games breaking App Store policy and using its own billing system.

While smaller developers are now subject to handing a slightly fairer 15 percent cut of sales to Apple, larger developers like Epic...

13 September 2021 | App Stores

GDC kicks off with over 550 game dev sessions, will return as in-person event next year

This year’s Game Developers Conference (GDC) kicks off today as a virtual event with over 550 sessions on all things game development.

GDC 2021 claims to take full advantage of the possibilities offered by virtual events. Back in 2020, around COVID-19’s historic peak, GDC was one of the first large events to be cancelled.

The organisers now have successive virtual events under their belt so it will be interesting to see how they’ve utilised their experience to...

19 July 2021 | Gaming

Epic Games takes its Apple antitrust lawsuit across the pond

Clearly unhappy with the lack of progress it’s making in the US, Epic Games is also launching its antitrust lawsuit against Apple in the UK.

Apple removed Epic’s hit game Fortnite from the App Store last year for using its own billing system rather than Cupertino’s own—thus evading the 30 percent cut taken by the iPhone maker.

“Epic believes that you have a right to save money thanks to using more efficient, new purchase options. Apple’s rules add a 30% tax...

15 January 2021 | App Stores

Epic calls out Apple in ‘Nineteen-Eighty Fortnite’ video following App Store removal

Epic Games has released a 1984 (or "Nineteen-Eighty Fortnite")-style parody of Apple's own famous video after Fortnite was removed from the App Store.

Apple removed the hit game after Epic attempted to circumvent the App Store's built-in payment systems. Not long after, Epic started the #FreeFortnite campaign and released this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euiSHuaw6Q4

Epic is among the increasing number of companies, developers, and even lawmakers that are...

14 August 2020 | App Stores

Epic Games gives up fight against Google over Play Store cut

Epic Games has given up its fight against the large cut taken by Google for publishing games on the Play Store.

In a statement, Epic explained their decision:

"Google puts software downloadable outside of Google Play at a disadvantage, through technical and business measures such as scary, repetitive security pop-ups for downloaded and updated software, restrictive manufacturer and carrier agreements and dealings, Google public relations characterizing third party...

22 April 2020 | Android