Apple Reinstates Epic Games EU Developer Account, Paving the Way for Alternative App Store

[MacRumors]

Apple today reversed a decision to shut down Epic Games' developer account in the European Union, and the account has now been reinstated. In a statement to MacRumors, Apple said that Epic Games has committed to following the rules, allowing Epic Sweden to be reaccepted into the Apple Developer Program.

Following conversations with Epic, they have committed to follow the rules, including our DMA policies. As a result, Epic Sweden AB has been permitted to re-sign the developer agreement and accepted into the Apple Developer Program.

When Apple terminated the Epic Games Sweden developer account earlier this week, it effectively prevented Epic Games from developing an alternative app marketplace for iPhone users in the European Union. Apple claimed that the account had been terminated because Epic Games had previously breached its contractual obligations, and that the court decision in the Epic Games v. Apple legal battle gave it the right to shut down any Epic Games account at any time.

Apple's Phil Schiller engaged in a conversation with Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney where he asked Sweeney for written assurance that Epic Games would adhere to the new rules for alternative app marketplaces, but Apple did not feel that Sweeney's response was thorough enough. Apple claimed that Epic is "verifiably untrustworthy," with the Cupertino company also citing negative comments from Tim Sweeney about Apple's Digital Marketplace Act (DMA) compliance.

There was immediate public blowback from Apple's decision to kill the account, especially because the emails from Apple made it look like the Epic Games account was terminated because of Sweeney's criticism. From Schiller's email:

In the past, Epic has entered into agreements with Apple and then broken them. For example, you testified that Epic Games, Inc. entered into the Developer Program with full understanding of its terms, and then chose to intentionally breach the agreement with Apple. You also testified that Epic deliberately violated Apple's rules, to make a point and forfinancial gain. More recently, you have described our DMA compliance plan as "hot garbage," a "horror show," and a "devious new instance of Malicious Compliance." And you have complained about what you called "Junk Fees" and "Apple taxes."

Your colorful criticism of our DMA compliance plan, coupled with Epic's past practice of intentionally violating contractual provisions with which it disagrees, strongly suggest that Epic Sweden does not intend to follow the rules.

The European Union quickly stepped in and asked Apple for "further explanations" on why it had shut down the EU Epic Games developer account, a move that likely led Apple to reconsider its decision. Epic Games in a statement to MacRumors said that Apple's response demonstrates that the European Commission plans to act swiftly to enforce the DMA, and that the Epic Games store is coming to Europe.

Apple has told us and committed to the European Commission that they will reinstate our developer account. This sends a strong signal to developers that the European Commission will act swiftly to enforce the Digital Markets Act and hold gatekeepers accountable. We are moving forward as planned to launch the Epic Games Store and bring Fortnite back to iOS in Europe. Onward!

Epic Games announced plans for an alternative app marketplace shortly after Apple introduced support for alternative app stores in the iOS 17.4 beta. Epic Games has pledged to bring Fortnite and other games to the iPhone through its own dedicated storefront, but specific timing for the launch of the Epic Games Store for iOS has not yet been provided.

Though Epic Games is working on an alternative app marketplace, the company has criticized Apple's compliance with the DMA. Sweeney has called Apple's plan a "devious new instance of Malicious Compliance" and has said that Epic Games will continue to "argue to the courts and regulators that Apple is breaking the law."

Article Link: Apple Reinstates Epic Games EU Developer Account, Paving the Way for Alternative App Store

 

[GizmoDVD]

How long before Epic breaks their promises and Apple gets to dump them again?

 

[wanha]

Looking forward to seeing what a benign and honorable gatekeeper Epic will be with their own App Store

 

[Apple Mac Daz]

Ha Ha Ha Apple coming across they made a right dick move

 

[mrat93]

Lol, good.

Apple Explains Why It Terminated Epic's Latest Developer Account

Apple today said it has terminated Epic Games Sweden's developer account worldwide due to the game developer's pattern of untrustworthy...

www.macrumors.com

Now it’s funnier reading the comments at the article above, of people relishing over big bad Epic being banned from the EU.

Rough news day for people who don’t want Fortnite on iOS for some reason.

 

[sirdir]

Yeah Apple, you know, maybe don't screw it up so badly in the frist place. It was absolutely clear they would have to revert this.

 

[GizmoDVD]

Ha Ha Ha Apple coming across they made a right dick move

You mean Apple wanted assurances Epic wouldn't be total *******s and disregard rules again? Yeah, total dick move.

 

[AndiG]

EU to the rescue! All of this reminds me of Microsoft, when EU forced em to let users choose a browser. It looked exactly like this: (and history repeats)

 

[sw1tcher]

Why are we calling this an alternative app store when Apple controls it? It's just another Apple App Store when Apple can ban developer accounts, institute (unreasonable) Core Tech Fees, and prevent E.U. residents from accessing it if they're away from home for too long.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Again?

I can't keep up with the personal beef between Phil & Tim

These two are both drama queens

 

[GizmoDVD]

Why are we calling this an alternative app store when Apple controls it? It's just another Apple App Store when Apple can ban developer accounts, institute (unreasonable) Core Tech Fees, and prevent E.U. residents from accessing it if they're away from home for too long.

Why can't I just walk into Target, setup a booth and sell some stuff?

 

[coffeemilktea]

Now the question is, how long until Tim Sweeney decides he needs to test the waters again and then claim to be the victim afterwards?

 

[SmugMaverick]

You mean Apple wanted assurances Epic wouldn't be total *******s and disregard rules again? Yeah, total dick move.

Wrong

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1766158416093798866

They were forced to backtrack by the EU.

Embarrassing stuff from Apple. PATHETIC even.

 

[dgdosen]

Goodwill cometh with dual monitor support.
Goodwill goeth with developer f&*&ing (no matter what you think about them).

 

[GizmoDVD]

Wrong

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1766158416093798866

They were forced to backtrack by the EU.

Embarrassing stuff from Apple. PATHETIC even.

Tim Sweeney tweeted so it must be true!

Bets on how fast before Epic breaks some rules and gets banned?

 

[JordanCautious]

This has the same announcement, pushback, and turnaround speed as Wendy's surge pricing debacle. Curious enough, both were caused by Executives.

What would be funny is if they actually do break their contract (again) and proves Apple right. But I dont think they want to deal with all of this stuff again. Their lawyers are probably up for it though, since they are always the ones who come out on top (financially)

 

[turbineseaplane]

EU to the rescue! All of this reminds me of Microsoft, when EU forced em to let users choose a browser. It looked exactly like this: (and history repeats)


View attachment 2356966

View attachment 2356967

What's the problem?

Choices are great!

This is a one time thing you do, just like all the other options Apple themselves put up on all iOS devices during setup

I'll take Firefox at the bottom there btw...thx

 

[antiprotest]

Apple and Epic are both pathetic and annoying at this point.

 

[dgdosen]

You mean Apple wanted assurances Epic wouldn't be total *******s and disregard rules again? Yeah, total dick move.

I'm dumbfounded by this take. Apple is IN CONTROL and closed the door on consumers getting something they wanted... No matter what you think of Epic, comparatively, Apple is the bigger 'jerk'.

 

[Analog Kid]

because the emails from Apple made it look like the Epic Games account was terminated because of Sweeney's criticism. From Schiller's email

It's disappointing that MR chooses to selectively edit the first hand material available and leave out the important details.

Schiller's email, including the limited quote provided, simply culminated in a request for written assurances from Sweeney that Epic wouldn't pull the same stunt again. That email was not a termination letter.

You have stated that allowing enrollment of Epic Games Sweden in the Developer Program is "a good faith move by Apple." We invite you to provide us with written assurance that you are also acting in good faith, and that Epic Games Sweden will, despite your public actions and rhetoric, honor all of its commitments.

 

[Apple Fan 2008]

I mean, Epic did break the rules once. So the idea that they would do it again isn't crazy.

 

[Jumpthesnark]

Okay then, let's see what happens. If this works out and it's better for consumers, that's awesome. If Epic oversteps like they always do, well no one will be surprised.

 

[sw1tcher]

Why can't I just walk into Target, setup a booth and sell some stuff?

The purpose of an alternative store is so you don't have to go to Apple (or in your example Target) and get their approval to sell your products. You can set up your own shop away from Apple (or Target in your case) by using your own resources and not Apple's (or Target's in your case).

The way this so-called alternative app store works now is like having to ask Target for permission to start your own mom & pop business selling items that would compete with Target. And if you have anything negative to say about Target, Target can terminate your business license whenever they feel like it.

 

[metkis]

The irony that the US won’t have Fortnite on iPhones because of our lack of meaningful anti-trust regulation should not be lost on fellow American commenters.

 

[surferfb]

What's the problem?

Choices are great!

This is a one time thing you do, just like all the other options Apple themselves put up on all iOS devices during setup

I'll take Firefox at the bottom there btw...thx

It is incredibly confusing for normal users. Not the sort of people who post here, but that 100% would result in a confused phone call "which one do I pick" from multiple of my family members.