Fortnite for iOS and macOS Will No Longer Be Cross-Platform When New Season Launches

[dwaite]

That would be an interesting wrinkle. I’m not a lawyer, so I have no idea if that would work, but I’m guessing by the same justification you just made, Apple could excuse itself very easily. Epic might be stuck though—depends on the TOS. Kinda hope someone does this. . .

I think Apple would be happy to refund any purchases which had not been paid out to Epic yet.

 

[I7guy]

And how do you know this? You have a copy of their contract?

Are you saying the reports on this are wrong?

 

[Colonel Blimp]

Unless Epic relents on its direct payment option, Apple will on Friday terminate the developer account that is apparently used to develop and codesign Fortnite for both iOS and macOS.... While they distribute the Mac app outside the App Store, they still won't be able to sign the Mac app, so they won't be able to ship an update after the termination without a warning that the app is from an unidentified developer, as their signing certificate will be revoked.

It's still possible to run unsigned software on macOS, of course, with a pretty simple workaround....

Than’s a very good point, but in fact the situation may be even more dire than you suppose.

Three weeks ago, Apple accidentally suspended the developer account of Charlie Monroe Software, with which all of his apps (e.g. Downie and Permute) had been codesigned. As soon as his account was suspended, they all stopped working, and there was no simple workaround. Option-clicking on his apps to open them did not offer the option to bypass Gatekeeper. (Apple corrected their mistake 24 hours later and apologized for their error.)

While we’ve always been able to run software that has never been code-signed in macOS, it appears that software that has been signed with a suspended or terminated developer account just won’t run (at least not in Mojave or Catalina).

So I guess there’s no point in releasing an update for an app that’s going to stop working entirely in two days.

Update: It occurs to me that there appears to be nothing to stop Epic from releasing a new update to the Fortnite app for macOS without codesigning it (outside the Mac App Store, of course), so their users could run it by option-clicking on it and choosing to bypass Gatekeeper.

It does appear as if Epic really are determined to take their ball and go home.

 

[archer75]

And how do you know this? You have a copy of their contract?

look it up. It's not a secret. That's the fee across platforms.

 

[sirozha]

Are you saying the reports on this are wrong?

It would make zero sense for Epic to declare war on Apple if they pay the same percentage to other platforms. Zero sense.

I’m not a gamer, but can’t they sell their games on DVDs and bypass the platform’s fee altogether?

 

[Arbuthnott]

Epic Games tomorrow plans to launch a new season of Fortnite [...{

This morning, Epic Games confirmed that it has no plans to give in and remove the direct payment option from the Fortnite app on iOS devices, which means the app continues to be in violation of the App Store rules and cannot be updated. Fortnite for iPhone, iPad, and Mac will not get the new season.

So the question is, where do my loyalties lie? With Apple, who provide me with a safe, private, protected environment? Or with Epic, a big chunk of which is owned by WeChat through TikTok, and who appear to be determined to disrupt some of the ways that Apple protects me? Hmmm. Now that’s a really hard one.

 

[rp2011]

Given both have deep pockets, neither feel compelled to give in. But in the end both actually end up losing millions.

Absolutely. And things are a bit more interesting given that Apple would want as many developers and their apps/games to transition to Apple Silicon.

 

[sirozha]

So the question is, where do my loyalties lie? With Apple, who provide me with a safe, private, protected environment? Or with Epic, a big chunk of which is owned by WeChat through TikTok, and who appear to be determined to disrupt some of the ways that Apple protects me? Hmmm. Now that’s a really hard one.

You seriously think this is a consideration for the majority of young people? You must not have kids.

 

[atoqir]

I hardly think that app store commissions alone are responsible for Apple's current financial state.

You made the statement that App Store and IAP commissions do not fund developer resources and I asked you to back up the statement. You have since edited your post to soften that statement but you still claim a "disproportionate" amount of profit and I would ask you to back that up. Disproportionate to what?

Well then, were is your proof how much dollars goes to developers.

If you try question someone his argument with ‘show proof’, you should also come with proof why your statement is right. 😋

 

[sideshowuniqueuser]

12 year olds will be raging... Apple must be absolutely devastated.

Lose the 12 year olds, and you lose the market in the long run.
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Regardless of which side you support, the whole purpose of the legal proceedings is to determine the validity of Apple's alleged anti-competitive practices. Let the courts determine that with a ruling. In the meantime, Epic has a duty to its users to provide a service and they are abandoning that commitment by not doing everything in their power to reduce disruption among its users.

If Epic wins, then not only does Apple have to change its policies, but Apple would also be on the hook for the 30% that they would have taken from Epic.

This is now just petty of Epic.

In the meantime, Apple has a duty to its users...

See what I did there.

 

[icanhazmac]

If you try question someone his argument with ‘show proof’, you should also come with proof why your statement is right.

🤦‍♂️ Nice try but I never made a statement! That post, in its original form, contained a very bold statement, I simply asked where his "facts" came from. He immediately edited his post, changing its feel from the original, and has not yet followed up. If you had taken the time to read the original post, which is quoted in my reply, you would have seen this.

 

[sideshowuniqueuser]

Epic's actions are hurting iOS indie devs by not paying the 30% that funds many developer resources.

Yeah, because without it, the $2T company wouldn't be able to provide those resources

 

[I7guy]

It would make zero sense for Epic to declare war on Apple if they pay the same percentage to other platforms. Zero sense.

I’m not a gamer, but can’t they sell their games on DVDs and bypass the platform’s fee altogether?

I can’t answer that. The last game I recently bought was a digital download as I needed some distraction for shelter in place. I haven’t bought a game prior in 15 years.

But I do not believe a DVD will mitigate the loss of their developer account for iOS or Mac. (But someone will chime in if I’m wrong)

 

[dwaite]

Could someone explain why the city bike app isn’t blocked from the App Store? I downloaded the city bike app to ride a bike and discovered there is no option to sign up and pay in app. The only way is to be done on a web page. Basically Apple gets 0% cut from anyone who pays to use citi bike.

So how is the owners of citi bike not penalized for evading the Apple 30% tax?

you pay in app for virtual goods and services consumed in app.
you can buy real goods from target/Amazon, rent bikes, pay for tickets, haul taxis, etc with no Apple cut

Say I had an app and wanted to charge $10 for it. apple or google would take 30%, so I’d get $7

now say I change it where you can use the app for one week, then I ask for $10 in app. I still am expected to give Apple or Google their cut

Epic decided now that that cut was too much, so they snuck in code which took payments directly.

 

[Arbuthnott]

Well then, were is your proof how much dollars goes to developers.

If you try question someone his argument with ‘show proof’, you should also come with proof why your statement is right. 😋

You obviously don’t run a business if any sort. As a listed company, Apple’s accounts are routinely audited and verified. Of course you might claim that the auditors, Apple, and the various state and federal tax agencies are all in a conspiracy together. But it’s pretty certain that developers get paid exactly what Apple declares.
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You appear to be grasping for straws.

 

[Arbuthnott]

Lose the 12 year olds, and you lose the market in the long run.
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In the meantime, Apple has a duty to its users...

See what I did there.

Also, Fortnite is just one more game. There will be a new favourite before the 12 yo kids turn 13.

 

[archer75]

It would make zero sense for Epic to declare war on Apple if they pay the same percentage to other platforms. Zero sense.

I’m not a gamer, but can’t they sell their games on DVDs and bypass the platform’s fee altogether?

Bingo. That’s why everyone is siding with Apple(and google) and why epic is going to lose this one.

 

[4jasontv]

Also, Fortnite is just one more game. There will be a new favourite before the 12 yo kids turn 13.

Just ask Rovio and King.

 

[sideshowuniqueuser]

Epic managed to make Apple look good.

No they most definitely didn't. Apple are on the nose. Their obscene greed and bullying is out in the open. Apple can do no wrong in the eyes of fanbois, but for objective people, it's your actions, not who you are, that matters. This from a long time, and current, Apple MBP and iPhone user. I have loved Apple's products for a long time, but I have grown more and more disgruntled over the last 5 years, as more and more decisions are clearly based on greed, rather than on what is best.

Fortnight players will either move to other platforms, or move to other games. They certainly won't be thinking that Apple are the shining angels in this battle. Some will resent Epic, and some will see them as the knight fighting the dragon.

 

[Colonel Blimp]

Or the players will sell their Macs, buy much more powerful PCs for that money and will be playing their favorite games on PCs.

Just out of curiosity, which of the 157 comments posted in this thread before yours led you to believe there’s likely to be a groundswell of desperation among macOS Fortnite players? Is there even one?

 

[sideshowuniqueuser]

I'm guessing once the laundry is done and Epic investors see how much money is lost in iOS revenue, Epic's CEO will get sh*t-canned for engaging in such a reckless strategy.

I'd be surprise if Epic's Apple based revenue is anything more than a minor slice of it's pie. Apple is a pathetic gaming platform.

 

[4jasontv]

some will see them as the knight fighting the dragon.

Children do have an active imagination.
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Just out of curiosity, which of the 157 comments posted in this thread before yours led you to believe there’s likely to be a groundswell of desperation among macOS Fortnite players? Is there even one?

Sure. I bet there is one macos fortnite player.

 

[Arbuthnott]

you pay in app for virtual goods and services consumed in app.
you can buy real goods from target/Amazon, rent bikes, pay for tickets, haul taxis, etc with no Apple cut

Say I had an app and wanted to charge $10 for it. apple or google would take 30%, so I’d get $7

now say I change it where you can use the app for one week, then I ask for $10 in app. I still am expected to give Apple or Google their cut

Epic decided now that that cut was too much, so they snuck in code which took payments directly.

You can have a free version of the App on the store, and take payments over the web. No argument from Apple. Many Apps do this, including Amazon. But if you want to use Apple’s App Store to manage the payments, from memory it’s 30% for the first year and 15% thereafter.
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Epic are going after Apple’s concept of the managed store, they could get payments online without all this crap. So you have to ask yourself why a popular games company with significant Chinese ownership would like to damage the protection Apple gives users.

 

[Arbuthnott]

I'd be surprise if Epic's Apple based revenue is anything more than a minor slice of it's pie. Apple is a pathetic gaming platform.

So you really think this is about profits? More likely they are trying to break the concept of the store. As an aside, Epic is part owned by TikTok. The one that the USA is banning for security reasons. Clearly just a coincidence.

 

[Fusionskies]

Apple is a 2 trillion dollar company. They can afford whatever comes their way, be it lawsuits or whatever.
I think Epic are being a bit too big for their boots, and are just hurting themselves really.
Epic will cave in soon I imagine, once they realise they can't have their way. They have probs already lost $100,000's, (excluding the legal fees).

Good on Apple. I stopped playing Fortnite like after a week when it first came out, it's just a kids game now really.

This is my opinion, if you agree cool, if you disagree, cool also...