Epic Games announces plans to re-release Fortnite iOS app



A new law has been passed in South Korea to allow 'third-party payment systems in app stores.' Following this law, Fortnite developer Epic Games has announced that it plans to release the iOS version of the Fortnite app again.

After new law in Korea allows third-party payment systems in apps, Epic wants Apple to release Fortnite for iPhone again --9to5Mac
https://9to5mac.com/2021/09/09/after-new-law-in-korea-allows-third-party-payment-systems-in-apps-epic-wants-apple-to-release-fortnite- for-iphone-again /

In August 2020, Fortnite developer Epic Games introduced a payment method called 'EPIC Direct Payment, ' which allows you to purchase in-game currency at a lower price than usual. Smartphone apps are usually purchased in-app via official app stores such as the App Store and Google Play, so developers must pay Apple and Google 30% of their sales as a commission. EPIC Direct Payment is a method of purchasing in-app currency directly from Epic Games without going through the official app store, so the amount that should be paid as a fee will be returned to the user.

However, Apple did not allow in-app purchases that do not go through the App Store, so EPIC Direct Payment removed the Fortnite app as a violation of the terms. In response, Epic Games has filed a lawsuit for 'fair competition.'

'Fortnite' developer Epic Games sues Apple-GIGAZINE



The iOS version of the Fortnite app has been suspended for over a year since then, but due to the Telecommunications Business Law revised in South Korea at the end of August 2021, both Apple and Google are official app stores. Has forced me to allow third-party payment methods.

Following legal enforcement of third-party payment methods in South Korea, Epic Games announced that it has asked Apple to restore its developer account on the App Store. 'We plan to bring back the Fortnite app by implementing both EPIC Direct Payments and payments via Apple as before, while complying with new Korean legislation,' Epic Games continued.



Apple has not yet updated the App Store guidelines, as the revised Telecommunications Business Act in South Korea is still in its infancy. Apple claims that accepting a third-party payment system undermines user confidence in all purchases made on the App Store. However, critics have criticized Apple's claim because it fears that it will not be able to get the 15-30% commission that comes from in-app purchases.

The proceedings between Apple and Epic Games began in May 2021, and the judge's decision will be made within the next few months.

Apple vs. Epic Games proceedings start, CEO Tim Sweeney says-GIGAZINE



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