Epic Games wins monopoly case against Google

In a landmark decision, the jury in the Epic Games vs Google case has unanimously ruled that Google Play and the Play Billing service constitute an illegal monopoly.

The verdict comes three years after Epic Games initiated legal action against both Apple and Google, accusing them of maintaining unlawful app store monopolies.

The jury – after just a few hours of deliberation – affirmed that Google holds monopoly power in the Android app distribution and in-app billing...

12 December 2023 | Android

US Supreme Court upholds ‘anti-steering’ App Store rules

In a pivotal decision, the US Supreme Court has ruled that Apple can maintain its current "anti-steering" rules within the App Store while its legal feud with Epic Games continues.

The decision, reported by Bloomberg Law, marks a significant development in the ongoing clash between the two industry giants.

At the heart of the matter are Apple's anti-steering rules, which prohibit app developers from redirecting users to external purchasing platforms for digital goods,...

10 August 2023 | App Stores

Apple and Epic Games ask appeals court to reconsider antitrust case ruling

Apple and Epic Games have requested that an appeals court reconsiders its ruling in the pair’s spat over App Store practices.

The ruling, which upheld a previous order from a California federal court, was the result of a lawsuit Epic Games filed against Apple.

Epic Games accused Apple of imposing unfair requirements on software developers, including high commissions on in-app purchases. 

While the trial judge determined that Apple did not violate US...

9 June 2023 | App Stores

Appeals court upholds majority of Apple’s App Store policies

On Monday, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the majority of Apple’s App Store policies and security restrictions in the antitrust lawsuit against Epic Games.

The ruling reaffirmed that Apple’s App Store and its security measures did not violate antitrust laws. However, the court also found that Apple couldn’t maintain anti-steering policies that barred users from learning about alternative payment options.

The legal saga between Epic Games and Apple began...

25 April 2023 | App Stores

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