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“Apple says Epic is violating its App Store guidelines by using its own payment system”
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"The decision marks a significant escalation in the feud between Epic and one of the world’s most dominant mobile software marketplaces. It also comes at an especially fraught time for Apple as the iPhone maker navigates antitrust concerns over its operation of the App Store and the rules it imposes on certain developers. "
I’m particularly confused because Epic arguably follows terrible business practices in the exact same area: Game distribution. Epic created their own game store for Windows to rival Steam, and they have insanely agressive practices/promotions to make it popular. They give away games for free since months (today Total War Troy!), negotiate exclusivity for new releases (Metro Exodus), buy up game companies (RocketLeague). Granted, they take less fees, but they still aim to become a software distributor.
Except that Epic has to be aggressive to take a spot against Steam. It’s all fine to hate on Apple for their “monopoly” position, but Steam isn’t much different in its own market.
As for Apple vs. Epic, it’s still a battle of billionnaires, but I’m still happy when I see the biggest one getting slapped.
While I’m not a fan of Epic, I do feel there’s a difference between one company basically throwing free games and low fees at us and another company forbidding us to install what we want and asking a hefty cut of developers’ profits.
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I don’t think it’s the same, you’re comparing apples to oranges a bit here. Epic has exclusive programs while apple only allows specific programs on their hardware.
I think having exclusive launcher on PC is fine’ish but having locked down program system is definitely anti-competitive and harmful.
Definitely has a pot calling the kettle black vibe.
To be honest, they would probably create an alternative software source on iOS if that was allowed.