Apple says Epic is violating its App Store guidelines.

  • “Apple says Epic is violating its App Store guidelines by using its own payment system”

  • "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. "

  • AgreeableLandscape
    7·
    4 years ago

    I’m not even sure which side I should be on. Both of them are terrible companies. Sure, Apple is being the aggressor in this instance, but Epic Games isn’t exactly spotless and frankly does not have my sympathy.

    It’s like a fight between a fly and a cockroach.

    • wraptile
      111·
      4 years ago

      I’d argue that Apple is much worse.
      Comparing Epic, who made some gamers upset by having some games exclusive to their e-shop, to one of the biggest opponents of consumer rights is a bit silly, isn’t it?

      • AgreeableLandscape
        1·
        4 years ago

        Fair point, and I’m not saying both are equally bad, but it doesn’t change the fact that I support neither.

      • AgreeableLandscape
        1·
        4 years ago

        Another thing: Epic Games is a much smaller company compared to Apple. This factors into how much bad they can do. I predict that if Epic was as big as Apple, they’d be similarly as bad.

    • Future MeOP
      4·
      4 years ago

      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.

      • pyjammas
        4·
        4 years ago

        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.

      • 0xc0ba17
        4·
        4 years ago

        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.

      • wraptile
        2·
        4 years ago

        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.

      • AgreeableLandscape
        1·
        4 years ago

        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.

  • Future MeOP
    4·
    4 years ago

    Update: The same thing is happening with Google as well:

    • Implemented payment options via update
    • Got kicked off the App Store / Play Store
    • Filed lawsuit against Apple / Google
  • ster
    1·
    4 years ago

    These monopolistic platforms are always cancerous to the users and third parties they are supposed to provide for. A platform co-operative would make so much more sense.