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A California federal judge has launched a pair of Apple’s counterclaims against “Fortnite” maker Epic Games in the high-stakes legal battle over Apple’s App Store charges.
Apple and Epic have been at odds since August, when the developer’s famous Battle Royale-style game, “Fortnite,” was booted from the App Store after it introduced an in-app payment system that would have allowed it to bypass the 30% discount Apple takes from in-app purchases.
The iPhone maker had demanded “restitution and restitution of all gains, benefits, indemnities, benefits and other ill-gotten gains obtained by Epic as a result of his conduct,” a claim Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers considered to be a bridge too far.
“This is a high stakes breach of contract and antitrust case and that’s it in my opinion,” the judge said, according to Bloomberg, telling Apple’s attorney: ” You can’t just independently say it’s illegal – you actually have to have the facts.
A judge in October ruled that Apple could ban Epic’s “Fortnite” game from its App Store but should not interfere with the business of Epic’s development tools, including “Unreal Engine” software, which is used by hundreds of other video games.
The closely watched saga could have ripple effects on the app ecosystem. The App Store is the only way to get apps on Apple phones and iPads.
Epic’s battle drew support from other top app makers, including parent company Tinder Match Group and music broadcaster Spotify.
Apple did not respond to a request for comment, but told Bloomberg it disagreed with the judge’s ruling, adding that it was clear Epic had severed its contract with the company.
With pole wires.
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