Fortnite trial judge rules Apple can’t stop developers from linking to other payment methods • Eurogamer.net



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But Epic has failed to prove that Apple is monopolistic.

After months of waiting, today brings a major development in the Epic v Apple court case, triggered by the removal of Fortnite from the iOS app store.

In a move that can be seen as a victory for both sides, California judge Gonzalez-Rogers ruled that Apple is free to control its own platform’s payment system because Epic failed to prove that the iPhone maker held a monopoly as defined by antitrust laws. laws.

However, Gonzalez-Rogers also ruled that Apple cannot prevent developers from connecting to alternative payment methods from the apps, as this would constitute “anti-competitive behavior” under state law.

“[Apple is] permanently restricted and directed to prohibit developers from including in their applications and their metadata buttons, external links or other calls to action that direct customers to purchasing mechanisms, in addition to in-app purchases and communication with customers via touchpoints obtained voluntarily from customers via in-app account registration, ”Gonzalez-Rogers wrote.

Where does that leave Fortnite? The ball stays in Epic’s court for what he wants to do next. Is he backing down on the decision that Apple is not monopolistic and trying to keep its own payment system installed in the game? As Apple wrote earlier today, in reference to Epic’s latest move to relaunch Fortnite in South Korea, it’s up to Epic to remove this payment system from the mobile version of Fortnite before anything else. .

Alternatively, could Epic make the decision today to allow connection to alternative payment methods like the payout they were looking for? Changing Fortnite to offer this could see it returning to phones earlier.

The decision is expected to be implemented from December 9. Neither company has yet commented on the decision.



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