Fortnite: the mobile version of the title has been removed from the App Store

After the decision of the last few hours by epic Games to introduce a new payment system in Fortnite, specially designed for versions for versions Android e iOS of the title, Apple decided to respond by removing the famous battle royale fromApp Store. This move comes in response to Epic's recent decision to allow players to purchase directly within the game, thus bypassing Apple's payment processing and avoid the 30% tax on purchases.

In a statement sent to The Verge, Apple said it removed Fortnite from the App Store for violated company guidelines, stating that the change was done with intent to violate these guidelines and that has not been reviewed or approved by Apple. The change in payment options seemed to actually be one direct challenge the guidelines for the review of the App Store, according to which all in-app purchases must go through some specific payment mechanisms. Here is the statement:

Today Epic Games has sadly violated the App Store guidelines, which apply equally to all developers and designed to keep the store safe for all of our users. As a result, their Fortnite app was removed from the store. Epic has enabled a feature in its app that has not been reviewed or approved by Apple and has done so with the express intent of violating the App Store guidelines regarding in-app payments, which apply to every developer who sells. digital goods or services. Epic has had apps on the App Store for a decade and has benefited from the App Store ecosystem, including the tools, testing, and distribution that Apple provides to all developers. Epic has freely accepted the terms and guidelines of the App Store and we are delighted that they have created such a successful business on the App Store. The fact that their business interests now lead them to push for a special deal doesn't change the fact that these guidelines create a level playing field for all developers and make the store safe for all users. We will make every effort to work with Epic to resolve these violations so they can return Fortnite to the App Store.