Apple Removes Popular Game Fortnite from App Store

Earlier today, developer Epic Games allowed users to purchase in-app currency directly through the popular game. That’s against App Store rules as all games must use Apple’s in-app purchases system. As you know, Apple takes a 30 percent cut of those purchases.

After the direct payment feature was publicized, Apple pulled the app. If you previously installed the app on your iPhone or iPad, it is still available to play.

Here’s the statement Apple provided to MacRumors:

Today, Epic Games took the unfortunate step of violating the ‌App Store‌ guidelines that are applied equally to every developer and designed to keep the store safe for our users. As a result their Fortnite app has been removed from the store. Epic enabled a feature in its app which was not reviewed or approved by Apple, and they did so with the express intent of violating the ‌App Store‌ guidelines regarding in-app payments that apply to every developer who sells digital goods or services.

Epic has had apps on the ‌App Store‌ for a decade, and have benefited from the ‌App Store‌ ecosystem – including it’s tools, testing, and distribution that Apple provides to all developers. Epic agreed to the ‌App Store‌ terms and guidelines freely and we’re glad they’ve built such a successful business on the ‌App Store‌. The fact that their business interests now lead them to push for a special arrangement does not 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.

After Apple pulled the app, Epic promptly filed suit in court. The company also released an anti-Apple video Nineteen Eighty-Fornite, a parody of the classic Apple Super Bowl ad in 1984.