Apple and Google kicks Fornite from App Store and Google Play

Apple today has removed Epic Games' Fortnite battle royale game from the App Store. Shortly, Google followed by kicking the app from Android's own app marketplace.

Apple and Google kicks Fortnite

Fornite violations on App Store and Google Play 

The app was removed from the App Store after the company's developer on Thursday implemented its own in-app payment system that bypassed Apple's standard 30 percent fee.

Apple said in a statement that 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 its users.

The Verge reported that the decision marks a significant escalation in the feud between Epic and Apple.

Following the app removal on the store, Epic responds with an antitrust lawsuit saying that Apple's App Store as a monopoly and a protest video on YouTube and Fortnite mocking the company's "1984" ad and called fans to #FreeFornite.

Google, on the other hand, said that Fornite violated its policies. Because of that, they cannot make the app available on the Play Store anymore. Google added that Android is an open operating system that allows multiple stores and that Google Play's policies need to apply equally to all developers.

Both Apple and Google said they are open to bringing Fortnite back to their respective app markets.

Apple added that it plans to work with Epic to resolve the violations with no special arrangement.

If you will want to download the app on Android, open the Epic Games app or Samsung Galaxy Store on Samsung devices. For Apple, it is not possible to install the app anymore.

To read the full stories, check our sources below.

Source: The Verge 1, 2