Epic Games has expressed criticism regarding the measures being considered by the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) against Apple and Google. The game developer believes these measures may hinder the possibility of bringing Fortnite back to the iOS App Store in the UK.
The CMA has indicated it will grant Apple and Google “strategic market status” under new digital competition laws, allowing it to oversee the operation of both the App Store and Play Store. However, the CMA’s attention appears to be on addressing Apple’s anti-steering rules and its app review processes, rather than requiring the company to facilitate sideloading through alternative app stores.
This focus is precisely where Epic Games expresses its concerns. Epic Games has stated that the revival of Fortnite on iOS in the UK is now uncertain, citing that they will not be able to introduce the Epic Games Store to the platform this year due to the CMA’s priorities.
The company further argues that any new anti-steering regulations will result in “years of malicious compliance” from Apple. Epic accuses Apple of employing “restrictions, obstructions, and junk fees” in Europe, effectively undermining the objectives of the Digital Markets Act.
Epic emphasizes the necessity of competition amongst app stores to foster a free market that benefits both consumers and creators. In the absence of competing stores, they warn, a state-sanctioned monopoly could exploit its control, hindering fair price competition and reducing options for consumers.
The CMA currently does not intend to address the issue of store competition until 2026, which Epic Games has referred to as “bleak news.”
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