Microsoft releases statement in support of Epic Games
The gaming world has drawn its battle lines as the war between Epic Games and Apple continues to heat up. With the tech giant tightening the leash on Epic, the video game developer has found a major supporter in Microsoft. With Fortnite being a huge hit on Xbox, Microsoft has thrown its support behind Epic and vowed to fly the flag against Apple.
When Epic created its own direct purchase option to bypass Apple's 30% cut of in-app purchases, Apple came down hard on Epic and pulled Fortnite from the app store. Epic has since filed a lawsuit against Apple's unscrupulous methods, while Apple has given a deadline of August 28 before it will axe Epic from all development tools. Looking at the bigger picture, this could have widespread consequences for the mobile gaming market and would see the App Store drop ALL games that use the Unreal Engine.
Epic has gone on the assault with its own #FreeFortnite campaign and has found plenty of support from fans and the community at large. To have Microsoft backing you up is also another major move in the right direction. Alongside Epic's lawsuit, Microsoft has filed its own statement against Apple. Big Microsoft games like Forza would be affected by Apple squeezing Epic out, so it's a little easier to see why Microsoft has stuck its neck out.
"Denying Epic access to Apple’s SDK and other development tools will prevent Epic from supporting Unreal Engine on iOS and macOS,” said Kevin Gammill, Microsoft’s general manager for third-party developers on the Xbox, “and will place Unreal Engine and those game creators that have built, are building, and may build games on it at a substantial disadvantage".
Click to enlargeEpic's filing said that hundreds of other developers have been in touch and feel the same as Microsoft. This isn't the first time Microsoft has come to blows with Apple. The company previously filed a grievance with Apple not allowing its own game-streaming service on the App Store. Either way, Microsoft is a powerful (and much-needed) ally for Epic.
What happens next is currently unclear. Epic's lawsuit reads, “The breadth of Apple’s retaliation is itself an unlawful effort to maintain its monopoly and chill any action by others who might dare oppose Apple", however, it's hard to see Apple backing down. The company said it would work with Epic to resolve any outstanding issues, but as it stands, the pair are at loggerheads.
Images via Epic Games | Microsoft
