(HorizonPost.com) – The video game Fortnite is a worldwide phenomenon that reportedly had 350 million registered users in May 2020. However, after a dispute between Apple and Epic Games, the game’s creator, the game was removed from Apple‘s storefront, drastically affecting the number of registered gamers. Reportedly, 116 million of them use the iOS system as their sole interface — which is why there’s now a trial underway in federal courts.
Epic filed a lawsuit asserting that the app store has become so large and controlling that it violates the antitrust laws of the United States. While this is no laughing matter, there was some amusement to be found on the first day of trial with many children yelling “free Fortnite” before the court managed to mute the microphones of people listening in over the internet.
the Epic Games vs. Apple trial has kicked off with kids screaming "free Fortnite" or "bring back Fortnite mobile" as the court didn't manage to mute participants for 20 minutes. Oops https://t.co/2LRfr9hiWL 🙃 pic.twitter.com/lCsg8CFdhA
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) May 3, 2021
Epic contends that Apple’s market position allowed them to demand 30% of all in-app purchases — allegedly 10 times what others charge. Regardless of the trial’s outcome, it’s unlikely anything will truly be resolved. The loser will almost certainly file an appeal because of the enormous sums of money involved.
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