Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, has declared that his company has the financial capacity to continue its legal battles against tech giants Apple and Google for decades to come. The dispute, which revolves around the future of the popular online video game Fortnite on mobile platforms, has seen Epic Games invest billions in their fight against the tech behemoths.
Sweeney's bold statement underscores the high stakes involved in the ongoing legal battle. The dispute began when the tech giants removed Fortnite from their app stores in response to Epic Games implementing its own in-app purchasing system. This move bypassed the 30% commission Apple and Google charge on in-app purchases, which led to the game's removal. Epic Games responded by suing both companies, alleging anti-competitive practices.
The Epic Games CEO remains undeterred by the legal and financial challenges ahead. He believes the future of the gaming industry is at stake, expressing that Epic Games is fighting for all developers and consumers. Sweeney is convinced that the current app store policies are unfair and if left unchanged, they will hinder creativity and innovation in the gaming industry. He argues that developers should have the freedom to sell their apps directly to consumers without an intermediary, which would ultimately benefit all parties involved.
While the legal battle continues, Sweeney's commitment to the cause is clear. He and his team at Epic Games are prepared to spend billions more if necessary to ensure a fair and competitive marketplace for all developers and gamers. This fight is about more than just Fortnite; it’s about reshaping the future of the gaming industry.