Apple reverses course to approve Epic Games Store on iOS in EU

Apple performed an abrupt U-turn over the weekend to approve the Epic Games Store in the European Union. The volte-face came after a lengthy tirade from Epic at the end of last week. The company stated that its Epic Games Store notarization had been twice rejected by Apple amid claims that the company's "Install" button looked …

[Mage]

ut we have yet to receive a response

Have they started talking to you again?

[Anonymous Coward]

Arguments over buttons set to continue while European Commission looks on

EPIC pushes my buttons with their locking up games as exclusives for a year plus.

[Grogan]

Re: Arguments over buttons set to continue while European Commission looks on

It will be a cold day in Hell (and in a $10 desperation sale on Steam) before I purchase ANY game, whose studio/publisher took that Epic Store carrot.

[Falmari]

Re: Arguments over buttons set to continue while European Commission looks on

@Grogan "It will be a cold day in Hell (and in a $10 desperation sale on Steam) before I purchase ANY game, whose studio/publisher took that Epic Store carrot."

Why would you boycott a studio/publisher for giving Epic Store (PC/Mac) a retail exclusive on a game?

It's no different to a studio/publisher retailing their game exclusively through Steam, GoG or through their own store, all result in the studio/publisher selling their game through a single store. A single retailer for a game is probably not in the consumers best interest, no choice of retailer, lack of competition, etc.

But as you don't have a problem with only a single store being available on a platform (iOS,iPadOS), I can't see that being the reason you feel so strongly that you would boycott a studio/publisher for an exclusive game deal with Epic Store.

[Irongut]

Re: Arguments over buttons set to continue while European Commission looks on

Yes it is different.

Most PC games are published on multiple platforms, some of which come without DRM, but Tim "I'm a cunt" Sweeny is trying to bring the scourge of console exclusives to the PC games market. Since the launch of EGS and EGS exclusives I have boycotted many games, including sequels to games I enjoyed and that I had originally wishlisted on Steam before they were pulled from that platform by Tim's bribe money.

No one is paying devs to publish exclusively on Steam or GoG, if they do that is their choice. Tim Sweeney is paying devs to keep games out of the hands of those who prefer not to use his privacy and usability nightmare of a store.

> as you don't have a problem with only a single store being available on a platform (iOS,iPadOS),

Actually I do. It is one of the reasons I'm an Android user.

[mikus]

Epic has themselves become a thing to hate these days, but I love seeing them make Apple squirm.

Imagine that, a government with power over corporations. If only such a thing were possible in the US now.

[DoctorNine]

Government and Transnational corporations

The power to resist large corporations doing business throughout the whole world can only exist where those corporations are not afforded the same rights as individual humans. Much of the bonkers stuff we see in litigation in the States, is directly due to that onerous fiction. We are likely only to see progress in humans fighting monopolistic practices when and where representative governments understand this moral imperative. The next most worisome case, will be the rights of artificial beings. Bring the popcorn. That will be a spectacle of monumental proportions.

[CowHorseFrog]

but but but, america is always telling me how everyone is equal and free and the government is always helping the little guy against big evil companies and countries.

[Alien Doctor 1.1]

GOG

Title says it all.

[amajadedcynicaloldfart]

Sweeney, you're a twat

Given that your company has been busted for abusing buttons, am not surprised Apple is banging on about buttons

Remember this Sweeney?

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/03/ftc-finalizes-order-requiring-fortnite-maker-epic-games-pay-245-million-tricking-users-making

[CowHorseFrog]

I wonder if Apple will take Epic to court when Epic charges their percentages for Apple stuff.

[mark l 2]

Even if Apple is being a bit picky and complaining about the buttons looking too much like Apples own, how hard is it for Epic to just make a small UI change to alter the size, shape or colour of the buttons to make them look different?

It say make them look like 90s style 3D buttons, which TBH were actually distinguishable from other UI elements rather than everything being a flat design and expecting you to prod randomly to work out what is actually a button.

[CowHorseFrog]

Whaats next Apple complains that IOS apps look the same as Apple's apps because they use the same toolkit ?

[Zibob]

Please bear in mind, this is the same apple that claimed ownership of "Squares with Rounded Corners"

They will find no end of things to sue about. They have also sued for phones ... Looking too much like phones and having buttons...

[DerekCurrie]

So Epic . . .

Your complaint confabulations directed at Apple.... Have they gained you ANY profit? Have they improved your reputation? Do your Apple users love you any more than before your naughty lying started?

IMHO Epic, you're deceitful dirtbags who act on the level of children stamping their little feet in demand of daddy's car keys. I consider you very silly indeed. Now go to your bedroom and think about what you've done. Then apologize to daddy.

Apple has never been perfect, and at this point in their history I swear expletives in their direction every single day. But having to deal with the likes of Epic? I can only offer Apple sympathy and admire their patience with the irrational brats.