Epic Games accuses Apple of stalling its game store launch in Europe

Epic Games Accuses Apple of Obstructing iOS Game Store Launch in Europe

A new chapter unfolds in the contentious dispute between Epic Games and Apple, with the "Fortnite" creator accusing Apple of blocking its efforts to establish a game store on iPhones and iPads in Europe. Epic Games claims that Apple has twice rejected its documentation to launch the Epic Games Store due to similarities in the design of certain buttons and labels with those on Apple's App Store.

Epic Games voiced its objections, insisting that it adhered to established norms for button and label designs used across various popular app stores and iOS apps. "We are using the same 'Install' and 'In-app purchases' naming conventions that are used across popular app stores on multiple platforms, and are following standard conventions for buttons in iOS apps," stated Epic in a series of social media posts. The company labeled Apple's rejection as "arbitrary" and "obstructive," asserting it violated the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Epic Games has reported its concerns to the European Commission.

Earlier, under the influence of European regulators, Apple had allowed Epic the leeway to introduce its game store on iOS devices in Europe by March. However, the current impasse indicates ongoing friction between the companies over the control of the iOS app ecosystem. Both Apple and the European Commission have not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.