SYDNEY, Aug 13 — In a landmark decision for gamers and developers alike, Australia’s Federal Court has ruled that tech giants Apple and Google misused their market power when they removed the blockbuster game Fortnite from their app stores in 2020.
The dispute began when Epic Games, the developer behind Fortnite, introduced its own in-app payment system, bypassing Apple’s and Google’s standard commission fees. In response, both companies pulled the game from their platforms, sparking legal battles across multiple countries.
This week, the Australian court found that the dominance of Apple and Google’s app stores reduced competition, likely forcing game developers to pay higher fees than they would in a fair market. “This is a WIN for developers and consumers in Australia!” Epic Games said in a statement on Tuesday.
However, the court did not accept Epic’s claims that Apple and Google had acted unconscionably. A Google spokesperson responded, saying the company disagrees with parts of the ruling and will review the full decision before determining next steps.
Meanwhile, Australian lawyers have filed a class action suit seeking compensation from Apple and Google on behalf of game users and developers. “The judgment is a turning point,” said Kimi Nishimura of Maurice Blackburn Lawyers. “It sends a clear message that even the most powerful corporations must play by the rules and respect the rights of consumers and developers alike.”
Fortnite remains one of the most popular video games in the world, with hundreds of millions of registered players, making this ruling a significant moment for the global gaming community.
