Fortnite creator Epic Games filed an official complaint with the U.K. Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) as a way to voice solidarity in the antitrust regulator’s investigation into Apple, Reuters reported on Tuesday (March 30).
The North Carolina video game company co-founded by Mark Rein is already mired in legal action regarding commissions charged by Apple’s App Store. When Epic’s Fortnite tried to sidestep those commissions by introducing its own in-app payment method, Apple banished the popular gaming app from its store.
The CMA launched an investigation into the App Store after numerous complaints accused Apple of unfair app developer terms. The iPhone maker’s App Store has been at the center of numerous complaints regarding commission or fee structures, according to Reuters.
Tim Sweeney, chief executive officer and co-founder of Epic Games, has in the past been outspoken about his negative opinion of Apple’s policies. He called Apple’s App Store practices one of the reasons costs are so high for consumers. Further, he said Apple’s policies could “stifle innovation among developers.”
Epic Games is in the midst of several ongoing lawsuits against Apple in the U.S. and Australia, in addition to an antitrust complaint filed in the European Union.
“It is not surprising that Epic is pushing their agenda before the UK Competition and Markets Authority, as we have seen them use the same playbook around the world,” an Apple spokesman told Reuters.
The legal battles between Epic Games and Apple prompted numerous technology firms to join the fray, with some supporting the gaming company and others agreeing with the iPhone maker’s point of view. As of the end of last month, Epic was still drumming up support from tech firms and seeking testimony from the parent of the online dating app Tinder.
Epic Games lodged an antitrust complaint in the European Union against Apple in February accusing the Silicon Valley big tech firm of purposely engaging in unfair practices in an effort to get rid of competitors. It further accused Apple of violating EU competition law by manipulating the ecosystem of the operating system it controls in order to benefit itself.
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