Regulation too weak: Epic Games does not want to go back to British iPhones

Epic Games initially does not want to return to the British App Store from Apple with the hit shooter “Fortnite”-and also criticizes the regulation of Android developer Google in the country. This emerges from a detailed blog post, that the game group published on Wednesday has. Unlike the EU Commission, Great Britain tries to regulate large app platforms. This is done by the supervisory authority Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). She has just completed an investigation that lasts several months and, like Google, explains to companies with “strategic market status” what corresponds to the EU classification as a gatekeeper. However, the CMA initially failed to determine whether Apple has to allow so-called alternative app marketplaces, as in the EU, i.e. app-store-like offers from competitors on their own account.

“If ever”

The CMA, writes Epic Games, did not decide to prioritize the opening of the mobile ecosystems. “This is a missing chance of bringing competition into a currently monopolized market and enabling economic growth and more selection for consumers.” In a free market, “several (app) shops that compete together” are needed. According to Epic, “the Epic Games Store in Great Britain cannot be brought to iOS (if ever)”.

The same applies to a return of “Fortnite”. This is now “unsure”. According to Epic Games, other countries do better. In addition to the EU, the game group mentions Brazil and Japanwhere you can expect the return of “Fortnite” and the Epic Games Store “on the iPhone this year. The CMA was asked to rethink “its weak roadmap decisions”.

Epic Games wants to bill himself

Among other things, the CMA had decided to make a final decision in 2026. It should also be examined whether Apple should be forced to enable users to make a so -called sideloading – i.e. the installation of apps past the App Store. So far, it has also been unclear whether the so -called steering is regulated in Great Britain.

Apple is currently prohibiting its app providers to take certain steps with which users are “redirected” to their own payments, on which Apple does not also well deserve. In his statement, Epic Games emphasized that CMA ignores the fact that Apple will try to continue earning in Europe with new fees. The game group calls these “garbage fees” that underwent the digital markets act.