Epic Games Covers iOS Fees in Ongoing Battle Against Apple

In its ongoing dispute with Apple, Epic Games has committed to covering some iOS-related costs, thereby increasing pressure on the tech giant.

Epic Games Expands Mobile Offering with Third-Party Games

Video game publisher Epic Games has announced its plans to broaden its mobile portfolio by incorporating third-party games. The Epic Games mobile app, available globally on Android and within the European Union on iOS, will soon feature a rotating selection of free games. The initial games to be included are Bloons TD 6 and Dungeon of the Endless: Apogee.

A Strategic Move to Attract Popular Games

Epic Games’ announcement has sparked significant interest as it may encourage popular games to partake in its free games program. The company plans to cover the “Core Technology Fee” on iOS for the first year for participating games. This fee, enforced by Apple, amounts to 50 cents per installation for apps exceeding one million downloads annually and using a third-party store. Apps generating less than 10 million euros in global revenue are granted a three-year grace period.

Apple’s Compliance with European Law Under Scrutiny

In a blog post shared with The Verge, Epic Games stated that covering these costs “is not financially sustainable for every third-party app store or for Epic in the long run, but we will proceed while the European Commission investigates Apple’s non-compliance with the law.” The law in question is the Digital Markets Act, a European digital competition regulation that has targeted Apple.

The Fees Imposed by Apple and Google Spark Controversy

The fees charged by Apple and Google for using their platforms have ignited heated discussions in technology and gaming circles. Epic Games has been embroiled in multiple disputes with Apple over the years, accusing the tech giant of anti-competitive practices.