Epic Games asked Apple to join its Fortnite developer account. The U.S.-based game maker intends to re-release Fortnite in South Korea on iOS, offering both Epic payments and Apple payments, it stated in a tweet.
Epic has requested Apple to reinstate our Fortnite developer account. Epic plans to re-release Fortnite in Korea on iOS, offering Epic payment as well as Apple payment in accordance with the new Korean law. Fortnite (@FortniteGame), September 9, 2021
This request was made after South Korea passed the updated Telecommunications Business Act in August. It will force Apple and other tech companies to allow developers to use their third-party payments systems.
Epic plans to re-release Fortnite in Korea on iOS, offering Epic payment and Apple payments side-by-side in accordance with the new Korea law.
We have said that Epics return to App Store would be welcomed if they agreed to follow the same rules as all other users. Apple stated in its statement that Epic has admitted to violating contract. As such, they have no legal basis to reinstate their developer account.
Epic would have to agree with Apple's App Store Review Guidelines for all apps. However, Epic has not always complied with the Guidelines and Epic's request to Apple does not indicate any change to Epics position.
Even if the South Korean legislation were to be implemented, Apple would not be required to approve any application for a developer program account based on Apple's statement.
Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store in August 2020 after Epic introduced a direct payment method in Fortnite that was in violation of Apple's in-app purchase requirements. Both companies are currently involved in a legal dispute about the Apple Stores' payment system.
Apple has changed its policy regarding app developers linking to external websites. It also reached an agreement with Japan to allow readers apps developers to link directly to their websites.
A spokesperson for Epic Games did not respond immediately to a request for comment.
