Epic Games Unveils Webshops to Bypass App Store Fees
Epic Games, the developer behind the popular game Fortnite, has announced plans to launch webshops that will enable developers to offer out-of-app purchases, a move aimed at circumventing the fees imposed by Apple and Google. This development comes in the wake of a long-standing legal dispute between the company and Apple, which has recently seen a favorable ruling for Epic.
The new webshops feature will allow developers to direct their players to external websites for purchases, effectively bypassing the in-app purchase systems of Apple and Google. This move is expected to reduce the financial burden on developers, who often face high fees from these tech giants. Epic Games has already adjusted its revenue share model to provide better terms for developers, with a 12% cut on earnings above $1 million per game annually.
Epic’s announcement follows a series of legal victories, including a ruling that allowed the company to continue its business practices without being subject to Apple’s payment fees. The company is now positioning itself as a more favorable alternative for game developers, offering greater flexibility and potentially lower costs.
With the introduction of webshops, developers are anticipated to have more control over their revenue streams and pricing strategies. This shift in the app store landscape could have significant implications for the gaming industry, as well as for the business models of Apple and Google.
While the move has been received positively by many in the industry, it is also likely to draw attention from regulatory bodies and competitors who may view it as a challenge to their established market dominance.