SYDNEY, Aug 13 — In a landmark ruling, an Australian court has determined that tech giants Apple and Google misused their dominant market power in the ongoing dispute with Epic Games, the creator of the blockbuster video game Fortnite.
The conflict dates back to 2020 when both Apple and Google removed Fortnite from their respective app stores. The move came after Epic Games introduced its own in-app payment system, bypassing the mandatory commission fees imposed by the tech giants. In response, Epic launched legal challenges in multiple countries, arguing that Apple and Google’s practices stifled competition and unfairly restricted developers.
This week, Australia’s Federal Court sided with Epic Games on key points. The ruling highlighted that the dominance of Apple and Google’s app stores limited market competition, potentially forcing game developers to pay higher fees than they otherwise would in a more open ecosystem. “This is a WIN for developers and consumers in Australia!” Epic Games stated in an official press release on Tuesday, emphasizing the broader implications for innovation and consumer choice.
However, the court did not fully side with Epic. Justice Jonathan Beach rejected claims that Apple and Google engaged in unconscionable conduct, meaning the companies were not found to have acted in an overtly unethical or illegal manner in all aspects of the dispute.
A Google spokesperson commented that the company “disagreed with some of the court’s findings” and would review the full decision carefully before determining its next steps. Apple has not issued a formal statement at the time of reporting.
Adding to the legal momentum, Australian lawyers have filed a class action suit seeking compensation from both tech giants on behalf of Fortnite users and developers who may have been affected by the app store bans and fee structures. “The judgement is a turning point,” said Kimi Nishimura of Maurice Blackburn Lawyers. “It sends a clear message that even the most powerful corporations must play by the rules and respect the rights of consumers and developers alike.”
Fortnite remains one of the world’s most popular video games, boasting hundreds of millions of registered players globally. The ruling is seen as a significant step toward more equitable treatment for developers navigating the complex and often restrictive app store landscape.
