He case Epic Games continues its course. After learning yesterday that Apple is closing the developer account of this company, now we see some movements behind the scenes. Specifically, that Epic Games seeks to create a common front against the App Store, recruiting other developers. Something that could generate additional legal problems, since we would be talking about a possible case of collusion.
A common front that could be seen as anti-competitive
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In the last few weeks, even before the controversial decision of Epic Games, the company has contacted other executives in the technology sector. According The Information (via MacRumors), Epic Games aspires to create a common front of companies who criticize the measures of the App Store.
Among those companies would be Spotify, which ultimately decided not to join the effort. Although the Swedes did publicly support Epic Games through a statement released by Peter Kafka, a journalist for Recode. The publication suggests that the video game developer could find it difficult to recruit companies. Although some agree with the intention, they are concerned that their effort is seen as an attack on free competition by the authorities.
This effort to bring several companies together on the same front to force Apple could be seen as an attempt at collusion
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This is what is known as collusion, where two or more companies agree against a third party using fraudulent methods. It is characterized by being a secret pact that seeks to profit on a market unfairly. The most frequent forms of collusion are the price pact and the distribution of markets, either by characteristics or geographically. It is considered an illegal practice against free competition.
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It is obvious that the situation has gotten out of hand at Epic Games. Withdraw in-app purchases to replace them with your own system in Fortnite knowing that it was contrary to the rules of the App Store, as well as accompany it with a powerful public relations campaign, has not had the expected result. Apple removed the app from its store, followed by a demand from the developer. And yesterday we saw how the situation has escalated again towards the withdrawal of the Epic Games account to distribute in the store.
Of course, it is a situation that can only be resolved in two ways: either Epic Games takes over the rules of the store again or the case will drag on to court for an indefinite time.
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