Epic Games' developer account is restored by Apple

Epic Games' developer account is restored by Apple

FILE PHOTO: On December 4, 2023, in New York City, the United States, people can be seen walking by a digital screen that plays the Fortnite game. Shannon Stapleton/File Photo via REUTERS

Two days after preventing Epic Games from creating its own online marketplace on iPhones and iPads in Europe, Apple restored the developer account, the Fortnite game creator announced on Friday.

The game company announced that it will proceed with its plans to relaunch the Fortnite game and the Epic Games Store for iOS across the continent.

"This sends a strong signal to developers that the European Commission will act swiftly to enforce the Digital Markets Act and hold gatekeepers accountable," Epic Games added.

The two companies have been in a legal battle since 2020, when the gaming firm alleged that Apple's practice of charging up to 30 per cent commissions on in-app payments on its iOS devices violated U.S. antitrust rules.

"Following conversations with Epic, they have committed to follow the rules, including our DMA policies. As a result, Epic Sweden AB has been permitted to re-sign the developer agreement and accepted into the Apple Developer Program," Apple said in a statement.