The Vergecast Apple v Epic week 1 roundtable
May 7, 2021
Adi Robertson, a senior reporter at The Verge specializing in tech law, and Tom Warren, a senior editor with deep insights into Apple controversies, dive into the first week of the Epic Games v. Apple trial. They discuss why Epic is spending its own money to challenge Apple in court and share Tim Sweeney's bold vision of a metaverse. The episode highlights critical issues such as Apple's App Store monopoly, antitrust implications, and the ongoing debate over in-app purchase regulations that could reshape the gaming landscape.
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The Trial's Origin
- Epic Games added a payment system to Fortnite that bypassed Apple's 30% fee.
- Apple removed Fortnite, leading to Epic's antitrust lawsuit.
Fortnite: Game or Metaverse?
- Sweeney argued Fortnite is more than a game; it's a metaverse with concerts and other media.
- This distinction challenges Apple's 30% cut on in-app game purchases.
Roblox: Platform vs. Game
- Apple defines Roblox as a platform, not a game, because it hosts various experiences.
- This distinction matters as it impacts how Apple categorizes and regulates apps like xCloud and Minecraft.