Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has ramped up his criticism of Apple, labeling the company a “gangster-style business” that believes “crime pays.”
He emphasized that both Apple and Google engage in similar tactics, employing fearmongering to prevent iPhone and Android users from downloading the Epic Games Store…
Sweeney’s Skepticism Towards Apple
It’s safe to say that Sweeney isn’t a fan of Apple. In 2021, Epic largely lost its lawsuit against Apple but did gain a partial victory when a judge ruled that developers could guide users to alternative payment methods for in-app purchases, avoiding the App Store’s 30% fee. However, they lost on all other counts.
To give a few examples, he has previously accused Apple of “bribing” lawmakers through political donations; referred to its App Store regulations as “illegal”; and claimed the company operates in “bad faith” and “misleads.”
Apple and Google as ‘Gangster’ Enterprises
In comments reported by TechCrunch, Sweeney has taken his criticism further at a technology conference.
“The unfortunate reality is that Apple and Google no longer operate as good-faith, law-abiding companies,” Sweeney stated. “In many respects, they function like gangster-style businesses that will engage in any practices they believe they can escape consequences for. If they see the cost of a fine as less than the lost profits from an illegal action, they will persist with the illegal activity and simply pay the fine.”
“Crime pays for large tech firms,” he added. “Naturally, we shouldn’t anticipate change until enforcement becomes significantly stricter,” he remarked to the audience.
He accused both Apple and Google of using fear tactics to dissuade smartphone users from installing the Epic Games App Store, which would allow the company to distribute apps and in-app content without paying the 30% commission taken by the two tech giants.
In Europe, the Epic Games Store is permissible thanks to new regulations, but Sweeney pointed out that Apple warns users attempting to install it, resulting in a 50-60% drop-off rate.
DMN’s Perspective
Resorting to aggressive tactics rather than constructive dialogue rarely leads to resolution.
Setting aside the provocative language, it appears likely that Apple may be found guilty of failing to comply in good faith with the judge’s ruling by effectively maintaining the same commission structure even for sales not conducted through its own store. Both judges involved have strongly hinted that Apple misrepresented its reasoning behind this decision.
As I have previously suggested, Apple is replicating the very error that Epic made when it provoked Apple.
What Epic Games attempted was misguided. It provoked Apple, which retaliated, resulting in Epic Games suffering the consequences. FAFO. Yet, Apple is repeating the same misstep. It’s goading lawmakers, who will react, and Apple will face the repercussions.
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Image: Epic Games
