According to the CEO of Epic Games, after Google, Apple is the next…
Not so long ago, the CEO of Epic Games, Tim Sweeney, was forced to announce that he would significantly reduce the company’s workforce. 16% of employees (about 830 people in total) were dismissed. The news surprised everyone, as the company’s pockets were filled with a lot of income generated by Fortnite and the increasingly successful Unreal Engine license program.
The CEO of Epic Games briefly explained that some parts of the company were cut off from their own sources of income, and when the hen that laid the proverbial golden egg couldn’t really cover them anymore, there was no other solution than downsizing.
Of course, Epic also invested a lot in legal battles. As well as Epic Games Store promotions to attract both users and game developers.
Still, despite this setback, Tim Sweeney doubled down on all of the aforementioned company’s core initiatives. He didn’t budge an inch from his ideas. Just a few weeks later, the future of Epic Games looks much brighter.
First, Fortnite set a new player count record thanks to the “OG” season. In November, more than 100 million players logged into the game. It seems that this is only the tip of the iceberg, as the recently released Chapter 5 Season 1, as well as the newly launched Lego Fortnite, Rocket Racing and Fortnite Festival experiences, are causing new peaks in the number of players.
However, the CEO of Epic Games’ biggest victory was achieved a few days ago, when the jury of the US federal court in Northern California unanimously decided against Google’s monopolistic practices.
Tim Sweeney has long condemned the oppressive influence of both Apple and Google on the Android and iOS environment. Not to mention the outrageous 30% fees charged for every purchase in their stores. About three years ago, he launched massive lawsuits against the tech giants.
As you may recall, Epic Games was actually the first to sue Apple for illegal monopoly. That judgment issued in September 2021 ruled in Apple’s favour in nine out of ten cases. (Except for anti-government policies.) But Tim Sweeney isn’t done fighting yet.
After the victory against Google, Elon Musk himself congratulated him. Sweeney replied, “On to Cupertino”. He also reminded another Twitter user that Epic has appealed the ruling and is awaiting a response from the Supreme Court.
The founder and largest shareholder of Epic Games also stated that he might join Microsoft in its bid for an alternative store for mobile platforms.
Sweeny said he would rather compete. He promised to bring Fortnite to any store (including Steam or the Microsoft Store) that offers a “fantastic deal” instead of the usual 30% discount.
Needless to say, countless developers hope Epic Games succeeds in forcing platform owners like Valve, Google, and Apple to lower their store fees.
Source: X
Apple appeal is in the queue for the Supreme Court of the United States to consider hearing.
— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) December 12, 2023
We’ll compete, and we’ll also put Fortnite on any serious store that gives all developers an awesome deal. Steam, Microsoft, OneStore, anyone: give all developers an awesome deal and we’ll support you. The end of these ridiculous 30% fees is near. pic.twitter.com/0sxTYJdkP4
— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) December 12, 2023
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