Todd appeared on Fandom Unlimited's live Facebook stream to talk about Epic and Microsoft vs. Apple and Google, then we dive into an equally troubling lawsuit between a studio and publisher that you might not have heard about.
Epic (with Microsoft) vs. Apple (and seperately) Google
Important concepts
Microsoft xCloud - Announced at E3 2018. A service that will let you play Xbox games from a certain library they maintain and you can stream them to a bunch of devices and play them with an xbox controller. Laptops, phones, tablets, you name it. Launches September 15th and will be included with Game Pass Ultimate for $15 per month - includes Live, Game Pass, and xCloud, making it a great deal
Timeline
- Microsoft announced xCloud at E3 2018 and suggested you'll be able to play on many devices, including smartphones
- Apple came out and clarified xCloud will not be approved for iOS
- After Fortnite attracted many mobile players, Tim Sweeney insisted on a special deal with Apple
- Apple flatly rejected Epic
- Epic put out an update on mobile platforms, Android and iOS, that optionally circumvents app store microtransactions and just takes money directly from players
- Both platforms kick Fortnite out of the store
- Epic filed simultaneous lawsuits against Apple and Google
- Apple advised Epic it was cancelling all licensing agreements, including Mac and iOS support in the Unreal engine
- Motions are being filed back and forth, the judge is already treating these motions in a way that seems to favor Apple
- This week, Microsoft entered a court filing on behalf of Epic
Frogwares vs. Nacon
Important Concepts
- Frogwares - Ukranian game studio with offices in Dublin, Ireland. They created the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes series, which are really cool games.
- Nacon, Formerly BigBen - French game publisher established in 1981. Their main markets are France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.
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