Epic Games turns Apple dispute into Fortnite event
Upcoming #FreeFortnite Cup will feature anti-Apple prizes as iOS users prepare to be blocked from updates
Epic Games is drawing further attention to its ongoing dispute to Apple with an in-game event for Fortnite.
Now Apple has blocked Fortnite from the App Store, iOS users are prevented from downloading future updates. So as the current in-game season comes to a close, Epic Games is marking the occasion with the #FreeFortnite Cup.
The event runs across all platforms this Sunday -- August 23, 2020 -- and offers prizes themed around the dispute, including #FreeFortnite hats that feature a parody of Apple's logo.
There will also be the chance to win a Tart Tycoon outfit, the Apple-themed Big Brother character from Epic's Nineteen Eighty-Fortnite short film.
Epic Games is even giving away 1,200 hardware prizes, including Alienware gaming laptops, PlayStation 4 Pro, Xbox One X and Nintendo Switch.
Since the original ban on Fortnite and Epic's subsequent lawsuit, the dispute has escalated with Apple terminating Epic's developer accounts and tools access.
Epic responded with a restraining order, claiming the move not only cuts off Epic Games but all developers using Unreal Engine on iOS.
The Fortnite company is currently embroiled in a similar dispute with Google.
Some industry professionals have voiced concerns about how Epic is utilising the Fortnite fanbase in a legal dispute. GamesIndustry.biz has discussed this in both Rebekah Valentine's recent opinion piece and the latest episode of our podcast.