Tim Sweeney, the CEO of Epic Games, has once again called out Apple and Google for their business practices, labeling both companies as “gangster-style businesses” that engage in illegal behavior to maintain their dominance in the tech industry. Speaking at a recent Y Combinator event, Sweeney didn’t hold back in his criticism of the tech giants, claiming that they will do anything they believe they can get away with to preserve their monopolistic hold on app stores and digital platforms.
Sweeney, a long-time critic of Apple and Google, has been involved in several legal battles with the companies, accusing them of anti-competitive behavior. One of the most prominent cases involved Epic Games’ popular game Fortnite, which was removed from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store after the company introduced its own payment system to bypass the 30% commission fee charged by the platforms. This move sparked a broader conversation about the control Apple and Google exert over app developers and the fees they impose.
In his recent remarks, Sweeney highlighted how these practices have negatively impacted Epic Games’ business. Specifically, he pointed to Google’s strategy of warning users when they attempt to install the Epic Games Store on Android devices, labeling it as coming from an “unknown source.” According to Sweeney, this warning deters 50-60% of potential users from proceeding with the installation, which significantly affects Epic Games’ reach and sales.
Sweeney also noted that similar challenges exist on iOS, where Apple has made it difficult for third-party app stores to thrive. While European regulations have allowed users to install alternative app stores on iPhones, Sweeney stressed that Apple’s restrictions still severely limit the ability of developers like Epic Games to operate freely and fairly in the market.
Sweeney’s bold statements shed light on the ongoing tension between major app developers and the two tech behemoths, and they are sure to spark continued debate about the future of app store monopolies and their impact on innovation.
