Google reportedly prevented OnePlus from preinstalling the Epic Games app on its devices

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Epic Games just launched a lawsuit against Google and Apple, claiming the companies are engaging in anti-competitive behaviour. For Google's part, the lawsuit focuses on how Google makes it more challenging to sideload applications than installing them from the Play Store. A surprising claim in the filing describes how Google reportedly stopped OnePlus from preloading the Epic Games app.

Fortnite uses a launcher app called Epic Games to release updates for it when it's installed from the Samsung Galaxy Store or Epic's site. According to the developer, it struck a deal with OnePlus to preload the app on new devices, but Google struck down the agreement. Epic Games even reportedly designed a version of Fortnite for some OnePlus devices to take advantage of the state-of-the-art framerate. The deal was supposed to cover a worldwide release, but Google supposedly only allowed OnePlus to release the app in India.

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'Fortnite' developer Epic Games files antitrust lawsuits against Apple, Google

The catalyst for Epic Games' lawsuit against Apple and Google started when the company released an update to 'Fortnite' offering their own payment option outside of Apple's and Google's app stores, which is against their policies.

After Apple and Google removed video game Fortnite from their respective app stores citing violations of their in-app payment guidelines, the game's developer Epic Games filed a federal antitrust lawsuit in the US against both companies. Epic Games isn't asking for money from the two tech giants. Instead, it wants injunctions to end their practices related to their app stores, notably the cut Apple and Google get from in-app purchases that reach as high as 30%.

The whole ordeal started when Epic Games pushed a server-side update for Fortnite that lets users bypass Apple's and Google's payment systems and choose Epic's option for in-app purchases. In return, players get a 20% discount for using Epic's payment option, which is against Apple's and Google's store policies. In response to that, both took out the game, and then Epic filed their lawsuit, which seems to be the company's intention right from the start.

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Captain America comes to 'Fortnite'

While Captain America's shield has appeared on the game before, now Fortnite is bringing Cap into the game. His character arrives just in time for the Fourth of July weekend in the US, which is also his birthday. The Captain America skin costs 2,000 V-bucks (around $27), which also comes with his iconic shield. The game will let you wear it on your back like Cap or use it as a pickaxe. Fortnite also introduced a Captain America-themed fireworks emote, which costs around 300 V-bucks. 

Source: The Verge

Police cars are missing from 'Fortnite'

Epic Games seems to be responding to current events. Gamers are reporting that Epic has taken on police cars from Fortnite. The removal is believed to be a response to the Black Lives Matter protests against police violence. A Wall Street Journal source says the developer isn't making a "political statement." Instead, it's trying to be "sensitive about the issues" players are dealing with. Epic hasn't commented yet about the matter.

While some major game industry players have endorsed the Black Lives Matter cause, Epic seems to take a softer stance. As Engadget points out, it acknowledges the outrage, but it isn't explicitly advocating a cause. Epic has been previously quoted as saying it will not ban players for political speech. This milder approach isn't surprising as these companies are hesitant to take up a cause without alienating buyers with opposing views.

Source: Engadget