The ongoing feud between Apple and Epic Games continues, and in addition to a new age restriction, Fortnite on iOS and macOS will not let users spend V-Bucks following an upcoming server-side update.
Apple removed the game from its App Store in 2020 after Epic Games sidestepped the App Store commissions fee. The final version available via the platform, while still functional, will have restrictions starting on January 30.
Players using the 13.40 version of Fortnite released in August 2020 on iOS and Mac won’t let players spend V-Bucks, the game’s currency. It also requires gamers to be over 18 to play, and people must agree to the new terms and conditions.
The update also limits some playability given that users can use the V-Bucks currency to purchase season passes, character skins, and weapons. It’s unknown when the older version won’t be supported at all in the future.
Epic Game’s Fortnite Status account on Twitter said that the company wants all versions of the game to use the current suite of Epic Online Services. These services include parental controls, purchasing defaults, and parental verification features.
The V-Bucks change does not impact versions of Fortnite played through streaming game services.
It’s unknown as to whether Apple will allow Fortnite to return to the App Store, and Epic Games CEO tweeted in December that Fortnite would return to the storefront in 2023. Sweeney may be referring to the recent Digital Markets Act, which would require Apple to allow third-party app stores on its platforms in Europe and thus work around the initial point of contention in the 2020 lawsuit between Epic Games and Apple.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via AppleInsider and @TimSweeney