This past summer, Epic Games started a huge stir when theyviolated the Apple Storeâs terms of service. They implemented a way to bypass Appleâs shopping interface and allowedFortniteplayers to purchase in-game items and battle passes through the game itself. Apple then fired back by removingFortnitefrom their app store after it had topped their charts since its release. Epic Games was not planning to take this lying down.
As things progressed and Epic decided that they werenât also a multi-billion dollar corporation, they released their Ninety-Eighty Fortnite video to the masses. A very clear and fairly tone-deaf reference toGeorge Orwellâsdystopian novel about totalitarianism and the silencing of free speech. The video, which was also a nearly shot for shot remake of Appleâs1984-inspired ad, portrayed theFortniteheroes as freedom fighters rebelling against the establishment. But in this version the establishment was Apple. Much to the mockery of many in the games industry, the #FreeFortnite campaign was now fully among us.
Epic is now continuing its campaign and still desperately trying to be oppressed. This past week,Greg Millerand others in the games industry received care packages to celebrateFortnitebeing awarded the Samsung Galaxy Storeâs Game of the Year. The package contained merch emblazoned with the #FreeFortnite insignia and hashtag. Now everyone can know that you rebel against one mega-corporation by supporting the other mega-corporation.
Also included was a call to action to anyone who would âspread the wordâ aboutFortniteâspresence on the Galaxy Store. Where you can also easily access the Epic Games Store app. Epic is definitely pushing for public perception to be pushed in its favor with this campaign. Anyone can sense it’s forced though.
Epic Games desperately wants to be the David to Appleâs Goliath in this story. When in reality David in this situation is also a giant and instead of a slingshot, theyâre attacking each other with buckets of cash and lawsuits. Itâs not the act of rebellion that Epic thinks it is and itâs clear that it isn’t slowing down any time soon.