Introduction
Fortnite has been a popular game since its release in 2017. The game has attracted millions of players worldwide and has generated a lot of revenue for its developer, Epic Games. However, in recent months, the game has been the subject of controversy due to the ongoing dispute between Epic Games and Apple. This article will discuss the latest development in this dispute and how it has led to the emergence of the Freefortnite movement.
The Dispute Between Epic Games and Apple
The dispute between Epic Games and Apple started in August 2020 when Epic Games introduced a new payment system in Fortnite that allowed players to purchase in-game items directly from Epic Games, bypassing Apple's App Store. Apple responded by removing Fortnite from its App Store, citing violation of its policies. Epic Games retaliated by filing a lawsuit against Apple, alleging that Apple's policies were anti-competitive and monopolistic.
The Emergence of Freefortnite Movement
The removal of Fortnite from the App Store and the subsequent legal battle between Epic Games and Apple led to the emergence of the Freefortnite movement. The movement was initiated by Fortnite players who wanted to show their support for Epic Games and protest against Apple's policies. The movement gained momentum when Epic Games released a video titled "Nineteen Eighty-Fortnite" on YouTube, which parodied Apple's iconic "1984" commercial and criticized its policies.
The Freefortnite Cup
In August 2020, Epic Games organized the Freefortnite Cup, a tournament exclusively for iOS users, to protest against Apple's policies. The tournament offered prizes such as anti-Apple hats, phones with "Fortnite" pre-installed, and gaming consoles. The tournament was a huge success, with thousands of players participating and showing their support for Epic Games.
Freefortnite Hecklers Add Shoutout To Epic Games
In September 2020, during an NFL game between the Chicago Bears and the New York Giants, a group of fans started chanting "Free Fortnite" during a commercial break. The chant was caught on camera and went viral on social media. The group of fans, who were later dubbed "Freefortnite hecklers," added a shoutout to Epic Games in their chant, showing their support for the game developer.
Conclusion
The ongoing dispute between Epic Games and Apple has led to the emergence of the Freefortnite movement, which has gained support from Fortnite players and fans worldwide. The movement has shown that the gaming community is willing to stand up for their rights and support game developers who are fighting against anti-competitive policies. It remains to be seen how the legal battle between Epic Games and Apple will end, but one thing is clear: Fortnite is more than just a game, it's a cultural phenomenon that has the power to unite people.
