Epic Games Joins Coalition For App Fairness

For freedom of choice and fair competition.

Epic Games has joined forces with the Coalition For App Fairness. CFAF as it’s known in probably at least one inner circle is an independent organization advocating for fairness across the app ecosystem. In other words they are specifically against Apple’s 30% app tax, Apple’s control over the iOS operating system, and the perceived lack of consumer freedom.

They even include this quote to show the late Steve Jobs’ coldheartedness toward developers.

Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, in an internal email showed little sympathy for the small developer. He told other Apple executives: “Bottom line — we didn’t have a policy and now we do, and there will be some roadkill because of it. I don’t feel guilty.”

The organization’s website does have some misinformation such as claiming that no other transaction fee in any industry comes close to Apple’s 30% which is flat out false considering Epic has acknowledged the 30% revenue split by Google, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo, not to mention Good Old Games, GameStop, Best Buy, Wal Mart, and Amazon.

CFAF’s membership is composed of several companies including Spotify who has openly supported Epic’s lawsuit against Apple as has Matchgroup and Protonmail. Basecamp has had apps rejected by Apple while Blix has previously filed an antitrust lawsuit against the store. Prepear was sued by Apple over its logo. In short, most of the founders have a clear bone to pick with the tech giant.

Developer freedoms are under attack. We are joining @AppFairness to defend and reclaim the fundamental rights of all creators. Learn more about how you can challenge the anti-competitive behaviors that exist on today’s app stores. https://t.co/1WQ7TWuGQd

— Epic Games Newsroom (@EpicNewsroom) September 24, 2020