Despite DMA-like law: Epic continues to not offer "Fortnite" in Japan
Apple is implementing the opening of its iOS platform and its App Store in Japan. However, Epic boss Tim Sweeney isn't satisfied: "Fortnite" remains out.
(Image: Postmodern Studio / Shutterstock)
Apple has implemented numerous regulatory requirements in Japan to open up its iOS platform – similar to what is known from the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in Europe. However, this is not enough to lure Epic Games back into the App Store. The outspoken CEO of the game company, Tim Sweeney, announced on X last week that it was unfortunately not possible to fulfill the promise of offering the shooter "Fortnite" in Japan in 2025.
"ASadly, Fortnite will not return to iOS in Japan in 2025 as promised. Apple was required to open up iOS to competing stores today, and instead of doing so honestly, they have launched another travesty of obstruction and lawbreaking in gross disrespect to the government and people of Japan."
"Outrageous Imposition"
Sweeney is particularly bothered by the commissions Apple is charging. A fee of 21 percent for third-party in-app payments is "competition-destroying," as are the 15 percent on web payments, which a court in the USA has already declared illegal. Sweeney called the fees "junk fees." Furthermore, Apple has implemented "Scare Screens" intended to deter users from using alternative providers.
Finally, Sweeney is annoyed by a new fee of five percent for apps distributed through alternative app marketplaces in Japan. "This is an egregious Apple imposition on distribution and payments they have no involvement with."
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Altstore is Open
Sweeney believes that there will continue to be no real competition in Japan from which customers could benefit. Epic Games will now turn to the Japanese market supervisors to investigate the matter. Japan recently enacted the so-called MSCA (Mobile Software Competition Act), which is intended to force market-dominant players – including Google – to open up their platforms.
Apple implemented the demands much more quietly than in the EU – likely also because the Japanese government was more open to security and child protection arguments. Other market participants, such as the open Altstore, apparently view the development more positively than Sweeney and Epic Games: The offering was launched just one day after the market opened. It runs from iOS 26.2.
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