Epic asks Apple to reinstate developer account so it can re-release 'Fortnite' in Korea [u]

Epic, which is embroiled in a worldwide legal battle with Apple over App Store policy, said it wants to release "Fortnite" in South Korea with both first- and third-party payment systems, in line with the country's new app store law.

"Epic has asked Apple to restore our Fortnite developer account," Epic said in a tweet posted to the official "Fortnite" account. "Epic intends to re-release Fortnite on iOS in Korea offering both Epic payment and Apple payment side-by-side in compliance with the new Korean law."

In late August, South Korean lawmakers passed the Telecommunications Business Act. Dubbed the "Anti-Google law" by local media for its targeted language against owners of digital app stores, the legislation forces dominant app store operators Apple and Google to allow alternative payment methods for in-app purchases. Currently, developers marketing wares on the App Store need to use Apple's payment system and are thus subject to an up to 30% commission rate.

The law also places prohibitions on app store rules that dissuade cross-platform distribution.

Apple kicked "Fortnite" off the App Store last year after Epic surreptitiously implemented an alternative in-app payment option that sidestepped the marketplace's mandatory commission mechanism. Because the company openly flouted Apple's developer agreement, its developer account was deactivated. An ensuing legal blitz painted Apple as a monopolist and sought to reshape fundamental App Store policy.

Along with allowances for third-party payment methods, Epic wants Apple to change its rules regarding the restriction of third-party app stores on iOS.

Epic's primary lawsuit in California wrapped in May, though Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has yet to issue a ruling. A decision in favor of Epic could severely impact Apple's App Store business.

Apple is facing mounting external pressure to modify its App Store dealings. Last month, the tech giant agreed to a proposed settlement in a class-action lawsuit that would enable developers in the U.S. to discuss alternative payment methods via email, easing but not completely ameliorating criticism of anti-steering policies. Days later, Apple said it would allow developers of "reader" apps to link out to the web for account management purposes, a concession that closed a Japanese investigation into the App Store.

Update: Hours after Epic's tweet, Apple said it will not reinstate the developer's account until it "agree[s] to play by the same rules as everyone else."

"As we've said all along, we would welcome Epic's return to the App Store if they agree to play by the same rules as everyone else. Epic has admitted to breach of contract and as of now, there's no legitimate basis for the reinstatement of their developer account," the company said in a statement.

The Korean legislation cited by Epic in its plea is not yet in effect and Apple is not obligated to approve developer account applications or reinstate a terminated account when the law is ratified, Apple says.

Epic needs to conform to the App Store Review Guidelines, but the company has refused to do so, Apple says.