“Crime pays for big tech…”says Epic Games CEO, calls Apple and Google “gangster companies”

Apple, Google

In a renewed attack against tech giants, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has once again labelled Apple and Google "gangster" companies, criticizing their control over app distribution and payment systems. Sweeney's comments, made during a recent industry event, reiterated his long-standing grievances about the app store duopoly and its impact on developers.

Sweeney argues that Apple and Google's policies, which mandate the use of their respective app stores and payment systems, stifle competition and innovation. He particularly objects to the 30% commission that both companies take on in-app purchases, describing it as an exorbitant "tax" on developers. This fee, he claims, significantly reduces developers' revenue and limits their ability to invest in further development and growth.

“The sad truth is that Apple and Google are no longer good-faith, law-abiding companies,” Sweeney said at the event, according to a report by Tech Crunch. “They’re run, in many ways, as gangster-style businesses that will do anything they think they can get away with,” he added.

Sweeney also implied that imposing fines on Google and Apple isn’t a deterrent. “If they think that the fine is going to be cheaper than the lost revenue from an illegal practice, they always continue the illegal practice and pay the fine,” he said.

“Crime pays for big tech companies,” he said. “Obviously, we shouldn’t expect that to change until enforcement becomes much, much more vigorous,” he added, as per the report.

Epic Games, known for its popular game Fortnite, has been at the forefront of the fight against these app store policies, notably through its legal battle with Apple. Although Epic's initial lawsuit resulted in a mixed ruling, Sweeney remains a vocal advocate for change, urging regulatory bodies to intervene and promote a more open and competitive app market