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Apple Terminates Epic Games iOS Developer Account for Sweden

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Apple has terminated Epic Games iOS development account for Sweden as a new and unprecedented move against a company using their services.
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The feud between Epic Games, a game development company, and Apple has entered a new stage.  Apple has terminated Epic Games iOS development account for Sweden as a new and unprecedented move against a company using their services.

This comes as no surprise to those following the conflict between the two companies as it comes as a response to Epic Games’ success with their court battles against Apple.  It’s an important matter beyond just the relationship between these two companies.

Since Apple and Google are hosting the developer accounts and stores used by independent companies and creators, they can control who gets to find an audience on their platforms.  That’s why so many players using crypto are choosing independent and blockchain-based games.  No intermediary is needed to play roulette with BTC online so that no one can shut it down unilaterally.

What has happened?

Apple has terminated a new developer account that Epic Games has set up for their Swedish market.  The account is made so that Epic Games can put Fornite and the other games they are known for on the market for their European players.

Their online store can also be used to make in-game purchases, which is the biggest and most lucrative part of Epic Games’ business.  Without access to the Apple store, it can’t sell its games or in-game items, as there’s no other platform for iOS users to do so.

Apple’s Statement

Apple has issued a statement on the matter, and they’ve said that terminating the account was within their rights and in accordance with the court decision that the US court has issued based on the lawsuit Epic Games has pursued against Apple and Google.

“Epic’s egregious breach of its contractual obligations to Apple led courts to determine that Apple has the right to terminate ‘any or all of Epic Games’ wholly owned subsidiaries, affiliates, and/or other entities under Epic Games’ control at any time and at Apple’s sole discretion,‘” an Apple spokesperson said in a statement.  “In light of Epic’s past and ongoing behavior, Apple chose to exercise that right.”

Epic Games Statement

Epic Games has issued a blog post detailing the issue and placing the blame on Apple alone.  The post refers to the broader issue of the Digital Markets Act.  At the same time, Apple has based its decision on the rulings of the US court rather than on this piece of legislation that governs the EU markets.

To our surprise, Apple has terminated that account, and we cannot develop the Epic Games Store for iOS.  This is a serious violation of the DMA and shows Apple has no intention of allowing actual competition on iOS devices.

In terminating Epic’s developer account, Apple is taking out one of the largest potential competitors to the Apple App Store.  They are undermining our ability to be a viable competitor, and they are showing other developers what happens when you try to compete with Apple or are critical of their unfair practices.

What’s DMA?

DMA stands for Digital Markets Act.  It’s a law issued by the EU that regulates the issue between Epic Games and Apple.  The law requires Apple and Google to allow third-party apps in their stores.

Even though the law is written in technical and complex language – the basic issue it covers is breaking the monopoly the two giant corporations have on app market platforms.  By controlling the platforms from which the users download their apps, the two companies can block small and third-party providers from getting to their users in the first place.

Opponents of the regulation claim that European laws are too strict and essentially anti-business.  However, since the EU is a huge market for large tech companies, they need to comply with the regulations, even though they differ from those in the US.  Smaller companies, by which we mean anyone who isn’t Google or Apple, use EU regulations to be treated better.

The Lawsuit

Apple’s decision came after Epic Games filed a lawsuit against it.  In it, the Fortnite creators argued that Apple has a monopoly in the market and that they are charging a huge markup for using the Apple Store.

At the time, Apple was taking 30 percent out of every purchase made via their store.  The court decided against Epic Games, allowing Apple to charge as much as they wanted as a fee for their services.  Apple was also preventing the apps that use their platform from advertising other platforms that the users could move to instead.  The court decided that this practice was illegal and stopped Apple from doing so.

The European Case

Apple also came under fire for the same issues when it comes to European regulations.  These are more comprehensive and stricter when it comes to monopolies.  That’s why Apple was charged a fine of $1.95 billion for “abusing its dominant position on the market for the distribution of music streaming apps” to iPhone and iPad users.”

This case started with a complaint from Spotify that stated Apple prevented their users from getting information about Spotify’s music streaming service, which was less expensive than the one offered by Spotify.  They won, and the decision will have huge ramifications for third-party apps using Apple and Google platforms.

Epic Games

Epic Games is one of the biggest companies in the industry when it comes to casual online multiplayer games.  It’s the powerhouse behind the biggest game, Fortnite, and it’s generated billions of dollars.  Furthermore, the news came just a few days after Disney and Epic Games announced that Disney had invested $1.5 billion into the company.

The news of this deal excited the fans since they’ll be able to play Fortnite and other Epic Games titles with their favorite Disney characters.  The two are now sharing IPs, and we’re eagerly awaiting the cooperation that will come out of it.  Apple’s actions are even stranger now when Disney is behind Epic Games, as it seems like an extreme and vindictive move.

Criticizing Apple Publicly

Epic Games has claimed that the ban and the escalation are caused by their public criticism of Apple and its business practices.  Apple has come out with a public plan to comply with DMA, and Epic Games is publicly critical of it.

Apple is retaliating against Epic for speaking out against Apple’s unfair and illegal practices, just as they’ve done to other developers time and time again.  If Apple maintains its power to kick a third-party marketplace off iOS at its sole discretion, no reasonable developer would be willing to utilize a third-party app store because they could be permanently separated from their audience at any time.”

This approach to the subject matter is likely to garner support for Epic Games, not only due to the quality of their game but also because it can affect other third-party apps dependent on Apple.

Conclusion

Apple has banned Epic Games, including Fortnite, and in-game purchases for it in its store.  This is a reaction to the lawsuit Epic Games has pursued against Apple.  The matter has implications for gamers everywhere since Apple and Google control which apps you can download from their stores and can ban third-party apps as they see fit.

Author Bio

Awais Dar, founder of the Finnish news outlet SuomiTimes.com

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Set sail on a pirate quest with Belatra’s Tortuga Codex

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Set sail on a pirate quest with Belatra’s Tortuga Codex
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Belatra Games, the specialist online slots developer, has launched its pirate-themed title, Tortuga Codex. This 5×4 slot casts players on a journey on the hunt for untold riches buried on a mysterious island.

A Skull symbol acts as the Wild and will substitute for any other symbol to increase the chances of a win. An intriguing element to the game lies in the Additional Reel feature which sits above the main frame. It’s in sync with the main reels, displaying Wild symbols, special pirate icons, and numbers from one to nine. When three or more bomb Scatters come in, numbers on the Additional Reel become active multipliers in the bonus game. The more Scatters appear, the higher each multiplier value, amplifying the potential winnings.

In the main game, the Wild scatters a random number of Wild symbols onto the reels if there is a Scatter underneath it. When the Bonus Game is hit, the Wild symbol will be replaced by the number 9. Pirate Bob, Pirate Patrick and Pirate Girl symbols replace all minor symbols if there is a Scatter symbol underneath them. These symbols will be replaced by the numbers 8, 7 and 6 respectively.

The Treasure Chest symbol awards players with a random win ranging from 5 to 1000 bets  if there is a Scatter symbol under it. This symbol is replaced by the number 5 when the Bonus game begins. A Coin gives the player a win of 10 bets on the game if there is a Scatter symbol underneath it – transforming into the number 4 for the Bonus. All numbers on the Additional Reel that fall out or appear in place of symbols will go into the Bonus Game when three or more Scatters appear on the reels. Hitting four Scatters will increase each number by one, landing five Scatters will increase each number by three – the maximum is nine.

Players trigger the Bonus Game with three or more bomb Scatters. Before it begins, the first and second cells open up on the Additional Reel at the top, then players must choose a chest that contains either a Plus, Multiplier, or a noose, which concludes the round. As players move down through the levels, the multipliers can increase depending on the chest’s bounty – the maximum is 59049x.

Sergey Chernyavski, Belatra Games’ CCO, said: “Tortuga Codex takes players deep into the perilous seas filled with hidden mysteries, legendary treasures, and ancient artefacts waiting to be uncovered on the reels. The Bonus feature gives players the perfect opportunity to chart a course to winnings.”

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FBMDS present in SiGMA Europe Malta 2024 in full force

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FBMDS, the global leader in video bingo and a driving force in the online casino gaming industry, is proud to announce its sponsorship of SiGMA Europe Malta 2024, from November 11th to the 14th. As the company continues to expand its influence within the iGaming space, it will participate in high-level discussions that shape the future of the industry, with a particular focus on niche gaming markets.

FBMDS’ presence at SiGMA Europe underscores its ongoing leadership not only in video bingo but across the broader online casino market. With a portfolio that blends cutting-edge content and an unwavering focus on player experience, FBMDS has set a high bar in niche gaming, particularly in emerging markets.

This year, FBMDS is excited to be featured in the panel discussion titled “Niche Gaming: Driving Growth in Emerging Casino Markets”, led by Mariana Tostes, Head of Operations at FBMDS. The session will delve into the growing significance of niche markets within the iGaming industry, exploring how strategic product development and market research can unlock new growth opportunities for operators worldwide.

FBMDS’ sponsorship and active involvement in panel discussions reflect its focus on networking and fostering meaningful business relationships, as the company is committed to discussing growth strategies and disruptive approaches that can enhance operators’ portfolios and drive success in the increasingly competitive iGaming landscape.

Engaging business offer to unravel at SiGMA Europe Malta

The FBMDS team will be available for one-on-one meetings throughout the SiGMA Europe Malta 2024 event, offering attendees the opportunity to explore how FBMDS’ extensive range of gaming offerings can support their business goals.

The brand’s latest additions to its portfolio reflect the company’s goal to delivering high-quality, player-focused content tailored to specific market needs. Its new Infinity Series, a revolutionary collection of video bingo games designed to elevate the player experience, along with the launch of Sapphire Fever, further reinforces FBMDS’ standing as a leader in immersive video bingo, combining premium visuals with seamless game dynamics.

In addition to its video bingo popularity, FBMDS continues to drive innovation in other gaming segments. Recent launches, such as Ronaldinho Crash and Champion Tales, have captivated crash game enthusiasts with dynamic and thrilling gameplay. Meanwhile, the Safe Blaster slot game introduces an exciting, high-energy slot experience to the market, adding to FBMDS’ growing reputation for diverse and engaging casino products.

With a reputation for understanding niche markets and delivering customer-centric solutions, FBMDS is keen to collaborate with operators looking to differentiate themselves in the iGaming sector. If you wish to discover more about FBMDS online casino gaming world, don’t hesitate to book a meeting with our experts!

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Groove Makes Strategic Strides in Georgia with Team Visit

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Platform and aggregator Groove has marked a key milestone in Georgia, solidifying its presence with a special visit from Social Media Brand Marketing and Senior Account Manager, Rachel Tourgeman. Rachel, a pivotal figure in Groove’s rapid expansion, was hosted by SmartSoft, one of the region’s leading players, as she took part in an immersive exploration of Georgia’s potential and opportunities within the iGaming industry.

Groove, known for its cutting-edge technology and innovation, continues to revolutionise the iGaming sector with its comprehensive platform and game aggregator. Its portfolio now boasts over 15,000 games from more than 100 top-tier providers, adding over 100 new titles every month, ensuring operators and casinos always have fresh content to captivate players.

From humble beginnings with a few small accounts, Rachel has proven her expertise by turning them into success stories almost overnight. Since joining Groove mid-pandemic in 2020, she has become an integral part of the company, wearing many hats and driving the brand’s growth on multiple fronts.

Whether it’s fostering client relationships, attending major conferences, or now managing Groove’s press releases and social media strategies, her dedication has been tireless. Her visit to Georgia was not just a testament to her commitment but also underscored the region’s growing importance in Groove’s global ambitions.

Georgia, along with key markets like Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, and Slovenia, serves as a strategic hub for Groove’s operations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. These regions provide not only fertile ground for business but also insights into diverse cultural, political, and regulatory environments, essential knowledge for scaling globally.

Rachel’s visit focused on refining marketing strategies and strengthening account management, working closely with the Groove Georgia team to ensure seamless cross-border collaboration.

“It was lovely catching up with our team in Georgia,” Rachel commented, highlighting the productive sessions she held on marketing and account management. ” These few days with SmartSoft and the Groove Georgia team really show that this region is a powerhouse within the global industry.”

Groove’s entertainment and technology ecosystem is also packed with powerful marketing tools, like free spins and interactive features, alongside data-driven analytics, giving businesses the tools they need to thrive in an ever-competitive market.

Groove’s expansion into regions like Georgia demonstrates its forward-thinking strategy, combining local expertise with global ambitions. With a strong team on the ground, and key players like Rachel Tourgeman driving the charge, Groove is poised for even greater success.

Yahale Meltzer, COO and Co-founder of Groove, echoed her sentiments, underscoring the strategic importance of Georgia within the company’s long-term plans. “Georgia is an important strategic centre for Groove,” Meltzer noted. “I am delighted Rachel was able to represent us with SmartSoft and discuss strategy with our team in Georgia. Groove is not just connecting the dots in Georgia, we are redrawing the map of the iGaming world.”

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