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Comment by carabiner | Hacker News Reader

Epic's "trap" seemed terribly tonedeaf. This will not end well for them.

Really? I got the opposite impression. Apple's tonedeafness and developer hostility is finally being challenged by a (comparative) underdog.

Do you think that Google, Microsoft, and Sony are also hostile and tone-deaf, then? One assumes so. All those platforms extract the same kinds of fees from Epic that Apple does.

But mysteriously, Epic only wants to go after Apple.

Because on Android Epic can still have users install their games via a different app store.

But Google is still extracting the same 30% if users make in-app purchases.

Only if it uses Google's built in payment system - which is what started all this (EPIC using their own).

Not if you use a different payment processing infra. You are not obligated to use Google's app store or their in-app purchasing system if you install the app through a different channel.

No. You are not forced to use Google to make in app purchases like Apple does. There's a choice.

Only if it's installed through the Play Store. You can IAP with your own payment platform if your app is installed from outside.

They are suing both Google and Apple

Google is being sued for a different reason. I think it is for blocking a deal with a phone maker where they would have epic store installed

Epic is suing Google as well, but not Sony or Microsoft.

https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/13/21368363/epic-google-fort...

They managed to break Steam's grasp over PC gaming (at least enough to get their own games and some exclusives), they're trying for mobile now by taking on Google and Apple, it's hard to think the next step won't be to stick it to the console manufacturers if they have succeed

> Do you think that Google, Microsoft, and Sony are also hostile and tone-deaf, then?

Yes, they are all trying very hard to get regulated. The situation is not particularly far from the one that gave rise to the Sherman Act. Provided the situation is not already covered by existing anti competition laws, I am ready to bet it soon will be.

Easier to win 1 battle and set precedent for the next battles. Trying to fight 5 battles at once seems unwise.

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