Epic Games Sues Apple Over App Store Policies

On September 12, 2019, Epic Games, the developer behind popular titles such as Fortnite and Unreal Engine, took legal action against Apple Inc. by filing a lawsuit in federal court. The primary issue at hand is Apple's strict app store policies that require developers to use the company’s payment system for in-app purchases, which comes with a 30% commission fee often referred to as the "App Store Tax." Epic claims these practices are anti-competitive and violate antitrust laws. This move by Epic Games could potentially open up new discussions about the control tech giants exert over app distribution channels.

Ubisoft Announces New Title at E3

While most of the attention was on legal battles, Ubisoft, a leading video game developer and publisher, made a significant announcement during its press conference at E3. The company unveiled Immortals Fenyx Rising, an action-adventure game set in Greek mythology. This open-world title promises to bring together elements of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat with the mythical creatures of ancient Greece. It was met with mixed reactions from fans, as it introduces a new IP into Ubisoft’s lineup, which already includes franchises like Assassin's Creed and Far Cry. The game is scheduled for release in 2020.

Fallout: New Vegas Mod Released

In the realm of modding communities, Fallout: New Vegas fans were treated to an extensive new mod called "New California Republic." This large-scale update transforms the original game’s New California Republic setting with new quests, characters, and gameplay mechanics. The mod has been highly anticipated by long-time fans due to its promise of adding depth and longevity to a game that already boasts a rich post-apocalyptic world. It highlights the enduring popularity of mods as a way for communities to extend the life of their favorite games.

PlayStation Plus Free Games

Sony Interactive Entertainment also made an announcement regarding the PlayStation Plus free monthly titles available for download. For September, subscribers were offered Tennis World Tour and Rage 2. The choice of these two vastly different genres was seen as a gesture towards catering to diverse gamer tastes within its user base. This move is consistent with Sony’s strategy to use free games as an incentive to retain its PlayStation Plus subscription service.

Outlook

The events on this day reflect the multifaceted nature of the gaming industry, from legal battles that could reshape market dynamics to community-driven content creation and strategic business moves by major players like Sony. As we move forward, the case between Epic Games and Apple will likely set precedents for app distribution in mobile markets, while Ubisoft’s new title continues to expand their roster with ambitious titles aimed at broad audiences.