As obviously self-serving as Epic has been since this all started, it’s also been instrumental in breaking the walled garden ecosystem precedent across the board, so this is great to see.
If it were purely self-serving, they’d agree to settle with Google on special terms similar to those offered to a number of other publishers. Court proceedings last for years, as would be obvious to Sweeney, so sacrificing years of revenue for the distant prospect of having to pay 0 to the platforms is easier explained as being ideological than a business decision.
They also have their own store that they want to supplant the existing players. They spent money and resources on a commercial for a law suit in an attempt to weaponize social media for that store before laying off several hundred employees.
The store came to be as an “f you” to Apple, as evident from the email exchanges at the time. The 1984 trailer from Fortnite seemed to be in the same vein. I don’t think that particular trailer was for the purpose of promoting the EGS, as there’s not a single hint to the store in the video or its standard placement.
And I’m sure that’s an argument they would use, too, but they’re very open about their ambitions elsewhere, and taking down their competitors (other stores) helps theirs stand out when they’re plainly out of ideas as to how to do so otherwise.
To be clear, I’m glad those other stores are being taken down a few pegs. Once again, this is helping everyone. But it’s from such naked self interest.
As obviously self-serving as Epic has been since this all started, it’s also been instrumental in breaking the walled garden ecosystem precedent across the board, so this is great to see.
Agreed. We can both appreciate the good that comes out of their battles, and still dislike them as a company. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing.
If it were purely self-serving, they’d agree to settle with Google on special terms similar to those offered to a number of other publishers. Court proceedings last for years, as would be obvious to Sweeney, so sacrificing years of revenue for the distant prospect of having to pay 0 to the platforms is easier explained as being ideological than a business decision.
They also have their own store that they want to supplant the existing players. They spent money and resources on a commercial for a law suit in an attempt to weaponize social media for that store before laying off several hundred employees.
The store came to be as an “f you” to Apple, as evident from the email exchanges at the time. The 1984 trailer from Fortnite seemed to be in the same vein. I don’t think that particular trailer was for the purpose of promoting the EGS, as there’s not a single hint to the store in the video or its standard placement.
And I’m sure that’s an argument they would use, too, but they’re very open about their ambitions elsewhere, and taking down their competitors (other stores) helps theirs stand out when they’re plainly out of ideas as to how to do so otherwise.
To be clear, I’m glad those other stores are being taken down a few pegs. Once again, this is helping everyone. But it’s from such naked self interest.