Update: Following Epic's decision to implement an in-app payment system that bypasses Apple for Fortnite, Apple has removed the game from the App Store.

"Today, Epic Games took the unfortunate step of violating App Store guidelines that apply equally to all developers and are designed to keep the store safe for users," Apple said in a statement sent to The Verge. As a result, their Fortnite app has been removed from the store. "Epic enabled features in the app that were not reviewed or approved by Apple, and did so with the clear It did so with the express intent to. [Epic has been offering apps on the App Store for 10 years and has benefited from the App Store ecosystem, including the tools, testing, and distribution that Apple provides to all developers; Epic freely agrees to the terms and guidelines of the App Store and has not violated the App Store, and we are pleased that they have been able to successfully conduct their business on the Store. Even though their business interests may call for special arrangements, the fact remains that these guidelines provide a level playing field for all developers and a safe store for all users. We will make every effort to work with Epic to resolve these violations and bring Fortnite back to the App Store.

Epic CEO Tim Sweeney has been a clear critic of Apple's closed system, and this new payment option was clearly intended to encourage users to bypass Apple's payment system (and its 30% cut). This is an aggressive move by Epic and a very large and aggressive response from Apple.

Who knows what will happen next, but Epic has no intention of backing down: they just announced a new short film, "Nineteen-Eight Fortnite," which will be released today at 4 p.m. ET and seems to reference this famous Apple ad.

We have asked Epic for comment and will update if we hear back.

Original Article Epic Games has permanently reduced the price of Fortnite's currency, V-Bucks. Starting today, V-Bucks purchased on PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch will automatically be discounted "up to 20%."

V-Bucks prices should also be lower on mobile starting today, as Epic will introduce its own payment method, Epic direct payment, to avoid Apple and Google's usual 30 percent fees.

While V-Bucks purchased via the App Store or Google Play on iOS or Android will not receive this discount, a post on the Fortnite site states, "If Apple or Google reduce their fees on payments in the future, For more information on Epic's direct payments, see this official blog post.

This price cut feels like a catapult aimed at Google and Apple, and a better exchange rate for virtual currency is good for players. Additionally, if you have purchased V-Bucks in the past 30 days (July 14 through August 13), Epic will give you back 20% of your total purchase as a V-Bucks bonus.

V-Bucks aside, Epic is giving away a free pickaxe to all active Fortnite players; the Shooting Starstaff Pickaxe is a shooting star turned into a pickaxe, as shown below.