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Epic Games turns Apple dispute into Fortnite event

Upcoming #FreeFortnite Cup will feature anti-Apple prizes as iOS users prepare to be blocked from updates

Epic Games is drawing further attention to its ongoing dispute to Apple with an in-game event for Fortnite.

Now Apple has blocked Fortnite from the App Store, iOS users are prevented from downloading future updates. So as the current in-game season comes to a close, Epic Games is marking the occasion with the #FreeFortnite Cup.

The event runs across all platforms this Sunday -- August 23, 2020 -- and offers prizes themed around the dispute, including #FreeFortnite hats that feature a parody of Apple's logo.

There will also be the chance to win a Tart Tycoon outfit, the Apple-themed Big Brother character from Epic's Nineteen Eighty-Fortnite short film.

Epic Games is even giving away 1,200 hardware prizes, including Alienware gaming laptops, PlayStation 4 Pro, Xbox One X and Nintendo Switch.

Since the original ban on Fortnite and Epic's subsequent lawsuit, the dispute has escalated with Apple terminating Epic's developer accounts and tools access.

Epic responded with a restraining order, claiming the move not only cuts off Epic Games but all developers using Unreal Engine on iOS.

The Fortnite company is currently embroiled in a similar dispute with Google.

Some industry professionals have voiced concerns about how Epic is utilising the Fortnite fanbase in a legal dispute. GamesIndustry.biz has discussed this in both Rebekah Valentine's recent opinion piece and the latest episode of our podcast.