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Epic Games Inc. has a new online app store residence.
Microsoft Corp.
MSFT,
on Tuesday said it would bring the maker of the popular Fortnite game and its storefront to Microsoft’s new online app store for free.
In a blog post, Microsoft said it would “allow third-party storefront apps to be discoverable in the Microsoft Store on Windows.” The storefronts of Epic and Amazon.com Inc.
AMZN,
highlight the additions.
Microsoft Store is scheduled to launch Oct. 5, with Windows 11. Users of Windows 10 will have access to the new store a few months later.
“Microsoft is committed to creating a transparent and open Microsoft Store on Windows for our developers and customers,” a company spokeswoman told MarketWatch. “To that end, inviting third-party app stores is making sure our business terms and app store policies are fair and help promote innovation.”
The software giant’s move offers a high-profile landing spot for Epic, which has warred with Apple Inc.
AAPL,
over the iPhone maker’s 30% commission fee — a dispute that led to a landmark antitrust lawsuit against Apple that went to federal court in May.
In what many interpreted as a split decision this month, a federal judge issued an injunction that Apple can no longer force developers to use its payment system, effectively bypassing commission fees of 15% to 30%. However, the iPhone maker was not ruled an antitrust monopolist.
Epic, which is appealing the judge’s ruling, declined to comment further beyond Microsoft’s statement.
Apple did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
