Saber gets sold

Good Morning. Today is the 1000th edition of Wordle 🥳. The game created by Josh Wardle to play with his partner has become a cultural phenomenon, was purchased by The New York Times, and has inspired countless clones. No spoilers, but I got today’s in 5 guesses - not my best.

— Derek

MAIN QUEST: Epic Games v Apple: Round ???

The ongoing beef between Epic Games and Apple continues, as Epic has filed a motion requesting a federal judge to find Apple in contempt of court for violating her 2021 ruling, which allowed developers to direct users to alternative payment systems outside of Apple's ecosystem. Despite Apple's compliance by enabling external payment links, Epic accuses the tech giant of "malicious compliance" and violating the injunction by charging a 27% commission on transactions made through these links. Additionally, Epic claims that Apple's requirement for developers to apply for an "entitlement" before including these links, as well as restrictions on their visibility within apps make the links "commercially unusable."

Epic argues that Apple's actions aim to protect its "supracompetitive fees" and hinder alternative purchasing mechanisms. The dispute reflects broader concerns over app store monopolies and their control over digital transactions. While Apple asserts its compliance with the court order to protect user privacy and ecosystem integrity, Epic's push for enforcement underscores the ongoing tension between app developers and platform owners over control and revenue sharing within digital ecosystems.

Step Back: Epic Games scored a win over Apple in Europe last when an inquiry by the European Commission prompted Apple to reinstate Epic Games Sweden’s developer account shortly after it was terminated. Epic will look to carry that moment into the US Courts, as it does not appear the feud between the two companies will end anytime soon.

HUD

• Embracer has sold Saber Interactive to Beacon Interactive, a company set up by Saber co-founder Matthew Karch for $247 million. Embracer will maintain several studios and IP rights, while over 3,000 staff are moving with Saber. As a result of the deal, Embracer has ceased all operations in Russia.

• TikTok is sending out a second wave of in-app messaging pushing users to contact their representatives and speak against the passing of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which would give TikTok roughly six months to be sold or face a US ban. The bill passed the House of Representatives and now goes to the Senate. President Biden has said he would sign the bill into law if it makes it to him.

• Microsoft revealed a new monthly subscription service for Minecraft called Marketplace Pass. Each month subscribers will gain access to over 150 content packs from the Minecraft Marketplace, with the offerings refreshing each month. The subscription is not required to play Minecraft.

MAJOR W

• Palworld has been one of the breakout hits of 2024, and developer Pocketpair is in talks to bring the game to additional platforms outside of PC and Xbox, according to CEO Takuro Mizobe.

• The first four cast members of the upcoming Among Us animated show were announced, and include Elijah Wood and Randall Park. It has not been revealed when or on what platform the show will release.

F IN THE CHAT

• The official Activision Blizzard account was temporarily hacked to promote a crypto scam, with the tweet including an image of Crash Bandicoot and a link to an actual meme coin. Activision has since regained control of its account.

• Nightingale developer Inflexion Games admits there are aspects of the game they are unhappy with following its lackluster launch in February. The studio says they have been reading feedback online and watching streams to plan the next phase of the game.

CAREER CORNER

• Senior Game Designer - Millions of Monsters (Austin, TX)

• Communications & Content Writer - Electronic Arts (Vancouver, BC)

• Paid Media Manager - Epic Games (Cary, NC)

HIVE MIND

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