Epic Games CEO criticizes Apple, Google as 'gangsters'

At a recent Y Combinator event, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney criticized Apple and Google, labeling them as 'gangster-style businesses' that engage in illegal practices detrimental to developers and competition. Sweeney argued that both companies prioritize profits over legal compliance, continuing unlawful behaviors if fines are cheaper than lost revenue. He highlighted the challenges faced by Epic Games, including Google’s warnings that deter users from installing the Epic Games Store, and claimed Apple's compliance with court orders is insufficient, as it only offers a minimal fee reduction. Despite winning a case against Google, Epic remains embroiled in a conflict with Apple over its App Store policies, which Sweeney deems a form of 'malicious compliance.' He emphasized that without stricter enforcement of regulations, such practices will continue, harming both his business and the broader developer community. Sweeney's remarks reflect ongoing tensions in the tech industry as companies grapple with monopolistic concerns and calls for more open competition.