Apple's threat to deny Epic Games the access to developer tools could hurt Microsoft's gaming business, Microsoft Corp said in a court filing on Sunday. According to the tech mogul, other game developers could also suffer as a result of Apple's move.
The developer tools in question help maintain a special engine allowing for better graphics. Microsoft's "Forza Street" game utilises the engine for its iOS version.
The filing comes as Apple has cut off widely-popular online game 'Fortnite', developed by Epic Games, from App Store prompting the game-makers to file a lawsuit against the tech giant citing "anticompetitive conduct".
Apple claims that Epic Games violated in-app payment rules after the video game and software developer implemented a payment mechanism bypassing Apple’s practice of taking a 30 percent commission on in-app purchases.
Fortnite' is a hugely popular battle royale game released in 2017, bringing Epic Games some $2.4 billion in gross revenue in 2018 and $1.9 billion in 2019.