Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O) announced on Tuesday that it will allow Epic Games Inc, Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O), and other companies to link their app stores into its marketplace, offering third-party developers greater options.
When app developers handle their own in-app payment systems, the Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft stated it will not receive a portion of their earnings.
“Microsoft is again leading the industry forward with Windows, now an open platform with an open store,” Epic Games Chief Executive Officer Tim Sweeney tweeted.
The move comes as Epic Games and Apple Inc (AAPL.O) have been locked in a legal dispute since last year when the “Fortnite” creator tried to get around Apple’s 30% fee on some in-app purchases on the App Store by launching its own in-app payment system.
Apple’s commissions on many App Store transactions, which range from 15% to 30%, have long been attacked by developers, who regard the app-vetting process as opaque and unreliable.
