No, they could just not ever allow the content on the services in the first place. They’re under no obligation to allow any software on there from the beginning. Epic is playing a dangerous game here, and it could end up hurting them more in the long run. Epic makes a lot of money off mobile development, and Apple and Google, or even Sony and MS, don’t have to allow Epic’s engine run on their platforms through official channels.
These are closed systems, and they allow content on them so long as they follow the policies of said platforms. Epic wants to use these services, without paying them what these platforms charge, or what they have in place for them to make money. While that is understandable that they may take a stand on the amount these companies are taking, like they did with Steam, and now Apple/Google, they are trying to completely circumvent these platforms. But these platform holders do put in the work to make these platforms and services. It’s easy to say that they make enough money, so don’t deserve more, but if Epic wins, then it means everyone wants to put their stuff up there for free, then these platforms don’t make as much, and there is less interest in making them better.
It’s a balance, and while the balance is certainly tilted towards the OS makers or platform holders as of now, it seems like we’re going from one extreme to another with what Epic is trying to do.
