South Korea May Forbid Apple And Google From Forcing Developers To Use Their Payment Systems

UPDATE: Law has passed Assembly, will go to the President

Jason Winter
By Jason Winter, News Editor Posted:
Share:

fortnite

South Korea's government is making some significant changes to its laws regarding video games. The "shutdown law," which came into effect in 2012, blocks access to online games by young players during late hours. As the Korea Herald reports, that will be replaced by a "choice permit system," which will allow parents of underage gamers to set the limits for their children's game time.

Predictably, the previous law was circumvented in many ways, both by players and by game developers. Microsoft changed Minecraft's account system, requiring users to use "adults-only" accounts past the curfew time.

In other news that's sure to please Epic Games, a Reuters reports states that South Korea "is likely to bar Google and Apple from requiring software developers to use their payment systems." That's at the crux of the Epic lawsuits, which stem from that company trying to circumvent Apple's and Google's payment system for Fortnite on the App Store and iOS Store.

Apple is, understandably, against the idea, stating the usual security-related reasons for its commission on sales in its store; Google could not be reached for comment. Lawmakers in South Korea have apparently been pushing at the tech giants' hold on their stores since mid-2020.

UPDATE, Aug. 31: South Korea's National Assembly has passed the law, which will go into effect when President Moon Jae-in signs it. The Associated Press has reported that the law "bans app store operators such as Google and Apple from forcing developers to use their in-app payment systems." Apple criticized the move for safety and user-convenience reasons, while Google said it would take the next few weeks to "reflect on how to comply with this law while maintaining a model that supports a high-quality operating system and app store." Tim Sweeney is, obviously, happy with all this.

Share:
Got a news tip? Contact us directly here!

About the Author

Jason Winter
Jason Winter, News Editor
Jason Winter is a veteran gaming journalist, he brings a wide range of experience to MMOBomb, including two years with Beckett Media where he served as the editor of the leading gaming magazine Massive Online Gamer. He has also written professionally for several gaming websites.

Discussion (1)

Flintstone 1 year ago
This shows their naive-ness of ignorance, the two said party's have.
They both become blinded by there stupidity to try and rule through power and greater than normal wealth. when they should of just settled with being a company that does things and is liked.
Instead the two companies have made themselves absolutely ugly.


Read Next

eFootball To Add Full Rosters Of Major League Soccer Teams

eFootball To Add Full Rosters Of Major League Soccer Teams

Deal is with MLS Players Association; no deal yet with league.

By Jason Winter - 1 year ago

You May Enjoy

Broken Ranks Adding MORE Gear Overhaul, And Go Ahead And Make Those Bosses Harder If You Want!

Broken Ranks Adding MORE Gear Overhaul, And Go Ahead And Make Those Bosses Harder If You Want!

Players can expect the next update by the end of June.

By QuintLyn Bowers - 2 days ago
Last Man Standing Shooter "CRSED: F.O.A.D." Introduces Interesting New Game Mode

Last Man Standing Shooter "CRSED: F.O.A.D." Introduces Interesting New Game Mode

Infinite respawns, infinite ammo.

By Troy Blackburn - 4 days ago
Some Redfall Devs Were Hoping The Game Would Be Cancelled Following Microsoft Acqusition

Some Redfall Devs Were Hoping The Game Would Be Cancelled Following Microsoft Acqusition

There was never a clear vision during development.

By Troy Blackburn - 2 days ago
Black Desert Online Unleashes The Woosa Awakening Class, And It's Super Flower-y

Black Desert Online Unleashes The Woosa Awakening Class, And It's Super Flower-y

The first of the twins has become more powerful.

By QuintLyn Bowers - 3 days ago
I Tried Wayfinder During The Closed Beta Test And The Game Plays Fine (That's About It Though)

💣 Feature | I Tried Wayfinder During The Closed Beta Test And The Game Plays Fine (That's About It Though)

Airship Syndicate’s upcoming online multiplayer action RPG is too simple and lacks polish.

By Matthew D'Onofrio - 5 days ago
Top 7 Most Complex MMORPGs You Can Play Now

💣 Feature | Top 7 Most Complex MMORPGs You Can Play Now

If you're looking for an MMORPG game with a little more meat on the bones, this list should be for you.

By Troy Blackburn - 1 week ago