Epic is holding an anti-Apple event called #FreeFortnite, and prizes include non-iOS devices

• Fortnite owner Epic Games is taking another jab at Apple with a dedicated in-game #FreeFortnite event on August 23.
• Epic is embroiled in a bitter legal battle with Apple and Google over the 30% slice of in-app purchases they take from apps like Fortnite.
• The #FreeFortnite Cup is a one-off event where players around the world will compete for prizes, which mostly comprise anti-Apple merchandise and non-iOS devices.
• Prizes include a cap with the text "Free Fortnite" on it and a skin of the evil apple character featured in Epic's pastiche "1984" advert.

Epic Games is taking another jab at Apple with a dedicated in-game Fortnite tournament called #FreeFortnite, which will give away prizes such as non-iOS devices and anti-Apple merchandise.

The tournament takes place on August 23, and prizes for players include an in-game skin of the "Tart Tycoon," an apple-shaped character who fairly obviously represents Apple CEO Tim Cook. The character made an appearance in Epic's send-up of Apple's classic "1984" advert, in which the video game giant portrayed the iPhone maker as an evil monopolist.

Epic remains embroiled in bitter legal fights with both Apple and Google over their decision to take a 30% slice of in-app purchases from apps like Fortnite. Epic and other developers argue this commission is unfair, and only possible because Apple's App Store, in particular, is a monopoly.

Epic kicked off the battle on August 13 by adding its own payment option inside the Fortnite app, thereby bypassing Apple and Google's fees. It was subsequently booted off both Apple's App Store and Google's Play Store for breaching rules on in-app payments.

Epic immediately went on a full PR offensive, launching its "1984" parody attack ad and filing legal suits on the same day. It has also filed an injunction against Apple to stop it booting Epic from its developer program.

That offensive continues with the anti-Apple tournament. Other prizes on offer on August 23 include non-iOS devices such as the Nintendo Switch and OnePlus 8. Epic's also giving away hats with the slogan "Free Fortnite" on them.

In a blog post, Fortnite's team said iOS players will not be able to access the next season of "Fortnite" thanks to Apple's block.

They wrote: "These are the final days of the entire Fortnite community's ability to play together. Apple has blocked Fortnite from the App Store, preventing players from updating to new versions. Players on iOS devices will be left behind on Chapter 2 — Season 3 while everyone else jumps into the Chapter 2 — Season 4 launch on August 27."