And Google.

Epic already tried to sue Apple and Google for basically this, saying they had to charge their customers more to account for Apple’s cut given there was no other means of acquiring.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epic_Games_v._Apple

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epic_Games_v._Apple#Epic_Games_v._Google

I don’t think this would apply to Nintendo. You can buy digital switch games through legitimate channels that are not owned by Nintendo, such as Humble Bundle.

The standard 30% cut hardware makers all seem to charge developers really is obnoxious. I know consoles are sold at a loss (at least at the start of the life cycle) but Apple doesn’t seem like they sell anything at a loss. It’s hard to argue all these companies are competing on price and just independently decided on 30%.

And, in practice, it seems like it’s only small and mid-size developers paying the full digital store tax. The Google antitrust trial had examples of sweetheart deals for large companies (like Spotify not paying the tax) that no indie developer can even try to negotiate. I imagine Sony and Microsoft give special rates to major studios.

They all should be forced to allow sideloading as well . wall gardens should be illegal

I get it on the other 2, but hasn't Xbox offered the best deals on console since basically 2013?