Google Overhauls Android App Store Policies, Fortnite Returns
Google announced major changes to its Android app store, expanding billing options, and reducing developer fees. This move resolved a long-running dispute with Epic Games and led to Fortnite's return to the Google Play Store in the U.S. in December, following the lawsuit settlement. Google also announced policy changes that would enable Fortnite's worldwide return.
These extensive changes aim to boost competition and offer more choices for developers and consumers. They also address key concerns from Epic Games’ antitrust lawsuit.
Epic Games had accused Google of illegally monopolising how users access apps and make in-app purchases on Android devices. The two companies reached a U.S. court settlement.
Alphabet-owned Google said it would now enable mobile app developers to use their own billing systems alongside Google Play’s. Developers can also direct users to their own websites for purchases.
Google is also simplifying the process for users to download and install third-party app stores on their Android devices. This change begins outside of the U.S. first, with an update planned for the country pending court approval.
Sameer Samat, president of Android Ecosystem at Google, stated this provides app stores more ways to reach users and gives users more easy, safe access to their preferred apps and games.
Furthermore, Google is lowering in-app purchase service fees and making other fee structure adjustments to reduce costs for developers. It will start rolling out the updated fees in June in select regions, with a complete global roll-out expected by September 2027.
Fortnite was removed from Google Play in 2020 after Epic Games introduced a direct payment system that bypassed Google’s billing. This triggered a legal battle over fees and app distribution rules.
The wildly popular battle royale title returned to the Google Play Store in the U.S. in December, following the lawsuit settlement.
Google is expanding billing options and reducing developer fees for its Android app store.
These changes resolved a dispute with Epic Games, leading to Fortnite’s return to Google Play.
Developers can now use their own billing systems and direct users to external websites for purchases.
Source: REUTERS
