Google changes Play Store billing and fees as Epic settlement clears Fortnite’s return worldwide
The Facts
- Google announced changes to Play Store billing and developer fees that it said would bring Fortnite back to Google Play worldwide.
- Google said it will allow Android app developers to use their own billing systems alongside Google Play’s billing and to direct users to their own websites for purchases.
- Epic Games sued Google in 2020, alleging Google illegally monopolized how users access apps and make in-app purchases on Android devices.
- Google and Epic Games reached a U.S. court settlement in November to resolve their dispute.
- Google said it is reducing its Play Store commission/service fee to 20% for in-app purchases, with an additional 5% if developers choose to use Google’s billing system.
- Fortnite was removed from Google Play in 2020 after Epic introduced a direct payment option that bypassed Google’s billing system, triggering a legal dispute.
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The First ResponderWho gets hurt?The WatchdogWas it fair?
Context
What changes is Google making to billing on Android apps?
Google said developers will be able to use their own billing systems alongside Google Play’s billing and can guide users to their own websites for purchases. Reuters,CNA,Phone Arena
How are Play Store fees changing under the new policy?
Google said it will drop its Play Store commission/service fee to 20% for in-app purchases, and add another 5% if developers opt to use Google’s billing system. TechCrunch,NewsBytes
Why does this affect Fortnite’s availability on Google Play?
Fortnite was removed from Google Play in 2020 after Epic added a direct payment method that bypassed Google’s billing, leading to a legal fight; Google and Epic later reached a settlement, and the new Play Store changes are tied to Fortnite’s return worldwide. CNA,Reuters,TechCrunch
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Independent coverage (50)
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NeowinGoogle announces significant changes to open up Android ecos...
astera.ruFortnite вернётся в Google Play по всему миру
VGTimesEpic Games победила? Fortnite скоро вернется в Google Play п...
3DNews - Daily Digital DigestGoogle отменила комиссию 30 % с транзакций в Play Store и уп...
NDTV Gadgets 360Google to Allow Alternative Billing, Easier Third-Party App ...
Game World ObserverGoogle will gradually reduce the commission in Google Play |...
FrandroidMoins de frais, plus de concurrence : Google promet des cha...
The Financial ExpressGoogle-Epic Games case: New Play Store policies announced, h...
The HinduGoogle revamps app store billing, fee structure, brings back...
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Phone ArenaGoogle reduces its 30% Play Store "tax"
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AllTocWhy did Google drop the 30% Play Store fee?
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