Epic Games v. Google Antitrust Case Settlement

Developing StoryLast updated MAR 19
SUMMARY

Google and Epic Games reached a settlement on March 5, 2026, to conclude their landmark antitrust case regarding mobile software distribution, with Fortnite returning to the Google Play Store worldwide on March 19, 2026. As of March 19, 2026, the agreement includes Google reducing app store fees to a tiered system of 10% to 20% plus an additional 5% for payment processing, and allowing other app stores on its platform. A previously undisclosed $800 million, six-year partnership between Epic and Google was also revealed, prompting a judge to question its influence on the settlement. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has committed to no longer criticizing Google's app store practices as part of the agreement, though Epic clarified that this restriction only applies to app store distribution and fees, not other topics.

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2026

7 updates

Fortnite will be available on the Google Play Store worldwide starting March 19, 2026, as part of the settlement between Epic Games and Google. The agreement includes Google reducing app store fees and allowing other app stores on its platform. A previously undisclosed $800 million, six-year partnership between Epic and Google was also revealed.

via The Washington Post·GadgetHacks·TechBuzz.ai

Epic Games is clarifying a settlement clause that restricts criticism of Google's app store policies until 2032, which has been widely interpreted as a 'muzzle' on Epic and CEO Tim Sweeney. Epic Games VP Steve Allison and the official Epic Games Newsroom stated that the agreement only prohibits criticism related to app store distribution and fees, not other topics.

via wunc.org

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney stated the settlement aims to secure reduced commission fees for developers globally, with Google Play fees now ranging from 10% to 20% plus an additional 5% for payment processing. As part of the agreement, Sweeney has committed to no longer criticizing Google's app store practices. Fortnite is expected to return to the worldwide Google Play Store.

via VentureBeat·Silicon Canals·The Vindicator

Google and Epic Games have reached a settlement to conclude their landmark antitrust case regarding mobile software distribution. The agreement introduces a tiered fee system for app store commissions and establishes official pathways for rival app stores on Android. While the settlement aims to alter how software is accessed on mobile devices, a judge has raised questions about who ultimately benefits from the deal.

via Silicon Canals·Tech in Asia

Microsoft has urged a federal court to uphold an injunction against Google, which was designed to end Google's illegal monopoly in Android apps, amidst the proposed settlement between Google and Epic Games.

via paymentsdive.com

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) submitted an amicus brief urging the court to scrutinize the proposed modifications to the injunction in the Epic v. Google case, highlighting concerns that the private settlement may not prioritize public interest.

via vitallaw.com

2025

5 updates

A judge ruled on October 9, 2024, that Google must open Android to rival third-party app stores, following a jury verdict that Google violated antitrust laws. On August 1, 2025, a federal appeals court upheld this verdict. A previously undisclosed $800 million partnership between Epic Games and Google was revealed on January 22, 2026, prompting the judge to question its influence on Epic's settlement.

via Fast Company

Epic Games and Google announced a 'comprehensive settlement' to their five-year legal battle, which would allow the parties to put their disputes aside and make Android a more vibrant and competitive platform. The proposed settlement included Google reducing its standard cut to between 9% and 20% and allowing developers to steer users to alternative payment options.

via en.wikipedia.org·pocketgamer.biz·yro.slashdot.org·businesstoday.in·theguardian.com

The US Supreme Court refused to intervene in the Epic Games lawsuit, solidifying a lower court's order for Google to overhaul its Android Play Store. This ruling requires Google to allow alternative app sources and external links for in-app purchases.

via youtube.com

An appeals court has unanimously rejected Google's arguments in the antitrust case brought by Epic Games, upholding a jury's verdict that found Google's app store and in-app payment practices on Android devices to be anticompetitive. The ruling affirms the jury's finding of Google's monopolization of app distribution and payments.

via pymnts.com·theverge.com·scotusblog.com

2024

3 updates

A federal judge has delayed an order that would have required Google to open its Android app store to more competition, pending a decision from an appeals court. Google had requested the stay.

via ctvnews.ca

On October 7, 2024, a U.S. District Court issued a permanent injunction against Google in favor of Epic Games following Epic's jury trial victory. The injunction prohibits Google from paying competitors to cease competition and mandates the distribution of alternative app stores on the Google Play Store. This ruling is set to last for three years.

via cravath.com·fastcompany.com·gamedeveloper.com

2023

2 updates

Google settled the lawsuit with the coalition of states for $700 million. As part of the settlement, Google agreed to allow selected apps to use a 'User Choice Billing' option, enabling direct charging without the Play Store payment system, though developers would still pay a 26% revenue sharing fee.

via en.wikipedia.org·pocketgamer.biz·yro.slashdot.org·businesstoday.in·theguardian.com

2021

1 update

2020

Story began · 5 years, 8 mo ago