Epic Games Considers Google Play Store Reforms Following Antitrust Victory in Fortnite Case

In a recent development, Epic Games, the maker of the popular Fortnite video game, has called on a federal judge in California to compel Google to open up its Play Store to more competition. This request comes after a jury found that Google had abused its power as a gatekeeper for apps on the Android platform.

Epic Games is seeking to require the Google Play Store to allow users greater freedom in how they download apps and to limit Google’s ability to make exclusive agreements with device manufacturers that restrict the preloading of competing app stores. The company stated that it should be allowed to bring its Epic Games Store to Android without any unnecessary delays or barriers.

Google responded by saying that Epic simply wants the benefits of the Google Play Store without having to pay for them. The tech giant emphasized that Android is an open platform facing fierce competition from other players in the market.

The presiding judge, U.S. District Judge James Donato, is not obligated to grant Epic’s proposal, and a contentious legal battle is expected before any permanent orders are issued. The filing by Epic sets the stage for a crucial test of Google’s ability to impose controls on app developers and consumers.

The jury in December found that Google unlawfully impeded developers from freely distributing their apps outside the Play Store and maintained strict control over in-app transactions. Google’s imposition of a 30% commission on many apps and in-app purchases has been a point of contention.

Epic CEO Tim Sweeney has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with Google’s practices and has called for more competition in the Play Store. The lawsuit against Google does not seek monetary damages, and both parties are gearing up for a legal showdown in the coming months.