Fortnite returns to Play Store as Google and Epic settle dispute
Google will reduce its Play Store commissions to 20% on in-app purchases following a settlement in its legal dispute with Epic Games.
This adjustment directly addresses antitrust concerns and will allow Epic Games’ Fortnite to return to the Play Store, significantly altering the mobile app ecosystem for developers and users globally.
The tech firm also introduced the “Registered App Stores program,” enabling users to install alternative app stores more easily. App developers will incur an additional 5% commission if they opt to use Google’s billing system.
“With these updates, we have also resolved our disputes worldwide with Epic Games,” Google stated in a company blog post.
The settlement facilitates Fortnite’s return to the Google Play Store and supports Epic Games’ investment in its own Android app store, the Epic Games Store.
Google said the Registered App Stores program will offer a streamlined installation process for non-Play Store apps. Approved third-party stores must meet specific quality and safety requirements.
The commission adjustment reduces Google’s default 30% commission. The new service fee will be 20% for in-app purchases on new installs and 10% for recurring subscriptions.
These rates apply in the U.S., European Economic Area (EEA), and the U.K. Other countries will have market-specific rates.
New developer programs, including an “Apps Experience Program” and a revamped “Google Play Games Level Up program,” incentivize quality app development. Participating developers will pay a 20% commission on transactions in existing app installs but 15% on new app install transactions.
These new fees and developer programs will become effective by June 30, 2026, in the EEA, U.K., and U.S. Australia will adopt the new fee structure on September 30, with Korea and Japan following by December 31. The global rollout is planned by September 30, 2027.
“We believe these changes will make for a stronger Android ecosystem with even more successful developers and higher-quality apps and games available across more form factors for everyone,” Google’s post said.
Epic Games praised the settlement, stating, “These changes will evolve Android into a true open platform with competition among stores.” Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney posted on X, “THANKS GOOGLE!” adding that the move was a “better deal for all developers.”
Epic Games has a pending lawsuit against Apple regarding its App Store commissions. Apple was mandated to allow developers to link to external payment options, a decision currently under appeal.