Fortnite Returned To Google Play In The US
Credit: Epic Games
The multiplayer game Fortnite has returned to the Google Play app store following the settlement of a five-year legal battle between Google and Epic Games. The legal battle between Epic and Apple is still ongoing.
The conflict between Epic Games and tech platforms began in 2020 when the developer released a version of Fortnite that circumvented standard in-game payment systems on iOS and Android devices. In response, Apple and Google removed the game from their app stores, prompting Epic Games to file antitrust lawsuits against these companies. In the case against Google, the court found that the company violated antitrust laws by restricting competition in the payment processing industry. As a result, Google was ordered to allow developers to provide alternative payment methods in apps and games.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney called the agreement a “comprehensive solution,” emphasizing the company’s commitment to the open Android ecosystem. Fortnite returned to Google Play in the US after Google complied with a US District Court order. “We continue to work with Google to ensure the court accepts our agreement.” Stay tuned for more news about Fortnite’s return to Google Play in the rest of the world,” the company wrote on its X account.
Returning to the Play Store will eliminate the need for the Epic Games Launcher. This app was required to download APK files needed to install games, as well as provide app updates and other information about Epic games on mobile and desktop devices. Epic has not yet announced whether all app updates will be processed through the Play Store or whether players will be able to continue using its launcher for future updates.
