Epic Games defeats Google in court and changes to Android store

THE Epic GamesThe company, which is responsible for the store of the same name and the Fortnite phenomenon, ruled in favor of Google in the lawsuit it filed against the company. At least in the United States, The owner of Android will need to replace certain elements of the Play Store to avoid being accused of anti-competitive market practices again.

According to the decision of the judge responsible for the case in a court in California, James Donato, the Play Store is a monopoly and its structure must be changed to allow competition to reach more areas.

According to the decision, Android also belongs to the same group and actually preferred the platform itself. There is still an objection and the company should appeal soon.

What changes will happen to the Play Store from now on?

Starting in November 2024 and over the next three years, Google will need to: Allow presence of other app stores in Play Store. Additionally, these competing services Will have access to the entire original Google store catalogunless the developers themselves refuse to be included.

Google’s payment system Can’t connect to store apps automatically And Developers will be able to “set their own prices” on the platformwill still have links for the user to download programs outside of the Play Storeif the studios want it.

on google will not be able to close exclusivity agreements so apps don’t go to competitors for a fee. This practice existed before and was one of the biggest revelations in the case, significantly worsening Google’s image in court.

Finally, an audit committee consisting of representatives from both companies and an independent third party will be established to verify that the conditions are being followed.

What companies say

In an official note, Google He confirmed he would request the changes be stopped and appeal the decision. He argues that Android is an open and competitive environment, and that Google and Apple already provide public options for consumers and developers, competing directly with each other.

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney celebrated the victory and said it would be possible “Developers, store owners, operators and manufacturers will be given three years to create a vibrant and competitive ecosystem” on Android.

Epic Games’ lawsuits

Epic Games Separate lawsuits were filed against Google and Apple in 2020 After Fortnite was banned from both digital platforms.

The reason for stopping is Trying to bypass the payment systems of relevant digital stores – something that would leave companies without paying fees on microtransactions of up to 30% per purchase.

Apple is still trying to reverse some of the changes and has not been subjected to such severe sanctions, but it has also suffered defeats in the decision. The company is particularly Needed to make room for purchase and subscription buttons outside the App StoreIn addition to starting to consider the launch of rival app stores, this is something that is already happening in the European Union due to a regional law.

In addition to these two actions, the company recently launched a third process. This time He accuses Samsung (and Google, as a sort of accomplice) of deliberately making apps harder to install Using a resource outside of local digital stores, originally created for security reasons.