Android version of Epic Games to be offered on Google Play Store due to court decision
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has recently upheld a lower court's decision in favour of Epic Games, rejecting Google's attempt to overturn rulings concerning Google's anti-competitive practices on Android app distribution and in-app billing. This decision means Google must comply with significant changes to its Play Store ecosystem.
The ruling forces Google to open the Play Store to increased competition, allowing other app stores to be accessible within the Play Store environment. Developers will now have the option to use their own payment systems instead of exclusively relying on Google’s billing service and its associated fees. Apps can also link to external download options outside the Play Store, and Google can no longer make exclusive deals with phone makers or carriers to block other app stores.
The court also highlighted Google's Android OS creates "friction" for sideloading apps, such as disabling direct downloading by default and presenting multiple warning screens that deter users from completing these downloads. This was found to be a deterrent to fair competition.
Google has been given a timeline of about three years to implement all of these mandated changes. Following the appeals court ruling, Google has about three weeks to begin making significant changes to comply with the decision.
Epic Games, who has been rolling out its own store for games on Android and iOS since 2024, will soon debut on the Google Play Store, providing an easier download method for users. Epic Games' CEO Tim Sweeney stated, "Total victory in the Epic v Google appeal!" following the Ninth Circuit's decision.
If the Ninth Circuit's decision stands, Google's Play Store would have to effectively open up to competition for three years. Apart from Epic Games, other rivals would have the chance to show up on the Google Play Store. Google, however, has announced its intention to appeal the Ninth Circuit's ruling.
The ruling resumes a past injunction that requires Google to open its Play Store to third parties. The Play Store's policy of taking a 15%-30% cut for in-app purchases has been a central point in Epic's arguments against Google. If successful, this could significantly impact Google's revenue from the Play Store.
The Epic Games Store has faced challenges due to the sideloading policies enforced by companies on their systems and resistance from the 100 highest grossing mobile game developers due to the Core Technology Fee and restrictions from Apple and Google. However, the availability of the Epic Game Store within the Google Play Store should make the installation process simpler for users.
Examples of anti-competitive practices by big tech companies, such as Samsung's "Auto Block" feature, have also been under scrutiny. As the landscape of app distribution evolves, it remains to be seen how these changes will impact the tech industry and consumers.
- Developers, now having the option to use their own payment systems, will no longer exclusively rely on Google's billing service within the changing Play Store ecosystem.
- The Epic Games Store, set to debut on the Google Play Store, will offer a simpler installation process for users, potentially influencing the tech industry and consumer behavior, following the court's decision.
