Fortnite Returns to Google Play Store in the US - Epic Games

Fortnite Returns to Google Play Store After Legal Settlement

Fortnite, the widely played battle royale game developed by Epic Games, is once again available on the U.S. Google Play Store. This reinstatement follows a recent court mandate.

The game developer had previously resolved a five-year legal dispute with the technology company, originating from disagreements concerning the revenue share from in-app purchases.

Background of the Legal Battles

While Epic Games reached a settlement with Google, the outcome of its parallel lawsuit against Apple was less favorable. This second case also centered on restrictions and commission rates related to in-app purchases.

In 2020, Epic Games introduced a version of Fortnite that bypassed the standard in-app payment systems on both iOS and Android platforms. Consequently, both Apple and Google removed the game from their respective app stores.

Epic Games subsequently initiated antitrust lawsuits against both corporations in response to these removals.

Court Rulings and Their Implications

Regarding the case against Apple, the court determined that the iPhone manufacturer did not operate as a monopolist. However, it stipulated that Apple must permit developers to direct users to alternative payment options.

Apple contested the specifics of this ruling, and an appeals court has now partially overturned some of the initial restrictions, deeming them “overbroad.”

The court’s new filing clarifies that Apple retains the right to prevent developers from making links to external payment systems more visually prominent than its own.

Furthermore, Apple is permitted to levy a charge on transactions completed outside of the App Store. This represents a setback for developers who had gained the ability to avoid Apple’s standard commission fees.

Google's Outcome and Epic's Response

Epic Games has a positive development with its return to the Google Play Store, as Google lost its legal battle and was found to have engaged in anticompetitive practices.

The new agreement with Google allows app developers to showcase alternative payment methods and limits the fees Google can impose.

Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, described the resolution as a “comprehensive solution” that reinforces Android’s position as an open platform.

The full Apple ruling can be found here:

Epic v Apple – 9th Circuit Order – 20251211 by TechCrunch