'Fortnite' maker Epic Games, Google say they're settling 5-year legal fight over Android app store

Published: Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 4:00 pm

Epic Games and Google Reach Settlement in Android App Store Antitrust Case

SAN FRANCISCO – Epic Games, the developer of the popular game Fortnite, and Google have reached a settlement in their five-year legal battle concerning Google's Android app store. The agreement, detailed in a joint legal document filed in a federal court, aims to resolve disputes and foster a more competitive Android platform.

The settlement follows a significant legal victory for Epic Games, with a federal appeals court upholding a jury verdict that deemed Google's Android app store an illegal monopoly. This ruling paved the way for potential changes aimed at increasing consumer choice. The specific terms of the settlement are confidential and require approval from U.S. District Judge James Donato. However, the companies have indicated that the agreement aligns with Judge Donato's October 2024 ruling, which mandated Google to dismantle barriers preventing competition within its app store. This includes a provision requiring Google to allow the distribution of rival third-party app stores, giving consumers the option to download them.

The legal battle began in 2020, with Epic Games filing lawsuits against both Google's Play Store and Apple's iPhone app store. The core of the dispute revolved around the exclusive payment processing systems that charged commissions on in-app transactions. The settlement proposes that Google limit these payments to a range of 9% to 20%, depending on the transaction. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney expressed enthusiasm for the settlement. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for Thursday.

BNN's Perspective: This settlement represents a significant development in the ongoing debate surrounding antitrust issues within the tech industry. While the specifics remain sealed, the agreement suggests a move towards greater competition and consumer choice in the Android app ecosystem. The reduction in commission rates, if implemented, could benefit both developers and consumers. However, the long-term impact will depend on the details of the agreement and its enforcement. It is important to note that this is one step in a larger conversation about the power of tech giants and the need for fair market practices.

Keywords: Epic Games, Google, Android, app store, settlement, antitrust, Fortnite, monopoly, competition, commissions, Tim Sweeney, legal battle, Play Store, consumer choice, developers

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