Epic Games' popular battle royale game, Fortnite, has made a comeback to the Google Play Store following years of litigation over app store policies. The return marks the end of a prolonged dispute that began in 2020. Android users can now download the game directly from the official store.
The saga between Epic Games and major tech platforms dates back to 2020, when the developer challenged the 30% commission fees imposed by Apple and Google on in-app purchases. To bypass these fees, Epic implemented an alternative payment system within Fortnite, prompting both companies to remove the game from their respective app stores for policy violations.
This action led Epic to file lawsuits against the tech giants, initiating extended legal proceedings. In the case against Google, Epic secured a victory in 2023, with the appeals process wrapping up earlier this year. Meanwhile, the dispute with Apple saw Epic prevail in 2021, though further conflicts persisted until a judicial decision in May allowed Fortnite's return to the iOS App Store, citing anticompetitive web transaction restrictions by Apple.
Fortnite's reappearance on Google Play occurred on December 11, coinciding with the resolution of a recent court settlement between Epic and Google. This agreement addressed fee structures and platform competition enhancements. Separately, Epic faced a similar issue with Samsung, which delisted the game in 2023 but restored it earlier in the year.
For Android players, this development simplifies access to Fortnite, eliminating the need for sideloading or third-party sources that were common workarounds during the absence. The event underscores ongoing tensions in the mobile gaming ecosystem regarding app distribution and revenue sharing.
