Fortnite Returns to Android Devices and Google Play Store
Epic Games has announced that its popular game Fortnite will return to Android devices and the Google Play Store worldwide after Google introduced major changes to how apps and payments work on the platform. The move comes after a long-running dispute between Epic Games and Google over app store rules and fees.
In a blog post, Epic said Google’s new policies will allow more competition among app stores and give developers greater control over how payments are handled within apps. Epic Games founder and CEO Tim Sweeney expressed his gratitude towards Google for opening up Android to robust competition and providing a better deal for all developers.
What Epic Games Said in the Blog Post
Epic confirmed that its disputes with Google have been settled globally and highlighted the shift towards greater openness on Android. Developers will now have choices in how they make payments using Google Play’s payment system and competing payment systems, with reduced fees and the ability to point users outside apps to make purchases.
The new system could help create more competition among app stores, similar to what exists on Windows with platforms such as Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Changes Google Has Announced
Google confirmed several updates to how the Play Store will work, including more billing options for developers and lower fees. Developers will now be able to use their own payment systems inside apps alongside Google Play billing or guide users to make purchases outside the app.
Google also announced a Registered App Stores program that makes it easier to install alternative app stores on Android devices. Sameer Samat, president of the Android Ecosystem, emphasized the platform’s commitment to remaining open for developers and users.
Under the new model, developers using Google Play’s billing system in regions including the United States, United Kingdom, and European Economic Area will pay a 5% billing rate, while service fees for in-app purchases will be reduced to 20% for new installs and 15% for some developers under incentive programs.
What’s Changing for Fortnite
With the disputes resolved and the new policies in place, Epic confirmed it will bring Fortnite back to the Google Play Store worldwide. The company also stated it will continue investing in the Epic Games Store for Android to support developers and gamers.
The rollout of the new system will begin gradually, with updated fees rolling out in various regions by specific dates. Google aims to create a stronger Android ecosystem with more successful developers and better apps and games available to users.
