Epic Games Archives

AppWizard

July 18, 2026

This week’s Epic Games Store free games go spooky with mystery and psychological horror

This week, the Epic Games Store is offering two games for free: Luto, a first-person psychological horror game that explores themes of dreams, secrets, love, loss, and regret, and Echo Generation, a nostalgic adventure game inspired by pop culture references. Luto features a haunting narrative and an unsettling environment, while Echo Generation includes a vibrant voxel art style and engaging combat with button-mashing mini-games. Both games are available from July 16 to July 23 and will remain in players' libraries indefinitely once claimed.

AppWizard

July 18, 2026

Survival Horror RPG GRAFT Debuts Story Trailer During Convergence Games Showcase 2026

GRAFT is a survival horror RPG set in a deteriorating megastructure called the Arc. The game features a haunting world filled with challenges, where players must master forgotten technologies and navigate through various environments. Players will engage in a dark RPG story, forming alliances that can lead to danger. Combat involves facing ancient experiments and a deranged AI, requiring strategic resource management. The player's body can be transformed into a weapon through Grafts, enhancing abilities and presenting moral choices linked to fragmented memories. GRAFT is available for wishlisting on Steam and the Epic Games Store.

AppWizard

July 18, 2026

Claim two more free PC games on the Epic Games Store before they’re gone

The Epic Games Store is offering two free games for the week: Echo Generation: Midnight Edition and Luto, available until July 23. Echo Generation: Midnight Edition is a turn-based adventure set in the 1990s, featuring a group of children exploring supernatural mysteries in the town of Maple. The Midnight Edition includes visual enhancements and quality-of-life improvements like a quest tracker and fast travel. Luto is a first-person psychological horror game that focuses on atmospheric storytelling and environmental puzzles, exploring themes of anxiety, grief, and depression. Both games can be claimed permanently once redeemed. The next free game after this promotion will be Foretales.

AppWizard

July 17, 2026

Google and Epic Abandon Settlement, Clearing the Way for Rival Android App Stores

Google and Epic Games have withdrawn their joint motion to modify a court injunction that requires Google to support third-party app stores within the Google Play ecosystem. A permanent injunction issued in October 2024 mandates Google to facilitate alternative app stores on Android devices, with support set to begin on July 22. Google plans to implement a ,000 annual access fee for these alternative marketplaces, while apps downloaded through these stores will still use the Google Play system for transactions. The agreement between Google and Epic includes provisions for reduced fees and alternative payment methods, separate from the injunction. The legal situation regarding third-party app stores does not directly affect Apple, but it may influence Apple's ongoing legal challenges with Epic Games and regulatory developments. Apple is currently appealing a ruling that requires it to allow link-outs and alternative payment options, with oral arguments expected in late 2026 or early 2027.

AppWizard

July 17, 2026

Epic & Google Withdraw Settlement: Other Stores Coming to Android

Epic Games and Google have withdrawn their proposed settlement regarding app distribution on Android, which included a program for registered app stores. This decision allows Google to permit third-party app stores on its platform. The legal dispute began when Epic accused Google of monopolizing Android app distribution. Despite multiple victories for Epic, the companies attempted a settlement that included new billing options and reduced fees, but concerns about sideloading apps led to its abandonment. Google plans to invite other app stores starting July 22 in the United States.

AppWizard

July 17, 2026

Google Play Opens the Door to Third-Party App Stores, Starting Next Week

Google will allow the installation of third-party applications directly from the Google Play Store starting July 22, following a court ruling in favor of Epic Games in a five-year antitrust lawsuit. The lawsuit accused Google of monopolistic practices regarding its Play Store. A US District Judge ruled that Google must open its Play Store to rival app stores. Google has launched a page for its Play Catalog Access Program, enabling third-party app stores to be featured on Google Play. Google's service fees will still apply, but app purchase commissions have been reduced from 30% to 10%. Developers can now offer alternative payment methods and distribute purchase links to their own websites.

AppWizard

July 16, 2026

Google to open Android to third-party app stores in US on July 22

Beginning July 22, Google will allow third-party app stores in the United States to access its Play Store catalog through the Play Catalog Access Program. App listings submitted to these third-party platforms will be accessible, but downloads will still require completion via Google Play, with standard service fees applying. This initiative follows a settlement with Epic Games, which involved adjustments to a court order. Third-party app stores must pay a ,000 upfront service fee for a security review and an annual fee of ,000 to maintain access to the Play catalog. Additionally, Google has reduced its commission on app purchases from 30% to 10% and allowed external billing options as part of the settlement.

AppWizard

July 16, 2026

Google Play Must Carry Rival App Stores Jul. 22

Google will introduce rival Android app stores within its Play Store starting July 22, following a court ruling that mandates the inclusion of competing app stores. This change allows cryptocurrency applications greater visibility while still processing downloads through Google Play, which will maintain its service fee. Competing app stores must be U.S.-based, keep malware rates below 1%, and pay an annual fee of ,000. The order is temporary, lasting until November 1, 2027, and prohibits Google from incentivizing device manufacturers to prioritize its own store.

BetaBeacon

July 16, 2026

Google to let rival Android app stores access Play catalog after Epic Games case: All about it

Google is allowing third-party Android app stores in the US to access the Google Play Store's catalog of apps through the Play Catalog Access Programme starting July 22. Eligible app stores can list apps available on Google Play but the actual download process will still be completed through the Google Play Store. The same terms and conditions as direct downloads from the Play Store will apply, including the Google Play service fee. Only Android app stores operating in the US can join the programme, and they must meet certain requirements such as displaying essential app information and offering customer support. App stores using Google's catalog must distribute Play Store apps only in the US, update their app listings regularly, offer other apps besides those in Google's catalogue, and not charge extra fees for downloads. Google will charge app store operators an annual ,000 service fee. To join the programme, app store operators must meet eligibility rules, submit an application, accept the agreement, pay the onboarding fee, create an app store account in the Play Console, submit required information and the app store APK for review, and integrate Google's Inline Install API upon approval. This move by Google is in compliance with a court order following its legal battle with Epic Games, with a settlement reached in November 2025.

AppWizard

July 16, 2026

Google is opening the floodgates to third-party app stores on Android next week

Google will allow third-party app stores on its Android platform starting July 22, 2026, following a legal agreement with Epic Games. This decision comes after Google withdrew its motion to modify a court injunction requiring the inclusion of third-party stores. The new framework will enable third-party app stores to list apps and games available on the Play Store, with developers having the option to participate under the same conditions as those in the Play Store. Third-party stores will incur a ,000 annual access fee to list Play Store apps and must adhere to specific security and policy protocols.