legal dispute Archives

AppWizard

November 18, 2025

Android 17 to Make Installing Third-Party App Stores Easier than Ever

Google is introducing support for "Registered App Stores" with the upcoming Android 17 release, following a legal settlement with Epic Games. This initiative aims to simplify the installation process for competing app marketplaces on Android devices by allowing a single-tap installation for certified third-party app stores. Users will see a unified installation method with clear information about the store's registration status and permissions required for installation. Google has also committed to preventing hardware partners from imposing restrictive warning screens that could complicate this process. The changes are a result of the Epic v. Google legal dispute, and Google plans to implement these enhancements by the end of 2026.

BetaBeacon

November 11, 2025

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

Epic Games has reached a settlement with Google regarding their legal dispute over the Google Play Store for Android apps. The settlement aims to make Android a more competitive platform by allowing third-party app stores to be distributed through Google's app store. The settlement also includes Google limiting payment processing commissions to between 9% and 20%.

BetaBeacon

November 7, 2025

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

Epic Games and Google have settled their long-standing legal dispute regarding the Play Store for Android apps. The settlement agreement, which must be approved by a U.S. District Judge, includes provisions for Google to distribute rival third-party app stores and set limits on payment processing fees.

BetaBeacon

November 6, 2025

Epic Games and Google Settle 5-Year Legal Dispute Over Android App Store Policies

Google and Epic Games have reached an agreement on app store fees, which would replace the court's previous injunction. Google can charge a 9 percent fee for non-gameplay items and a 20 percent fee for mixed bundles. Epic Games will be able to create an Epic Games Store on Android with minimal fees to Google. This agreement aims to make Android a more competitive platform for users and developers.

AppWizard

October 30, 2025

Google Play now allows Android apps to use other billing systems in the US

Google is required to change its Play Store policies in the U.S. due to a court ruling, allowing developers to use alternative billing systems starting October 29. Developers can now inform users about alternative pricing and availability options outside the Play Store and implement their own payment systems for in-app transactions. They may also continue using Google Play Billing and offer lower prices for alternative payment methods. This ruling is a result of a legal dispute with Epic Games and restricts Google from certain exclusivity agreements with OEMs and app developers.

AppWizard

October 30, 2025

Google finally opens up the Play Store’s gates in the US

Google will allow Android users in the United States to download applications and make payments outside of the Play Store starting October 29, 2025, due to a court ruling in its legal dispute with Epic Games. Developers will be able to inform users about alternative app availability and pricing, link to external app stores, and offer payment options beyond Google Play Billing, such as credit cards and PayPal. This change marks a departure from previous policies that restricted app makers from advertising external payment solutions. The court's injunction requires Google to comply with these changes until November 1, 2027. The changes currently apply only to users in the United States.

AppWizard

October 18, 2025

Fan-run World of Warcraft server network Turtle WoW asks Blizzard to “embrace” its work in response to lawsuit

Blizzard filed a lawsuit against Turtle WoW on August 29, alleging unauthorized use of its code, assets, and trademarks. Turtle WoW has proposed a formal licensing ecosystem for fan-operated community servers to enhance the MMORPG experience and expressed a willingness to comply with Blizzard's requirements. They argue that such a framework could expand World of Warcraft's audience and allow for the integration of successful fan-driven content into official releases. Turtle WoW draws comparisons to successful collaborations in other gaming franchises and highlights the benefits of a licensing framework in fostering innovation and brand loyalty.

Winsage

September 12, 2025

Legal fight over Microsoft Office and Windows license resales could reshape Europe’s second hand software industry

Microsoft is engaged in a legal dispute with ValueLicensing, a UK reseller of pre-owned software licenses, which is being heard at the Competition Appeal Tribunal. Microsoft claims that the resale of these licenses is unlawful, arguing it holds copyright over not just the software code but also components like the graphical user interface. ValueLicensing alleges that Microsoft has restricted the resale market by incentivizing customers to switch to subscription services and including clauses in contracts that limit resale rights, resulting in an estimated £270 million in lost profits. The case could significantly impact the future of the second-hand software marketplace in Europe.

AppWizard

September 8, 2025

With Silksong in our hands, Steam’s new reigning wishlist kings are both kind of basket cases: The partially-released Deadlock and lawsuit lightning rod Subnautica 2

Subnautica 2 is currently the most wishlisted title on Steam, following Hollow Knight: Silksong and other anticipated releases. It is facing a legal dispute due to a fallout among senior staff at Studio Unknown Worlds, which was acquired by Krafton in 2021. The game was originally set for an early access release this year, but uncertainty has arisen after the replacement of key leadership figures, including CEO Ted Gill and designer Charlie Cleveland. The ousted developers claim their termination was unjust and aimed at avoiding a substantial bonus, while Krafton argues that they failed to meet critical milestones. Other notable titles in the wishlist include Valve's Deadlock, Battlefield 6, Borderlands 4, and Light No Fire.

AppWizard

August 16, 2025

As the legal debate between Subnautica 2’s publisher and former studio execs rages, the original game and its spinoff quietly receive small patches and big discounts

Subnautica 2 is facing a legal dispute after the dismissal of its leadership team by publisher Krafton, with former leaders alleging that Krafton plans to delay the game's launch beyond 2025 to avoid a financial payout. Krafton claims the game is not ready for early access and accuses the former leaders of neglecting their roles. The 2025 patch for Subnautica has introduced controller support, improved gameplay mechanics, and fixed various bugs, while Below Zero's patch focuses on enhancing the Snowfox vehicle's controls and reducing damage from terrain impacts. Both games are currently discounted by 75%. Subnautica 2 is now expected to enter early access in 2026.