Google Finally Relents as Global Rules Change Entirely

Google has finally reached a settlement with Epic Games, ending a lengthy legal dispute. The commission charged by Google for in-app transactions will be lowered to 20 percent, with an additional 5 percent incentive for developers who opt to use Google’s billing system. In addition, Google will allow alternative app stores within the Android ecosystem.

“Through this update, we end the dispute with Epic Games worldwide,” Google said. Android users can now find Epic Games’ Fortnite on the Google Play Store globally. Epic Games will continue to develop its own app store, Epic Store for Android.

The alternative app store will become part of the Registered App Store program. Users wishing to install an alternative app store outside of Google Play can do so more easily. Google argues the system is needed to prevent harmful apps from being sideloaded.

The new commission rules apply starting 30 June 2026 in Europe and the United States, followed by Australia on 30 September 2026, then South Korea and Japan on 31 December 2026. In other regions, the new rules will take effect on 30 September 2027.

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney expressed happiness with the new rules via his X account: “THANK YOU GOOGLE! This is a better deal for all developers.”