Epic Games successfully forced Google to change its Play Store business model following the conclusion of its 2020 antitrust lawsuit. A US judge today ruled that the Google Play Store is an illegal monopoly, reportedly ordering Google to make several changes as a result. Reuters.
Google must allow Android users to download rival app stores, such as the Epic Games store, from within Google Play, as well as third-party apps unless developers opt out of offering their apps through alternative means. It also requires the store to be able to distribute Google Play apps. App store.
Additionally, Google can no longer require developers to use Google Pay Billing for apps sold through the Google Play Store. This means app developers will be able to offer alternative payment methods that don’t give Google a cut of app sales.
Developers can also link to alternative installation options within the app and let customers know about other purchasing options. Google is prohibited from offering financial incentives to carriers or device manufacturers to pre-install the Play Store, and cannot offer developers money to launch their apps solely on the Play Store. .
However, Google may charge fees for “reasonable steps” taken to keep users safe and secure in connection with apps and app stores downloaded through Google Play.
Epic Games sued Google along with Apple in 2020, but the Epic Games vs. Google case unfolded differently than the Epic Games vs. Apple case. Apple won and was not declared a monopoly, but Google lost to “Epic Games.” Late last year, a nine-person jury ruled in favor of Epic Games, saying Google abused its power by charging exorbitant fees to developers and operating an app store monopoly. Google said the changes to the Play Store would be difficult because they would take time and money, but the judge overseeing the case was unwavering.
Google must maintain these changes for three years starting November 1, 2024. Google plans to appeal this ruling.
Google still faces another The Epic Games lawsuit was filed last week. Epic Games has accused Google and Samsung of colluding to prevent sideloading on Galaxy devices through the Auto Blocker safety feature, but Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney says that at this point, both companies are unable to prevent sideloading on Samsung smartphones. They admit there is no evidence that they collaborated to limit loading.
