Google Settles With Epic Games, Slashes Play Store Fees to 20%

Google has officially settled its years-long antitrust battle with Epic Games, announcing a major overhaul of its Play Store policies that includes slashing commission fees to 20% and simplifying the installation of third-party app stores.

Ending the Global Legal Standoff

The resolution marks a pivotal shift in the mobile landscape, effectively ending the litigation between the tech titan and the creator of Fortnite. As detailed in a company blog post, Google and Epic Games have resolved all worldwide disputes, paving the way for Fortnite to return to the Google Play Store while supporting the growth of the Epic Games Store for Android.

Expanding Third-Party Store Access

A central pillar of the agreement is the new “Registered App Stores” program. This initiative aims to streamline the installation process for users downloading apps outside of the Google Play ecosystem. By establishing quality and safety criteria, the program seeks to eliminate the “scare tactics” and security warnings that previously hindered third-party developers, allowing for a more competitive marketplace. This feature will debut in international markets before expanding to the U.S. following court approval.

A New Commission Structure

Google is significantly lowering its barrier to entry for developers. The standard commission for in-app purchases on new installs will drop to 20%, while recurring subscription fees will be reduced to 10%. If developers opt to use Google’s proprietary billing system, an additional 5% fee applies. These rates are currently designated for the U.S., the European Economic Area (EEA), and the U.K., with other regions adopting market-specific adjustments.

Incentivizing Developer Quality

To foster a robust ecosystem, Google is introducing the “Apps Experience Program” and an upgraded “Google Play Games Level Up” program. Developers participating in these initiatives will benefit from a tiered fee structure: 20% for transactions on existing installs and a reduced 15% for new app installs. These programs and the updated fee schedules are set to take effect by June 30, 2026, in the U.S., U.K., and EEA, with a global rollout scheduled for completion by September 30, 2027.

“We believe these changes will make for a stronger Android ecosystem with even more successful developers and higher-quality apps and games,” Google noted in its announcement.

Industry Reaction and Future Implications

Epic Games has lauded the settlement, with CEO Tim Sweeney taking to social media to celebrate the move as a victory for competition. In an official statement, the company noted that the changes effectively evolve Android into a more open platform. On X, Sweeney expressed his approval, calling it a “better deal for all developers.”

This settlement stands in contrast to the ongoing, high-stakes legal battle between Epic Games and Apple. While Apple was previously compelled to allow links to alternative payment options, that case remains under appeal, with Apple recently securing a partial reversal of previous antitrust orders.