Gaming Technology
Fortnite Returns To Google Play As Epic And Google Reach Settlement!
Updated on Thu, Mar 5, 2026
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Over the years, these disagreements have led to lawsuits and debates about how app stores should work. Developers have been asking for lower fees and the freedom to run their own app stores, saying more competition means better apps for everyone. Now, after years of back-and-forth, Google is making some big changes that could change how Android users find and pay for apps.
TL;DR
- Google cuts Play Store fees to 20% after settling with Epic Games.
- Fortnite is back on Google Play, and alternative app stores get easier access.
- New programs and lower fees make Android fairer for developers.
Google has settled its long-running legal battle with Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite. Under the deal, Play Store commissions drop to 20% for in-app purchases, with another 5% if developers use Google’s billing system. Recurring subscriptions will go down to 10% for new installs.
The program will roll out outside the U.S. first, then come stateside once the settlement is court-approved. The settlement also brings a new Registered App Stores program. This will make it easier for users to install apps from alternative stores without scary security warnings. Google says approved stores will have to meet quality and safety standards. With these updates, we have also resolved our disputes worldwide with Epic Games,” Google mentioned in a blog post.
Epic Games called the changes a win for developers, saying it will make Android a true open platform with competition among stores. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney tweeted, “THANKS GOOGLE!”
Google is also launching developer programs like the revamped Google Play Games Level Up and the Apps Experience Program. Developers joining these programs will pay 20% on transactions from existing app installs and just 15% on new installs.
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These new fees take effect June 30, 2026, for the U.S., U.K., and EEA, with Australia following September 30, and Korea and Japan by December 31. The worldwide rollout is expected by September 30, 2027.
With these updates, Google hopes to make Android more developer-friendly and give users safer ways to explore apps. For Epic Games, it means Fortnite can return to Google Play globally while they continue growing their own Epic Games Store for Android.
First published on Thu, Mar 5, 2026
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