Several years after the initial filing, Epic Games has won its antitrust lawsuit against Google for anticompetitive practices related to the Google Play app store and its billing services. Since Epic Games lost its lawsuit against Apple, this latest ruling in Epic's favor against Google has come as a major victory for the gaming giant.

First formed in 1991, Epic Games is the video game and software developer and publisher that created Unreal Engine and Fortnite. Epic Games has been working to expand across platforms but ran into issues with mobile app stores. Epic took issue with Google and Apple's anticompetitive practices and took to filing lawsuits against the conglomerates.

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Epic Games first filed joint antitrust lawsuits against Apple and Google in August 2020, and Epic has just received a ruling in its favor against Google. Both Apple and Google have been accused by Epic Games of operating monopolized practices via their mobile stores, resulting in app and game developers being forced to pay out high royalty percentages and suffering from anticompetitive restrictions. While Epic's lawsuit against Apple is still in legal woes, the ruling against Google has been officially handed down. According to the ruling, Epic Games was successful in proving that Google created a monopoly with its default installation of the Google Play app on Android devices, and Google had anticompetitive intent in paying app developers and store owners to use Google over other services.

Epic Games vs. Google and Apple

As more video game developers seek to expand into the mobile market, disputes like the Epic Games lawsuits against Apple and Google carry major implications for the industry. With Epic's win over Google, there is a possibility that Google will be ordered to adjust its billing practices and potentially lower its royalty fees. This would be promising for smaller studios and indie developers, as it would make the mobile app stores more financially viable and thus provide more platform options for games. However, any potential penalties are likely to be appealed by Google and may force Epic to remain in legal dispute for years to come. With the Epic versus Apple lawsuit already in muddy waters, it may be some time before these antitrust disputes are resolved.

The video game industry has seen a number of successes and setbacks in 2023, ranging from studio shutdowns to major layoffs and massive lawsuits. As the FTC continues to fight Microsoft and its Activision-Blizzard acquisitions, Epic Games is carrying on its legal efforts, with the subsequent impact on consumers yet undetermined.

Epic Games Store

A digital video game storefront for Windows PC and macOS created and operated by Epic Games. Originally launched in December 2018, Epic Games Store is both a website as well as a standalone launcher.