Google settles with Epic Games, drops its Play Store commissions to 20%

Source: TechCrunch

Settlement Overview

Google announced a settlement with Epic Games that resolves their worldwide dispute and introduces several changes to the Play Store. As part of the agreement, Epic Games will be able to bring Fortnite back to Google Play globally and will continue investing in its own Epic Games Store for Android.

Registered App Stores program

Google is launching an optional Registered App Stores program that streamlines the installation flow for users who wish to install apps from outside Google Play. Approved stores must meet quality and safety requirements. The program will first roll out in markets beyond the United States and will launch domestically once the settlement receives court approval.

Play Store commission changes

• In‑app purchases on new installs: 20% service fee
• Recurring subscriptions: 10% service fee
• Use of Google’s billing system: additional 5% (applies in the U.S., EEA, and the U.K.; other regions will have market‑specific rates)

These new rates replace the previous default 30% commission (with a 15% rate for recurring subscriptions).

Developer programs and timeline

• Apps Experience Program and Google Play Games Level Up program will incentivize developers to create high‑quality Android experiences.
• Developers participating in these programs will pay the 20% commission on transactions from existing app installs and a reduced 15% commission on transactions from new installs.

Implementation schedule

Reactions

• Google’s statement: “We believe these changes will make for a stronger Android ecosystem with even more successful developers and higher‑quality apps and games available across more form factors for everyone.” – Google blog post

• Epic Games: In its official statement, Epic Games praised the settlement, noting that “These changes will evolve Android into a true open platform with competition among stores.”

• Tim Sweeney (Epic Games CEO) on X: “THANKS GOOGLE!” – a “better deal for all developers.” (tweet)

Related legal context

Epic Games is also engaged in a separate lawsuit against Apple over App Store commissions. Apple was recently ordered to allow developers to link to external payment options, and the case is currently under appeal. See the latest updates:

• Appeal information: https://www.imdb.com/es/news/ni65261800/
• Recent court ruling: https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/us-appeals-court-partly-reverses-sanctions-against-apple-epic-games-antitrust-2025-12-11/