Google and Epic Games have jointly filed a proposed settlement with a US court that could end one of the most high-profile cases in mobile industry history. The document envisions a large-scale reform of Android and the Google Play store.
Under the terms of the agreement, Google will allow developers to distribute apps and accept payments outside the Play Store, including third-party systems and external links. The maximum commission will be 9% or 20% (depending on the type of transaction) instead of the previous 30%.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney called the proposed measures a "return to the original vision of Android as an open platform." Sweeney also couldn't resist taking a jab at Apple, noting that "Google is moving towards openness, while Apple continues to block competing stores."
A court hearing to approve the settlement is scheduled for this coming Thursday. If the document is approved, it will be the biggest overhaul of Play Store's operating rules since its launch and will set a precedent for the entire industry.
As a reminder, the conflict between the companies has been ongoing since 2020, when Epic tried to bypass Google's 30% commission by implementing its own payment system in Fortnite. In response, the game was removed from the Play Store, and Epic filed a lawsuit accusing the corporation of monopolizing the mobile app market. Since then, the parties have been engaged in a fierce legal battle that has encompassed several processes, including a separate case against Samsung.