Following her removal from the Apple App Store, Fortnite has also dropped out of the Google Play Store for Android. Earlier today, Epic Games released an update for both the iPhone and Android versions of the game allowing users to pay Epic directly for in-app purchases instead of using the official sanctioned system for both platforms.
What followed was a wild ride: Apple trap Fortnite from the App Store, then Epic followed Apple, and finally there was a video game in parody on Apple’s own commercial of 1984, which Apple itself positioned as the monopolist.
Now Google is in the conversation. As with Apple, Google requires games to use the Google Play system for in-app purchases. While the rules of the Play Store are a bit looser than Apple’s when it comes to in-app purchases, Google does draw the line at games. It’s pretty clear: “Developers offering products in a game that is downloaded to Google Play or accessing game content should use Google Play In-App Billing as the method of payment.” Google’s system takes a 30 percent cut, just like Apple’s does.
Epic’s update earlier today violated that rule, and although Google took longer to make a decision to ban it Fortnite about it then Apple reached both companies the same conclusion.
Google’s statement:
The open Android ecosystem allows developers to distribute apps across multiple app stores. For game developers who choose to use the Play Store, we have consistent policies that are fair to developers and keep the store safe for users. Although Fortnite remains available on Android, we can no longer make it available on Play because it violates our policies. However, we welcome the opportunity to continue our conversations with Epic and bring Fortnite back to Google Play.
A Google spokesman stressed that The edge that Android is an open ecosystem that allows multiple stores and that Google Play’s policies should apply equally to all developers. It has no problem with those other existing stores, nor with Epic splitting their game on them, the spokesman said.
You can still install Fortnite on Android however. Epic itself directs visitors to its website, where they can download it Fortnite via the Epic Games app or via the Samsung Galaxy Store on Samsung devices. This is different from iPhone and iPad, where it is now impossible to install the game if you had not already done so.
Epic has a history of tussling with Google over this rule of the Play Store. In August 2018, Epic launched Fortnite from the Google Play Store and started distributing it right away. This is only possible because Android allows third-party source installations, although this process may seem a bit dangerous due to the security warnings that appear when you do so.
Eighteen months later Epic capitulated and set Fortnite back in the Google Play Store, though not without some very angry rhetoric about it. Here is the April 2020 Epic statement:
Google sets software that can be downloaded outside of Google Play, through technical and business measures such as scary, recurring security pop-ups for downloads and updated software, restrictive agreements between manufacturers and carriers and dealings with Google, public relations by Google that characterizing third-party software such as malware, and new efforts such as Google Play Protect to block software directly outside the Google Play Store.
An app as popular as Fortnite being installed through other means – specifically other stores – has the potential to reduce the centrality of the Google Play Store on Android – and perhaps increase fragmentation. There are already competing stores – Samsung, for example, is pushing its own store heavily on its Android devices. But overall, the Google Play Store has been the go-to software source for most people.
Epic is already actively encouraging users to also use the version coming from Samsung’s store, and tells users that they can get the discount that started this whole mess when they do: ‘You’ll find that V-Bucks and offers for real money are now available with up to 20% off through the Epic Games app on epicgames.com and the Samsung Galaxy Store. ”
If Epic can get users into the habit of using other stores, it could mean that users will start using other stores for other app installations. If you have used a recent Samsung Galaxy phone, you have seen that it offers the option to handle the installations for some great apps. It could mean that Google could skirt a monopoly issue with its decision, it would claim that there is real competition for app stores on Android.
Just look at one other example-related example to Microsoft. Game Pass Ultimate’s upcoming streaming service (you know it as xCloud) will be available on both Google Play and Samsung’s Galaxy Store. If you install it through Google Play, you will not be able to purchase DLC content for Xbox games due to that 30 percent cut. If you happen to install through Samsung Store, however, you are able to make in-app purchases. Here is Microsoft’s statement on the issue:
Our vision is to bring a full, complete in-app shopping experience to app stores. However, we adhere to all store policies and do not currently offer in-app purchases in some stores. To access full in-app purchases, Samsung customers can download the Xbox Game Pass app from the Galaxy Store; SK Telecom customers can also get a complete experience through ONE Store.
(In the meantime, Microsoft’s game streaming service on the iPhone is not allowed at all – and Microsoft is not happy about that either.)
Given Eps’ extensive response to Apple’s ban – the lawsuit and the 1984 ad – it’s a sure bet the company will have a reaction to Google as well. We will of course let you know what that is when it happens.
