Tech giant Google has proposed sweeping reforms to its Play Store operations as part of a landmark settlement with Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, ending a years-long legal battle over app store practices and alleged monopolistic behavior. The proposed changes, if approved by the court, could reshape the way developers and users interact with Google’s digital marketplace.

Background: The Epic vs. Google Legal Showdown

Epic Games first sued Google in 2020, accusing the company of using anti-competitive tactics to maintain dominance in app distribution and in-app payment processing on Android. The lawsuit argued that Google’s 30% commission fee on in-app purchases and restrictions on alternative payment systems violated fair competition laws.

The case went to trial in 2023, with a jury ruling in favor of Epic, finding that Google’s practices were indeed anticompetitive. The court directed Google to propose measures to level the playing field for developers.

Key Reforms Proposed by Google

Under the terms of the settlement, Google will allow developers greater flexibility in how they distribute apps and process payments. This includes:

• Allowing third-party app stores to be pre-installed or more easily accessible on Android devices.

• Permitting developers to use alternative billing systems, giving users the option to choose between Google’s payment method or another provider.

• Increased transparency regarding app store fees and developer policies.

• Reduced barriers for app promotion and user engagement outside of Google Play.

The settlement also mandates Google to maintain these changes for at least seven years, ensuring lasting impact on Android’s app ecosystem.

Impact on Developers and Users

For developers, this reform could mean lower operating costs and greater freedom to connect directly with their user base. Users, meanwhile, could see more competitive pricing on apps and in-app purchases, as developers pass on savings from reduced commission fees.

Industry experts see this as a pivotal moment for digital app markets, potentially influencing similar policy adjustments across other platforms — including Apple’s App Store, which faces comparable legal challenges in the EU and U.S.

Epic Games Hails Settlement as a Victory

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney welcomed the proposed reforms, calling them “a win for fair competition and consumer choice.” He emphasized that while the battle took years, it established an important precedent for future digital marketplace fairness.

Google’s Statement and Next Steps

Google maintained that it disagrees with aspects of the ruling but expressed commitment to complying with the court’s directives. The company stated that it continues to “support an open Android ecosystem” while balancing safety, privacy, and developer growth.

The proposed reforms are currently under judicial review, with implementation expected in phases starting mid-2026.

A Turning Point for Digital Ecosystems

This settlement could mark a major shift in the balance of power between app developers and platform operators, pushing the global app economy toward a more open, competitive, and transparent future.