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Google Lost in Court to Epic Games. Now It Must Open Google Play to Other Stores

Oct 8, 2024

Google Lost in Court to Epic Games. Now It Must Open Google Play to Other Stores

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I can’t help but feel a sense of vindication and anticipation over this recent ruling against Google. For years, we’ve been at the mercy of Google Play Store’s monopolistic practices, with developers forced to dance to its tune. The court’s decision to force changes and open up Android to other stores is like a breath of fresh air.

In this situation, the claims that a “regulatory regime” was necessary fell on deaf ears, and only when the court determined that the existing state of the Google Play store constituted an illegal monopoly did it compel modifications. Consequently, Epic Games‘ struggle against non-competitive mobile distribution platforms has concluded (as reported by The Verge).

Google is embarrassed

Judge James Donato of the U.S. Federal Court for Northern California essentially mandated a long-sought change by Epic Games: allowing other app stores on Android devices. The proprietors of these new stores will be granted access to the entire Google Play library, and Google is required to facilitate distribution through these platforms within its own store.

Moreover, the verdict obliges the tech giant to comply with the following provisions:

  1. abolishing the requirement to link distributed applications to the Google Billing payment system and allowing developers to set prices independently;
  2. allowing developers to add links to Google Play that enable downloading applications outside the store and informing users about payment options outside of it;
  3. prohibition of offering entities financial benefits in exchange for pre-installation and temporary exclusivity of applications for Google Play or not releasing / not pre-installing programs on competing platforms.

“Just” leveling the playing field, also for Amazon

The crucial point here is that access to Google Play will be limited for a period of three years, spanning from November 1, 2024, up until November 1, 2027. Epic Games have proposed an extension to this duration to six years, along with the detachment of .api files from Google Play.

Donato contends that these commands and restrictions are intended to level the playing field, providing other platforms an opportunity to establish themselves so they can genuinely challenge Google Play. However, as the judge points out, even a colossus like Amazon – another titan in the tech industry – struggled to compete with Google, a fact evident from the company’s external performance.

Essentially, Donato wasn’t planning to delay Google unduly; he merely wanted to provide enough time for alternative platforms to truly enter the market and have a fair shot at competing with Google Play.

Google warns, Epic Games celebrates

Google intends to challenge the verdict, as stated in a recent article by Lee-Anne Mulholland, Vice President of Google and head of its Regulatory Affairs department. She explained that the company will appeal because implementing the decision could result in unforeseen negative effects for American consumers. Google argues that the court may have overlooked competition from Apple, and emphasizes the open nature of Android as a counterpoint.

As a fervent admirer, it’s not a secret that I’m thrilled about the recent “win” Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, is referring to in this case. On platform X, he made it clear that while the ruling only applies within the US, we’re determined to carry on the legal fight, aiming to have similar regulations implemented globally.

Remember, Fortnite by Epic Games was reintroduced on mobile devices in the month of August, despite being a significant financial burden for Sweeney’s company.

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2024-10-08 15:01