Epic Games, the creator of the popular game Fortnite, is taking on Google in court over antitrust charges. This comes after a similar battle with Apple Inc. in federal court in 2021. The jury trial is set to begin on November 6 in San Francisco and is expected to last several weeks.
Background
Epic Games has been challenging the business practices of major app store platforms, including both Google and Apple. The company argues that these platforms maintain a monopoly by enforcing strict rules and high fees on app developers. Epic Games believes that these practices stifle competition and limit consumer choice.
The Apple Lawsuit
In its lawsuit against Apple, Epic Games argued that Apple’s mandatory 30% commission on in-app purchases was anti-competitive. The company implemented a direct payment system within Fortnite in violation of Apple’s policies, which led to the game being removed from the App Store. This move sparked a legal battle between Epic Games and Apple.
The Google Lawsuit
Now, Epic Games is turning its attention to Google. The company has filed a lawsuit against Google in federal court, making similar claims of anti-competitive behavior. Google, like Apple, also maintains a 30% commission on in-app purchases made through the Google Play Store.
The Allegations
Epic Games argues that Google’s restrictive policies and high fees create a barrier for app developers and limit competition. The company claims that Google’s dominance in the mobile app market allows it to control prices and dictate terms to app developers. Epic Games is seeking both damages and changes to Google’s business practices.
Implications for Google
If Epic Games is successful in its lawsuit against Google, it could have significant implications for Google’s app store practices. The outcome of this trial may impact the way Google and other app store platforms operate, potentially resulting in changes to their fee structures and policies.
Conclusion
Epic Games’ battle against Google highlights the increasing scrutiny faced by major app store platforms. As developers and regulators question their practices, app store monopolies are being challenged through legal actions. The outcome of these lawsuits will shape the future of app distribution and the relationship between developers and platform operators.