Fortnite returns to Play Store

Google agreed to lower Play Store service fees to 20% for in‑app purchases on new installs and to 10% for recurring subscriptions, with an additional 5% surcharge for apps that opt to use Google’s billing system; Google says the EEA/UK/US rollout begins June 30, 2026. (techcrunch.com) The settlement creates a Registered App Stores program that lets approved third‑party stores use a streamlined installation flow, removes the harsher sideloading scare screens for those stores, and requires participating stores to meet specific quality and safety standards; Google indicated the program will launch in markets beyond the U.S. first. (techcrunch.com) Under the commercial terms disclosed by Epic and reported by Android Authority, Epic committed to spend roughly $800 million on Google cloud and other services over six years and will provide Google expanded access to Unreal Engine in exchange for promotional support on Android. (androidauthority.com) The binding term sheet contains a “cessation of advocacy” clause that bars Epic and CEO Tim Sweeney from criticizing Google’s app‑store distribution practices and fees until a set end date in 2032, a restriction widely reported and discussed in press coverage after the settlement filing. (gizmodo.com 1) (gizmodo.com 2) Google’s new developer programs tied to the settlement will charge participating developers 20% on transactions in existing app installs but cut that to 15% on transactions tied to new app installs, and Google set staggered country deadlines for fee changes—Australia on Sept. 30, 2026 and Korea/Japan by Dec. 31, 2026—per Google’s implementation schedule. (techcrunch.com) Before the global Play Store relaunch, Fortnite had already reappeared briefly on the U.S. Play Store in December as Epic tested distribution options while the legal dispute progressed, according to reporting on the staggered rollout. (engadget.com)